Executive Director

Position Description

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of The Craddock Center, Inc. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives, keeping our pledge, in some way every day, to enrich lives through service by infusing every act and word with the grace of God. The Executive Director will exercise leadership in coordinating all work of other members of the staff.

In planning, program development, and administration, the Executive Director will:

1. Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission to enrich the lives of the people of Southern Appalachia through programs of education, cultural enhancement, and service, encouraging communities, families, and children to advance educationally, socially, and spiritually.

2. Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational, and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.

3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work, including pursuing funds through the writing of grants, and making annual reports to foundations that have provided grant funding. *

4. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work, including co-ordination of mission trip and work groups.

5. Procure books for the Story Express.

6. Procure speakers and/or musicians for three annual adult activities: the Helen Lewis Lecture, Preaching Workshops (2 each year), and Songs and Stories.

7. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

(* The Board anticipates hiring additional Development staff in 2013.)

In working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:

1. Provide leadership in recruiting and orienting new Board members.

2. With the Chair of the Board, schedule and plan quarterly Board meetings


In communications, the Executive Director will:

1. See that the Board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it.

2. Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs, and goals, including speaking engagements at churches, community organizations, and service clubs.

3. Edit and publish the organization’s newsletter, “Milk and Honey,” monthly.

4. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations.

5. Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.

6. Have excellent people and communication skills and be able to get along well with many kinds of people.

In relations with staff, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.

2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed and/or up to date, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.

3. Ensure that an effective management team is in place.

4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education, and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of the organization.

5. As needed, assist staff with program functions, including emergency assistance calls and furniture donations.

6. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality people.

In Budget and Finance, the Executive Director will:

1. Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.

2. Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.

3. Jointly, with the President and Secretary of the Board of Directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers of the Board, execute legal documents.

Position Requirements

Bachelor’s degree will be required and Master’s degree will be a plus. Several years of experience in nonprofit settings will be necessary.

“My vision for The Craddock Center is clear and firm: that we keep our pledge, in some way, every day, to enrich lives through service.”

--Dr. Fred Craddock

The Craddock Center is a non-profit organization located in Cherry Log, Georgia, and serves communities of surrounding Southern Appalachia. The Center, beginning its second decade of service, provides a wide variety of programs to meet individuals’ needs for physical health, social and cultural enrichment, and the desire for greater educational and growth opportunities.

The Craddock Center’s current Executive Director is completing a very successful five years and is retiring with the Board’s heartfelt thanks and best wishes. She will help the new Executive Director in a smooth transition next spring.

The Executive Director is the Chief Operating Officer of The Craddock Center, reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the Center’s achievement of its mission and financial objectives. In responsibilities related to planning, program development and administration, the Executive Director oversees a long-range strategy, ensures adequate funding with a leadership role in building and maintaining financial support, and leads the staff and volunteers.

Interpersonal and communication skills are critically important in every aspect of the Executive Director’s responsibilities. At the very heart of the Executive Director’s role is being able to communicate effectively with those who need The Craddock Center’s help and with those who can support and help the Center “enrich lives through service.”

Nomination/application deadline is January 31, 2013. The planned date for the new Executive Director to begin is April 1, 2013.

Sincerely,

Mark Musick
The Craddock Center-Board President