imitator steinbeck: execSearches Job Posting: Executive Director, Distinguished Young ...

Posted
10/16/2012
Region
South East
Function
Executive, Fundraising, Operations, Program Admin/Management, Management
Industry
Higher Education, Non-profit, Women/Girls, Arts and Culture

Distinguished Young Women

Mobile, Alabama

DESCRIPTION OF THE ORGANIZATION:
Distinguished Young Women is a national nonprofit corporation that is headquartered in the historic district of Mobile, Alabama. It was founded in 1957 in Mobile and each June 50 state winners come to Mobile to participate in the national finals. Distinguished Young Womens mission is to inspire high school girls to develop their full, individual potential through a fun, transformative experience that culminates in a celebratory showcase of their accomplishments. The program provides college scholarships and opportunities for personal growth and community service. More than 17,000 volunteers across the nation operate county and state Distinguished Young Women Programs. More than 730,000 young women across the country have participated in Distinguished Young Women and more than $100 million in cash scholarships have been awarded at the county, state and national levels.

PURPOSE:
The Executive Director administers all facets of the national office including development, staffing, budgeting, strategic planning, and the national finals. He or she will represent the organization externally to foster effective relations with current and potential donors, sponsors, and granting agencies. The Executive Director is the face of Distinguished Young Women to the Mobile community and the nation.

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Executive Director will work directly with the Board of Directors on strategic planning, budgeting, and fund development to further the mission of Distinguished Young Women. He or she is responsible for staffing the national office and providing guidance and inspiration to the multitude of volunteers. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
The successful candidate will possess a Bachelors degree, at least five years experience in fund development and business/nonprofit management. He or she will possess excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to analyze situations and propose solutions; excellent organizational and project management skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; and a belief in the mission of Distinguished Young Women.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:
Act as the spokesperson for the organization and its mission in the Mobile Community and throughout U.S.
Ensure the integrity and consistency of the organization at all levels (county, state and national)
Oversee all aspects of implementing the organizations Strategic Plan including set goals for fund development; state and local program growth; and increasing national awareness for the program
Develop, with the assistance of the Boards Development Committee, and any consultants, the fund development strategies and campaigns for the national office
Work with the Board of Directors and outside contractors to develop National Sponsors
Develop a comprehensive timeline and plan of action for all development activities including fundraising events
Recruit and retain a professional, dedicated staff
Create and manage annual budget
Oversee the annual national finals event in Mobile, AL
Assist in recruiting and orienting Board members; and in Board governance
Develop creative partnerships with other organizations to further the mission of Distinguished Young Women
Perform other duties as directed by the Board of Directors
Maintain a positive, supportive, cooperative, proactive, and can-do attitude towards work and co-workers in fulfilling the mission of Distinguished Young Women

Areas of Responsibility
Fund Development (30%)
Create Fund Development plan to satisfy $750,000 annual budget for Distinguished Young Women
Plan, develop, and execute strategies for obtaining private donations, including identifying, cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects (individuals, corporations and foundations)
Secure funding from government sources
Develop and monitor annual fund campaign targeting alumnae, local businesses and individuals
Plan and develop solicitation and training materials for Board Development Committee
Develop a stewardship plan to ensure the best match between the person soliciting for the organization and the potential donor, and retention and recognition programs to meet the varied needs of donors and potential donors
Develop leads and coordinate solicitation efforts associated with obtaining national sponsors
Oversee fundraising events by securing event chairperson, recruitment and management of event committee, soliciting event sponsors, managing event coordinator, and attending and participating in fundraising events

Administration (15%)
Create and manage the $750,000 annual budget for Distinguished Young Women
Manage budget and review monthly financial statements
Review and approve all contracts, leases, and agreements for equipment and services
Review and approve all invoices and sign checks (over $500 requires two signatures)
Hire, manage, motivate, and evaluate staff members
Assign staff to standing committees of the Board
Facilitate communication among staff members for shared projects
Ensure internal and external communication mechanisms (telephone and computer/email systems) are efficient and cost-effective for the entire organization
Ensure compliance with county/state/federal taxes and laws

Board of Directors/Governance (15%)
Assist in recruiting, orienting, and motivating board members
Work directly with the President and Executive Committee
Facilitate and participate with the Board in strategic planning for the organization (every three years)
Implement the strategic plan, allocating personnel and financial resources as necessary
Assist in governance of the Board of Directors including updating governing documents, maintaining minutes and policies of the board, and seeking legal counsel when necessary (including bylaws updates, trademark work, and 501c3 v. 501c4 issues)
Work with President on agendas for all Board and Executive Committee meetings
Attend and participate in all Board meetings and Executive Committee meetings, and committee meetings as necessary

State Programs (13%)
Manage staff National Field Director
Oversee policies, including contestant and franchise agreements and guidebook for all state and local programs
Oversee content for State Chairperson workshops and seminars
Attend 2-3 state programs annually depending on budget
Facilitate focus groups with National Field Director to ensure quality support to state and local programs
Participate in work sessions to increase participation at local and state levels

Communications (12%)
Manage staff Communications Director
Be the face of the organization to the Mobile Community and the Country
Attend appearances with Distinguished Young Woman of America as appropriate
Provide organizational perspective for internal and external communications including newsletter, website, and mass emails and mailings
Present the organization to service clubs and other organizations in the Mobile area to foster goodwill and educate the public on our mission and impact
Act as liaison between Distinguished Young Women and local government agencies
Promote Distinguished Young Women at local events and meetings
Participate as member/organizations representative in local service clubs and organizations including Rotary and Mobile Chamber of Commerce

National Finals (10%)
Supervise volunteer National Finals Chairperson
Select judges, striving for diversity in gender, ethnicity, geography, and expertise
Hire and manage professional production crew
Oversee content of national finals activities for contestants, families, and state representatives
Oversee content of national finals production, including show theme and script content
Attend orientation meetings for host families; national committee chairs; has beens, and entire national committee
Organize and facilitate intense staff work session to cover every aspect of national finals events
Troubleshoot and problem solve during the two weeks of national finals
Be the organizations leader and representative speaker before Parents, Sponsors, State Representatives, and Contestants
Participate in new Distinguished Young Woman of America orientation
Send handwritten personal thank you notes to every sponsor, participant, family, and committee members

Alumnae (5%)
Manage part-time Alumnae Coordinator
Assist with strategic planning to keep Alumnae involved as donors, volunteers, and mentors

General (3%)
Ensure that board and staff meet the best interests of the organization at all times, using a global perspective
Motivate staff, board, and other volunteers to keep them excited about Distinguished Young Women
Seek new opportunities for partnerships with national organizations such as Boys and Girls Clubs as an avenue to share the Be Your Best Self program
Seek national media opportunities
Constantly seek new ways to make the best use of the limited resources of the organization (time and money)
Leverage all connections and contacts for the most positive exposure of Distinguished Young Women

Foundation (2%)
Hire, train and manage part-time foundation administrator
Troubleshoot questions and issues with state or local programs
Troubleshoot questions and issues with scholarship recipients
Participate in Foundation Board meetings