Executive Director

Under the direction and guidance of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization, and the execution of its operations and strategic plan.

Strategy, Mission and Vision (20%)

• Work with the 826 MSP board to develop, implement, and track the progress of our strategic plan and lead a forward-thinking and anti-racist approach to its staff, leadership, and the entire organization.
• Represent 826 MSP and its mission to students, families, funders, volunteers, the educational community, and the media.
• Work with 826 National to coordinate the work of 826 MSP with the other 826 chapters; represent 826 MSP at 826 National meetings, executive director meetings, staff conferences, and other convenings.
• Guide all external relations and collaborations, including website, annual fundraising appeals, and public relations; serve as spokesperson for media appearances and other public speaking opportunities; handle crisis communications.

Financial Management and Fundraising (20%)

• Ensure prudent fiscal management of 826 MSP, including the establishment of salaries, annual budgets, management of expenses, strategic financial planning, and preparation of financial reports in coordination with our accountant.
• Partner with Development Director to create and implement 826 MSP community-centric fundraising strategies, including grant applications, corporate and private philanthropy, individual donations, and special events.
• Successfully and directly ask individuals and other funders for financial gifts; Embody 826 MSP fundraising values; Cultivate and support donors through every stage of a gift; Deliver authentic gratitude, timely information, and individualized attention to donors in our community of supporters.

Programming (20%)

• Partner with the Program Director to establish robust educational objectives, and work to achieve them, in support of MSP youth and guided by organizational guidelines and 826 National chapter standards.
• Partner with Program Director to oversee all programming, including after-school, in-school projects, field trips, and workshops, including ensuring daily excellence and quality practices, and collecting qualitative and quantitative data.
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with education and community leaders/institutions that will facilitate programming growth.

Operations and Human Resources (20%)

• Direct and support staff, interns, and volunteers, to pursue 826 MSP’s mission, in alignment with its values.
• Supervise the staff’s work in the areas of programming, volunteer recruitment and supervision, development, publications, and special events; directly supervise leadership staff members.
• Develop 826 MSP’s culture as a learning organization, providing consistent professional development plans, learning opportunities, regular feedback, advice, and performance reviews.
• Manage all legal and operational issues, including contracts, employment matters, technology, leases and building management, publication and other agreements, and oversight of retail operations.
• Serve as chief organizational signatory.

Board Governance (20%)

• Report to the 826 MSP board of directors on programming, fundraising, finances, events, publications, personnel, strategic planning, and other matters; enlist their support as needed to make timely and informed decisions.
• Serve as ex-officio on committees when appropriate and ensure committee progress and alignment with organizational goals.
• Maintain a strong relationship with board leadership.
• Support with board recruitment and training as needed.

Requirements

Preferred Experience

• Five years of nonprofit administration experience that includes supervision and leadership and/or degree or certificates in related fields.
• Experience working in a K-12 setting and/or youth-serving organization and/or familiarity with regional and national K-12 education trends and issues.
• Experience working in or with local BIPOC communities. Preferably in Minneapolis/Saint Paul region.
• Experience working with writing or publishing.

Preferred Qualities

• Communication - clear and compelling written and spoken communication skills.
• Student-centered - believes in the power of youth voice and actively works to center it in organizational culture and decision-making.
• Community-builder - exhibits a desire and drive for something bigger than one’s self.
• Anti-racist/anti-oppressive - opposes racism and promotes ongoing efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and our programs.
• Creative - the ability to dream, imagine, think, and lead in new ways.
• Hopeful/resilient - able to see the big picture, rallies around potential, operates with steady resolve when challenges arise.
• Culturally competent - the ability to understand, appreciate and interact with youth and adults from cultures or belief systems different from one’s own.
• Mentor - inspires and guides staff, students, board, volunteers, modeling work-life balance and positive relationships.
• Collaborative - works effectively with others to achieve a common goal.