LEAD STL
LEAD STL ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
LEAD STL is a trailblazing non-profit organization dedicated to igniting transformative social change in the greater Saint Louis area with our work. With a special focus on the Black and Jewish experiences, we commit to dismantling systemic injustices through immersive learning, leadership development, and empathy building. We are proud to work primarily with high school and middle school aged youth in St. Louis…they are our future LEADers.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director (ED) provides essential leadership and sets the strategic direction of the organization. The ED sets the tone for workplace culture and stakeholder relationships and is entrusted with fulfilling the mission and vision of LEAD STL. This role is vital to growing the organization’s relationships and business.
The next leader of LEAD STL will be energetic, dynamic and resourceful. They will enjoy being part of an organization and a team that is committed to being adaptive and inspires engagement from diverse communities beyond just the staff and board. The Executive Director has the ability to lead with emotional intelligence and is a unifying force that provides a supportive environment for all constituents. LEAD STL is looking for a leader with a growth mindset that believes that the investment in our youth is essential to our future and that knows growth is only possible from a stable base.
Responsible for advancing the organization, the Executive Director will oversee fundraising, strategic planning, fiscal management, leadership, and organizational management. Additionally, the Executive Director supports the efforts of the Program Director to implement programming that trains students to become leaders, activists, critical thinkers, and risk takers, thereby creating a cadre of social change activists who help create a world of inclusion and equity.
The Executive Director is the guiding force responsible for ensuring that the organization accomplishes its goals by providing leadership and direction. They are the public face of the organization and will represent LEAD STL to the broader community and should be passionate about and adept at building relationships. LEAD STL is looking for a leader who is excited to join and strengthen a high-performing team and build capacity for future growth.
The Executive Director is responsible for meeting fundraising goals, representing the organization in the community, overseeing staff who implement new programs and execute existing programs, and ensuring high quality fiduciary management within the parameters of the organization. The Executive Director works effectively with the Board of Directors.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Non-profit Management
● Work in collaboration with the Board to implement a strategic plan that supports growth.
● Assist the Board in the formation and implementation of policies, goals, and objectives for LEAD STL to achieve effective financial operation of the organization.
● Manage day-to-day activities of the organization in accordance with sound management and personnel practices. This includes creating healthy boundaries between governance and oversight.
● Continually work to improve and increase individual and organizational capability
● Establish and promote positive working relationships with the Board of Directors, funders, stakeholders, and community organizations.
● Work as a team member with a strong commitment to collaborative work.
● Commit to learning and understanding organizational mission, values, practices, and programming
● Participate in board development and growth; prepare or oversee preparation of all board materials, plan and attend all board meetings, and provide direct oversight and management of all board committees.
● Keep the Board informed about relevant developments that may impact the organization.
● Promote active and broad participation by volunteers and all areas of the organization’s work.
Development
● Identify and cultivate individual, foundation, corporate and governmental relationships for the purpose of promoting LEAD STL’s mission and generating funds for the organization that ensure a diverse array of funding.
● Manage a portfolio of donors.
● Oversee grant applications, funding reports, invoices and collecting and summarizing relevant data.
● Create and implement a strong stewardship program.
Budget and Finance
● Acts at the key oversight and financial controls for the organization.
● Adheres to prudent financial practices.
● In conjunction with the Board, especially the Treasurer, ensure the organization’s fiscal health including obtaining and maintaining a stable, diversified funding base and managing cash.
Marketing and Communications
● Be the face of and represent LEAD STL in various community meetings that bring visibility to the organization.
● Creates and maintains strong and positive relationships with stakeholders, community, donors.
● Builds relationships that create pathways for future opportunities and collaborations.
● Assure the organization and its mission, programs and services are consistently promoted and represented in a strong, positive light.
● Expand all aspects of communication – from web presence to external relations – with the goal of creating a stronger brand.
● Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
Leadership and Interpersonal
● In conjunction with the Board, develop and annually review personnel policies.
● Lead, hire, train, inspire, motivate and guide staff toward common goals by maintaining a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people.
● Recruit and support volunteers.
● Provide clear and consistent vision, including aligned goals and objectives, to the staff.
● Maintain personnel records and carry out personnel policies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum):
Education:
● Bachelor’s Degree in business, non-profit management or a related field preferred
Experience:
● Minimum 3-5 years leading a non-profit agency with a budget of $500,000 or more.
● At least 3-5 years of management experience, at least 3 years of which are focused on social change, diversity awareness, and/or working with an underserved population
● Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity and inclusionary practices, engagement best practices and cultural competence
● Minimum of 5 years of successful fundraising experience, knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector
● Demonstrated success with building positive relationships and working well with youth and families, funders, corporations, and individual donors
● Interest in and knowledge of social change issues with an emphasis on the African American and Jewish cultures, religion and history.
● Experience working with organizations working with youth.
● Experience working as part of a small team
Skills:
● Have successfully supervised/managed a staff of five or larger
● Ability to utilize technology to streamline the work of the organization and ensure best time management
● Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills
● Proven ability to develop written publications, guides and writing successful grants
● Excellent strategic thinking skills
● Highly organized with keen attention to detail
● Able to handle multiple projects with competing priorities
● Ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences
● Flexible; available for varied hours (evening, weekends, and/or holidays)
To Apply: Send resume and cover letter to info@leadstl.org
