Executive Director
Organization: Central Valley Scholars
Location: San Joaquin Valley
Employee Type: Exempt, Part-Time (50% FTE)
Salary Range: $34 - $40 per hour
Start Date: Flexible (December '24/January '25)
About Central Valley Scholars
Central Valley Scholars (CVS) is a community-based organization led by first-generation, queer, Students of Color, with a mission of creating accessible pathways towards higher education for historically impacted communities in the Central Valley. CVS strategy focuses on creating critical, conscious, and realistic perspectives on higher education; with an emphasis on how systemic forms of oppression affect undeserved students' academic trajectories. CVS fosters equity by providing workshops, scholarships, mentorship (themtorship), and specialized programming for students to achieve the education they deserve.
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About the Role
The Executive Director (Part-Time/Hybrid Remote) of Central Valley Scholars is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing organizational operations, and ensuring the fulfillment of the organization's mission. This role requires a visionary leader who can effectively manage resources, build partnerships, and drive growth.. The Executive Director will be the driving force behind Central Valley Scholar’ efforts to empower underserved students in the Central Valley through education and mentorship. They will develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s core values and long-term objectives. This includes setting and achieving both short-term and long-term organizational goals, as well as identifying and pursuing opportunities for program expansion to reach more students and increase impact.
In overseeing daily operations, the Executive Director will work closely with the Director of Operations and Finance to develop and implement efficient policies and procedures. They will be responsible for managing organizational resources effectively, ensuring that all assets – financial, human, and material – are utilized optimally to support the organization's mission. Financial stewardship is a critical aspect of this role. The Executive Director will collaborate with the Director of Operations and Finance to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency. They will play a key role in securing diverse funding sources, including grants, individual donations, and sponsorships. This involves cultivating relationships with potential donors, writing grant proposals, and developing sustainable fundraising strategies. Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders is essential. The Executive Director will serve as the public face of Central Valley Scholars, representing the organization at community events, speaking engagements, and in media interactions. They will be responsible for cultivating corporate partnerships, fostering collaborations with educational institutions, and engaging with community leaders to advance the organization's mission. Program oversight is another crucial responsibility.
The Executive Director will ensure that all programs and initiatives align with Central Valley Scholars’ mission and strategic objectives. This includes regularly monitoring program effectiveness, gathering and analyzing data on outcomes, and implementing improvements as needed. They will also be tasked with developing new initiatives to address emerging needs in the community, staying attuned to changes in the educational landscape and the specific challenges faced by students in the Central Valley. Leadership duties extend to mentoring staff and volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture that reflects the values of Central Valley Scholars. The Executive Director will be responsible for building and leading a high-performing team, providing guidance and support to help staff members achieve their full potential. Collaboration with the board of directors is a key aspect of this role. The Executive Director will work closely with the board to set strategic direction, develop policies, and ensure good governance practices. They will provide regular updates on organizational performance, challenges, and opportunities, facilitating informed decision-making at the board level. This position offers a unique opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to make a significant impact on the lives of students in the Central Valley, while also shaping the growth and development of a dynamic nonprofit organization.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership:
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Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic plan in collaboration with the board of directors
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Set and achieve short-term and long-term organizational goals
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Identify and pursue opportunities for program expansion and organizational growth
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Operational Management:
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Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient functioning of all departments
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Develop and maintain organizational policies and procedures
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Manage and optimize the use of organizational resources
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Financial Oversight:
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Work with the Director of Operations and Finance to develop and manage the annual budget
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Ensure fiscal responsibility and transparency
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Identify and secure diverse funding sources, including grants and donations
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Partnership Development:
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Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community partners, and educational institutions
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Represent Central Valley Scholars at community events and speaking engagements
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Cultivate corporate partnerships and sponsorships
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Program Oversight:
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Ensure all programs align with the organization's mission and strategic objectives
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Monitor program effectiveness and implement improvements as needed
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Develop new initiatives to address emerging needs in the community
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Team Leadership:
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Provide mentorship and guidance to staff and volunteers
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Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture
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Recruit, hire, and evaluate key personnel as the organization grows
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Board Relations:
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Serve as the primary liaison between the staff and the board of directors
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Provide regular updates on organizational performance and challenges
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Collaborate with the board to set strategic direction and policies
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Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree required in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Higher Ed Leadership, Public Policy, or related field preferred
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Minimum of 1+ year(s) of leadership experience in nonprofit and/or other related organizations
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Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership development
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Strong financial management and budgeting skills
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Passion for education and community development
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Familiarity with the Central Valley region and its unique challenges and opportunities
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Valid driver's license and current auto insurance
Preferred Qualifications
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Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Higher Ed Leadership, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field
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Experience (3+ years) in nonprofit leadership, with a track record of successful organizational growth and program expansion
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Demonstrated success in large-scale fundraising efforts, including major gifts, capital campaigns, and grant acquisitions
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Strong network within the Central Valley region, including connections with educational institutions, community organizations, and potential corporate partners
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Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish, to better serve and connect with the Central Valley community
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Experience in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within organizations
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Familiarity with the higher education landscape, particularly as it relates to first-generation and underserved students
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Experience in managing and scaling programs across multiple locations or communities
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Compensation
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Salary Range: $34 - $40 per hour
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20 - 25 hour work week
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Flexible scheduling options
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Opportunity for professional growth and advancement to a full-time position
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Apply Today
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Please complete the online application by Sunday, November 10th, 2024 by 11:59 pm. Include a resume, cover letter, and two professional references. Central Valley Scholars is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. If you have any questions, please email contact@centralvalleyscholars.org.