Literacy Source
A Community Learning Center
http://www.literacysource.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

Our Mission
The mission of Literacy Source is to build a literate community and promote self-sufficiency by providing learner-centered instruction to adults in English literacy and basic life skills.

Our Organization
For more than 25 years, Literacy Source has helped transform lives by providing free classes, tutoring, and learning resources for adults who want to improve their basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills; learn English; study for a high school diploma or GED; or prepare to become citizens. Central to our mission is the importance of giving both non-native English speakers and native speakers the literacy and life skills they need to function effectively on the job, give back to their community, raise school-ready children, and ultimately support their children’s learning. Our services bolster healthy families and thriving communities, the building blocks of a society that functions for everyone. Our professional staff and more than 200 dedicated volunteers are crucial to our success. With a commitment to lifelong learning and self-empowerment, we strive to make our services ever more accessible and tailored to each learner. The hundreds of learners who benefit from our services speak numerous languages and reflect the rich diversity of Seattle’s multicultural community. In addition to the classes held at our offices in the Fremont neighborhood, we offer classes in South King County and at the King County Corrections Facility.

Position Summary
The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Literacy Source, responsible for advancing our organization’s mission. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and, in partnership with the board and staff, provides strategic direction in the development and execution of fundraising, organizational, programming, and financial plans. In addition to fostering strong and productive relationships with staff, board, and volunteers, the Executive Director is the organization’s primary liaison with funders, donors, partnering organizations, and government agencies.

Responsibilities

Fund Development:
* Recognize and respond to a dynamic funding environment
* Develop a long-term fundraising plan and related activities aligned with the organization’s strategic plan
* Assure continued outcomes from existing fundraising strategies and leverage current efforts to increase giving from key donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations
* Identify new revenue sources and strategic partnerships
* Oversee successful planning and execution of special events and campaigns such as our annual Literacy Source Breakfast and Stay at Home Tea and Founder’s Club appreciations

Organizational Development:
* Lead and support 15-20 full- and part-time paid staff members
* Manage the recruitment, employment, and development of all paid and volunteer personnel
* Ensure that best human resources practices are in place, including the development of job descriptions with clearly defined roles
* Conduct regular performance evaluations, provide informal coaching, and encourage ongoing staff development and training
* Foster a positive and productive environment that attracts, inspires, and maintains a diverse staff of high-performing people
* Empower staff to enlist their expertise and specialized skills in key decisions and service delivery
* Promote consistent participation and retention of volunteers in a range of roles by ensuring effective orientation, training, tracking, and appreciation
* Assure seamless IT to support the organization’s needs

Program Development and Administration:
* Provide leadership and vision for program development and administration aligned with the strategic plan, community needs and opportunities, and budget
* Ensure that programs are adequately staffed with skill sets required for successful delivery
* Supervise collection and organization of records and documents in compliance with federal, state, and regional regulations and oversee agency reports and audits
* Stay abreast of significant developments and trends in adult literacy

Finance and Budget:
* With the Finance Committee, develop and maintain sound financial practices and monitor the financial health of the organization
* With the Finance Committee, prepare the approximately $500,000 budget that reflects organizational needs and ensure sufficient funds to carry out the organization’s mission
* Ensure that all financial records are in place and in order for federal and state audits
* Coordinate the completion of the annual audit and Form 990

Marketing and Communication:
* Convey the organization’s mission and importance with clarity and passion to a wide range of audiences, including current and prospective stakeholders and supporters
* Advocate for the organization’s core programs with key constituencies
* Promote the organization’s profile in the community by nurturing relationships with city officials, the Chamber of Commerce, and the greater business and philanthropic communities
* Oversee all written and electronic communications, including the organization’s website and the annual report

Board Relations:
* Serve on all board committees, including Fund Development, Finance, Executive, and Governance
* Assist with the preparation of reports, financial statements, and other relevant material for the board to review at monthly meetings
* Serve as bridge between staff and board to ensure seamless communication of organizational and program matters and board directives
* Assist in the recruitment of board members with skills in critical areas, leveraging member strengths and resources to advance the organization’s mission

The Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a nimble, visionary Executive Director who is a collaborative leader, an innovative fundraiser, and a passionate learner. The Executive Director will understand the importance of relationships, building trust and confidence with staff and forging strategic connections outside of the organization. The Executive Director will inspire accountability among staff by empowering individuals, fostering a team-based approach to decision making that invites an active exchange of ideas, and encouraging collaborative solutions as a core organizational strength.

Desired Skills
* Diplomacy in relationships and group interactions
* Fundraising from multiple sources
* Cultural competence
* Collaborative leadership
* Strategic planning and analytical skills
* Nonprofit finance and grants management
* Program design and development
* Excellent oral and written communication skills and effective public speaking

Desired Education and Experience
* Master’s in Education (Adult Education or ESL a plus), Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field
* Proven experience in fundraising and proposal/grant writing
* A minimum of five years of leadership and supervisory experience

Compensation
The salary for this position is $50,000. Benefits include medical, vision, and dental coverage; life insurance; 403 (b) contributions; and generous leave time. Literacy Source’s Monday – Thursday office hours encourage excellent work-life balance.

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least three professional references. Submit your materials electronically to the Executive Director Search Committee at edsearch@literacysource.org. Submissions will be acknowledged via email and held confidentially by the Search Committee.

Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2012. The position will remain open until filled.

Questions may be directed to searchcommittee@literacysource.org.