Neighborhood Connections-- Executive Director Search
BACKGROUND
Originally founded in 2009, Neighborhood Connections, Inc. (“NC”) was formed as a grassroots agency out of a need for innovative and cost-effective social outreach in the underserved populations of the mountain towns of Southern Vermont including Andover, Bondville, Chester, Jamaica, Landgrove, Londonderry, Peru, South Londonderry, Weston, Windham, and Winhall. NC is a non-profit organization offering advocacy, education and social services. NC responds to community-identified needs with a range of social services and health-related programs, working closely with public and private resources at federal, state, and local levels. Our services include connecting people with the resources they need, including health education, counseling, crisis management, and assisting individuals navigate through social service systems. (https://neighborhoodconnectionsvt.org)
POSITION SUMMARY
NC is seeking an Executive Director who is passionate about identifying community needs and bringing services and solutions to impact the targeted population. The successful candidate will be dedicated, passionate and solution-oriented, a demonstrated leader who is focused on delivering the mission of the organization. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the organization, reports to the Board of Directors (“BOD”), and is responsible for the organization’s overall strategic, operational, and financial management. The ED works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders to advance the organization’s mission and goals. The position requires a leader who can inspire and motivate a diverse team of staff and volunteers, manage day-to-day operations, develop and implement strategic plans, and represent NC in various public and private forums. It is critical that the Executive Director has a visible, public-facing presence in the towns that NC serves. Developing strong personal relationships with key stakeholders, community members, and funders across the service towns is critical.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Development & Administration
- Provide inspired leadership, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
- Develop and monitor a strategic plan in collaboration with the BOD to achieve the organization’s mission and goals.
- Provide leadership in developing program, organizational, and financial plans with both the BOD and staff. Provide oversight of the design, implementation, and evaluation of such plans.
- Ensure programmatic excellence and continuous improvement.
- Implement plans and policies authorized by the BOD.
- Maintain official records and documents and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- Maintain knowledge of significant developments and trends in federal and state legislation that may affect the populations we serve.
- Represent NC in various forums and collaborate with various community stakeholders, community members, and funders to advance the mission of NC and its programs and services.
- Assist the BOD in developing and implementing governance policies and practices.
Communication
- Ensure the BOD is regularly and routinely informed of all significant matters of the agency.
- Oversee the publication of NC activities and programs to the community, funding agencies, and potential donors.
- Establish collaborative and cooperative working relationships with community groups and organizations.
- Participate in advocacy on behalf of the populations we serve.
Personnel Management
- Ensure that the recruitment, employment, and termination of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers, follow applicable employment laws.
- Ensure all positions have job descriptions that are reviewed at least annually (both paid staff & volunteers) and that performance evaluations are completed on an annual basis at a minimum.
- Ensure the establishment of and compliance with appropriate personnel policies.
- Maintain a work environment that attracts, motivates, and retains competent staff and volunteers and promotes equity, inclusivity, and diversity.
Budget & Finance
- Prepare the agency’s budget in cooperation with the fiscal staff, finance committee, and BOD.
- Ensure the appropriate financial procedures are in place to monitor the agency’s finances.
- Ensure appropriate controls are in place to safeguard all assets and finances of the agency.
- Ensure that the agency operates within its approved budget. Inform the BOD of any significant changes in the financial position or results of operations.
- With the assistance of the Controller and Treasurer, prepare periodic financial reports for review and approval of the BOD.
- Maintain knowledge of trends in local, state, and federal funding for programs affecting agency operations.
Fund Development
- Collaborate with the BOD on the development and implementation of fundraising activities and events to meet the agency’s financial goals.
- Oversee and actively participate in fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor relations, and special events through collaboration with BOD, development staff, and volunteers.
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities and partnerships.
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
- Proven track record of successful organizational leadership and ability to inspire and motivate teams to achieve established goals.
- Experience working with BODs and cultivating healthy and collaborative relationships.
- Excellent strategic planning, organizational, and financial management abilities.
- Demonstrated success at developing and implementing fundraising strategies.
- Strong networking skills and ability to build and maintain relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to articulate a compelling vision and mission to diverse audiences.
- Ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Strong problem-solving and team-building skills with the ability to lead, mentor, collaborate, and develop talent.
COMPENSATION
This is a_ flexible four-day workweek position_ with a competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include up to $400 monthly health-related insurance cost reimbursement and 20 days paid time off in addition to 16 paid public holidays (including the week between Christmas and New Year) each year.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
Neighborhood Connections, Inc. is committed to embracing diversity in all its forms. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, NC does not discriminate in employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other protected status.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The search for the Executive Director is being conducted by NC’s Board of Directors. To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to EDSearch@ncvermont.org.
Applications can be mailed to the Attention of Mark Reffner, Chairman of the Board of Directors, at our offices at PO Box 207, Londonderry, VT 05148. Applications should articulate relevant experience and demonstrate a commitment to Neighborhood Connections’ mission. Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2024 or until the position is filled.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Schedule:
Ability to Commute:
- Londonderry, VT 05148 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Londonderry, VT 05148: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person