The Praxis Project – Executive Director – Walker and Associates Consulting – Washington, DC

The Board of Directors of The Praxis Project – a nonprofit movement support intermediary with offices in Washington, DC and Oakland, CA – is seeking a visionary, experienced and passionate leader, capable of building on the tremendous accomplishments of its founding Executive Director and taking the organization to new levels of growth and impact. Reporting to a 12-member Board of Directors, the Executive Director maintains overall responsibility for financial management, personnel management, program development and implementation, fund development and public and institutional relations. The Executive Director must be capable of developing strong community relationships and providing leadership on media and policy issues with special emphasis on the needs and interests of communities of color. Read on to learn more and apply by May 15, 2015.

About The Praxis Project: Incorporated in 2002, is a nonprofit movement support intermediary committed to capacity building for social change and our mission is to build healthy communities by transforming the power relationships and structures that affect our lives. We support local policy advocacy as part of a comprehensive strategy for change. Our emphasis is on developing fields of work in ways that encourage multi-level, trans-disciplinary learning and collaboration across issues, across the country and across the globe. National, multi-site initiatives are a core part of our work as they operate as “laboratories” where we extract lessons for application in other fields of work and vice versa to help us all move the work of transformation further, faster.

About The Position:

Primary Responsibilities:

Financial Management. Develops and manages the organizational budget, including all contracts; provides oversight and monitoring of the billing process, accounts payable, accounts receivable and the preparation of financial statements and cash flow projections.
Personnel Management. Oversees staff recruitment, orientation and training; evaluates team leaders; supervises staff or oversees supervision which is provided by Team leaders; oversees the implementation of personnel policies and submits recommendations to the Board for policy revisions, and oversees the implementation of benefit plans.
Program Development and Implementation. Develops program framework and contracts; monitors contract compliance; oversees program evaluation and continual program improvement.
Fund Development. Develops and implements organizational development plan toward ensuring the organization’s financial stability. Works with Board Development Committee and other partners to identify and cultivate donor and other funding partners. Coordinates and leads implementation of outreach and engagement of funder allies.
Public and institutional relations. Develops collaborative relationships with national, state and local organizations and coalitions, and other stakeholders; manages priority setting with regard to the allocation of organizational resources to meet the emerging needs of these groups; coordinates the work of and collaborates with the Board of Directors and National Advisory Committees to develop policies and programmatic priorities; and oversees public relations activities.

Qualifications:

Personal Characteristics

Commitment to the mission, vision, values and culture of The Praxis Project.
Visionary and innovative with the ability to inspire and lead staff and constituents.
Justice-centered with a strong sense of integrity and clear ethical standards.
Embraces an ecumenical approach and participatory leadership.
Community-minded bridge-builder with the ability to maintain and develop relationships and partnerships.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the savvy to advocate and persuade without alienating.

Professional Experience

Working knowledge of the theory and practice of social change, community organizing and policy development with an emphasis on racial justice.
Minimum of ten years experience in nonprofit management and social change, including a track record of intermediary and/or field-building work
Experience effectively managing personnel, board communication, financial management systems and programs
Demonstrated ability to fundraise and leverage resources for the long-term sustainability of the organization
Experience working with diverse populations
Experience working collaboratively with community members
Demonstrated commitment to addressing systemic causes of racism, sexism, homophobia and poverty
Ability to work independently, be detailed oriented, prioritize own work and collaborate with and coordinate the work of others in a harmonious and empowering manner
Understanding of strategic planning theory and practice

How to apply

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, salary history and list of three references to praxisproject@walkeraac.com on or before 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2015. Email applications are required – use the Subject Line: Executive Director, The Praxis Project. Documents must be Microsoft Word or PDF files only (PDF files are preferred). Resume review begins immediately.

For questions or additional information contact: praxisproject@walkeraac.com.

For more information on The Praxis Project and this position, read the full Position Announcement.

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