Executive Director – Super Stars Literacy

DESCRIPTION
Super Stars Literacy seeks a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead and expand the organization in pursuit of its mission is to give every child the foundation for lifelong learning and achievement. Since 2002, SSL has provided a comprehensive daily literacy intervention and social/emotional development program for under-performing Kindergarten through 2nd grade students at high-poverty schools. A child who enters kindergarten without basic pre-reading skills, and who does not receive the intensive early intervention services needed to catch up to grade level standards, is likely to begin a cycle of academic failure. Because it is often a challenge for schools and families to provide the level of intervention needed to ensure proficient reading levels, SSL acts as a catalyst by training and equipping AmeriCorps members to provide class-day intervention support and daily extended-learning time instruction in under-resourced Bay Area schools.

Headquartered in Oakland, SSL currently serves over 400 students per year with an annual budget of just under $2 million. Students in the SSL program have shown substantial growth in their reading and behavioral skills, putting them on a path to reading proficiency by the third grade. Based on this program success, SSL’s primary strategic goal is to further expand and scale the program to reach additional students.

Position Overview
SSL’s new Executive Director will have a passion for helping young students succeed in school and in life, and will be able to 1) translate that passion into inspiration for staff, donors, and other stakeholders and 2) advance the organization’s goals by shaping and executing its strategy. The Executive Director will oversee strategic plan development and implementation, program improvement and expansion, fundraising and community outreach, financial management, talent management, and operations.

Major Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Decision Making
Develop and pursue long-term organizational goals in coordination with the Board of Directors.
Continually assess current program model, staffing structures, and financial support options, and recommend changes to achieve goals
Provide the leadership and oversee the implementation of strategic initiatives to achieve organizational goals.
Use data to make key decisions.

Development & Outreach
Oversee and ensure achievement of SSL’s revenue goals.
Assume a lead role in the development and engagement of major individual, foundation and corporate funders.
Supervise development staff, including tracking of staff activity and progress toward annual fundraising goals.
Actively engage business, government and other nonprofits in strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Work closely with board and development staff on the recruitment, development and retention of members of the Board of Directors.

Financial Management
Hold primary responsibility for proactive cash and financial management necessary to sustain fiscal health of the organization.
Build and manage organizational budgets.
Manage cash flow.
Report to the Board of Directors regarding the organization’s finances.

Program Management
Supervision and support of Program Team to build strong school relationships and implement program improvements.
Establish relationships with potential new program sites to serve additional students.
Identify and pursue opportunities to increase site set-up efficiency

Staff Management
Develop and support a cohesive, collaborative and effective leadership team.
Establish staff performance metrics, objectively evaluate staff against key metrics, and maintain a culture rewarding outstanding performance.
Oversee continual improvement in staff training and professional development, including identification and implementation of knowledge management technologies.
Effectively engage board members and work with Nominating Committee to strengthen board membership.
Create new ways for employees and volunteers to contribute to key goals
Promote an inclusive, diverse and non-discriminatory workplace environment. Encourages cultural and other forms of tolerance.

Communication & Outreach
Serve as the public face of the organization and engages audiences of varying sizes and interests in its business and mission
Lead marketing and branding of SSL to create interest in the mission and in sponsorship opportunities
Work collaboratively with the press and public media representatives
Deliver information with tact, diplomacy and appropriate messaging.

Qualifications
Significant management experience, including at least 4 years in a non-profit management role.
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Prior fundraising success essential, including knowledge of and participation in: grant procurement; individual donor; planned giving; corporate sponsorship and special events
Outstanding written and verbal communications skills with a variety of stakeholders.
Knowledge of basic accounting protocols and ability to review finances with Board and others to build consensus around priorities and monitor cash flow and ongoing expenditures.
Successful experience in building, managing and motivating diverse teams.
Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision-making.
Ability to creatively build bridges between and among competing interests
Ability to effectively leverage others’ expertise, evaluate input and reach clear decisions
Experience working with diverse clients, employees, and partners.

HOW TO APPLY

Jobs@superstarsliteracy.org

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