http://www.nppn.co/job-postings/job-position-description/?positionid=270
BACKGROUND
Job location: Detroit, Michigan
iO is a nationally recognized hub of creativity for K-12 students in Detroit who are curious about exploring their worlds through the power of poetry. Since 1995, founded and lead by visionary teacher, poet and writer Terry Blackhawk, iO has helped to amplify the voices of thousands of students by dispatching established and emerging poets and writers into classrooms. The writers conduct creative workshops and work side-by-side with students over the course of the year, helping them to create poems, stories, art work, and stage-ready performance pieces. Students contribute to their school’s literary journal, which is published and presented by iO at the end of each year during in-school galas.
OVERVIEW of RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director is a strategic thinker and implementer of iO’s mission. They are responsible for general operational, administrative and financial management of the organization. The ED develops and manages organizational policies approved by the Board in such key areas as operations, fundraising, finance, human resources, marketing and communications, community outreach, and stakeholder relations. The individual selected will be bold and creative in enhancing iO position as a vibrant literary arts organization.
Much of the ED’s energy will be spent creating connections with a vast array of constituents including; community leaders, funding sources, individual donors, residents, writers, leaders of other artistic/cultural organizations, as well as those with a vested interest in iO’s mission and sustainability.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Strategic Planning
The ED will develop, implement and monitor a long-term strategic plan and vision in coordination with iO’s Founder, its board and staff with top priorities being:
Financial Planning, where the ED:
a) Is expected to lead and strengthen fund development efforts utilizing local, regional, and national resources.
b) Will develop an annual budget for board approval that includes all operations and revenue generating activities.
c) Will diversify iO’s sources of income, generate unrestricted discretionary income, and increase earned revenues.
d) Will lead iO’s fundraising programs including its annual fund, grant writing, special events, planned giving/endowment efforts, and help secure project funding.
e) Will oversee the financial status of the organization including developing long and short-range financial plans, monitoring the budget, controlling cash flow, and ensuring that sound financial controls are in place.
2) Management
a) Lead and delegate to staff responsibility for the successful management of all iO programs and daily affairs.
b) Oversee daily organizational operations, including the review and implementation of systems to ensure the greatest possible efficiencies.
c) Direct administrative personnel relations to ensure that iO is effectively structured and staffed and to ensure that iO’s legal and ethical obligations to its employees are fully met.
3) Marketing/Communications – The ED
a) Is the face of iO for all audiences. The successful candidate must be comfortable making presentations, being in front of the media and/or speaking one-on-one with donors and supporters. They will be the leader in promoting iO’s brand. This includes making critical programming decisions, creating and executing a comprehensive marketing plan, and maintaining iO as a recognized educational and artistic leader in the region.
b) Will deepen and refine all aspects of communication with the goal of increasing exposure and elevating iO as a continuous strong brand in the community.
c) Will develop and maintain effective communications with the board of directors, it’s founder, staff and volunteers.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE
Required
A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, English or Management, and at least five years of management experience in the corporate or non-profit sector with a proven track record of growth and sustainability in those roles.
Preferred
- Experience working with K-12 schools and school districts.
- Master’s Degree or other advanced degree in a related field.
- Personal accomplishment in the field of literary arts.
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Good listener; open-minded; ability to accommodate many points of view.
- Is well versed in the field of literary arts and arts education: arts opportunities, management, and challenges.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Well-organized; excellent time management skills.
- Strong commitment to the professional development of staff
- Excellent coalition building skills. A team player.
- Ability to create and lead a vibrant team environment with staff, board and other stakeholders to achieve organizational objectives.
COMPENSATION
Competitive based on qualifications and experience of candidate w/a benefits package.
To apply for this position, register with NPPN online (www.nppn.co/candidates/) and upload your resume and a cover letter (addressed to InsideOut Literary Arts and reference the position title).
Targeted Start Date: September 1, 2015
