Job Description

Co-Executive Director Opportunity at Literacy Source

Full consideration will be given to applications received by 5pm Pacific time, June 19, 2020. Early applications are encouraged. Consideration will be given to applications as soon as they are received.

Literacy Source is looking for a Co-ED , Managing Director to partner with its Co-ED, Educational Director in an innovative co-leadership model. Together, this leadership team will further develop Literacy Source as a high performing nonprofit that supports adult learners with tools to improve their quality of life and create a more hopeful future. Literacy Source provides a variety of classes and tutoring assistance for adults: reading, writing and basic math skills, ESOL instruction, GED and citizenship preparation, and digital learning and computer skills. Students are welcomed into an inclusive and supportive environment where every learner’s life experience and learning style are valued and respected.

The ideal candidate will welcome this opportunity to co-create a new model of collaborative leadership at Literacy Source. The two positions have shared responsibilities and individual areas of focus. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Co-Executive Directors will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for Literacy Source’s staff, programs, budget, and fulfilment of its mission.

The Managing Director will focus on Literacy Source as a high performing nonprofit organization . They will be responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with community partners and funders and will ensure that the finances, fundraising, communications, human resources, and center operations are effectively and efficiently supporting the organization to fulfill its mission.

The Managing Director will be an inclusive and collaborative leader who demonstrates a real commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion . Ideally, they will have deep understanding and empathy for the students and communities that Literacy Source serves, who are predominantly low-income, immigrants and/or refugees, or non-traditional adult learners. They will be an inspiring and skilled manager of nonprofit staff and board teams and demonstrate aptitude in nonprofit financial management and fundraising . Literacy Source will welcome either an experienced director or an emerging leader who has proven potential to grow and develop their nonprofit management skills. This is an opportunity for someone who is excited to co-lead an organization and team in a truly collaborative manner.

ABOUT LITERACY SOURCE

MISSION

Literacy Source partners with adults working to gain skills and education to create new opportunities for themselves, their families and the community.

VISION

We envision an inclusive and equitable society providing education and opportunities for all adults.

VALUES

LIFELONG LEARNING We believe that all adults can learn and grow.

EQUITY We create equal access to education because systemic injustices and oppression lead to unequal opportunities and barriers to participation.

INCLUSION We foster an inclusive and multicultural space in which all cultures, traditions, social identities, and ways of knowing are respected and welcomed.

COLLABORATION We seek out the knowledge and experience of our community and work with others on shared goals.

INTEGRITY We are honest and accountable to each other and our community.

CELEBRATION We believe learning is fun and empowering and deserves to be celebrated alongside the community we’re building together.

Literacy Source helps low-income adults gain the basic literacy and language skills needed to succeed in school, find a job, and create a better, more hopeful future. The combination of low literacy and limited English language skills puts many at a huge disadvantage in our economy. We believe in education, equity, and opportunity for all - and provide free tutoring, classes, and support to help individuals reach their goals and build a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

In addition to offering classes at our main Learning Center in Lake City, we partner with a variety of organizations to provide instruction at various offsite locations throughout Seattle and South King County. Our students range in age from 18 to 90, speak 50 languages , and represent 68 nations. They face great challenges and strive for success against tremendous odds: over 97% of our students are low-income, 88% are immigrants and refugees , and 13% are seniors. 55% of our students have less than 12 years of school and 31% less than 8 years. All of our students, however, share one common element - the desire to learn, to achieve, and to live a better life. Learn more about our programs here .

Literacy Source began in 1986 and operates as an independent 501c3 nonprofit with 12 full-time and 12 part-time staff members and an annual budget of approximately $1 million.

ABOUT OUR CO-LEADERSHIP MODEL

As Literacy Source operates as an adult education school in a nonprofit form, it needs executive leadership with expertise in both adult education and nonprofit management. Recognizing that these are two different skill sets requiring different areas of expertise, our model has two Co-Executive Directors to jointly lead and manage the organization. Together they will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to shape Literacy Source’s future, incorporating diversity, inclusion, and equity into all aspects of its operations.

The Managing Director will focus on Literacy Source as a high performing nonprofit organization. Specifically, they will be responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships with community partners and funders and will ensure that the finances, fundraising, communications, human resources, and center operations are effectively and efficiently supporting the organization to fulfill its mission.

The Educational Director , who has been hired and will begin July 1, will focus on Literacy Source as an adult education school. They will be responsible for developing and maintaining high quality educational programs and instruction and for representing Literacy Source in the Adult Education community. They will oversee evaluation, development and implementation of educational policies, and will ensure adherence to governing standards for program quality .

Key Responsibilities of the Managing Director :

• Staff Leadership & Support: Hire, supervise, and prioritize the professional development of a high performing and diverse staff team. Ensure that staff have what they need to be successful in their roles. They will directly supervise the Finance & Contracts Manager, Fund Development & Communications Manager, Data Manager, Volunteer Program Manager, and Center Operations Coordinator.
• Fund Development: Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, working with the Development and Communications Manager, including garnering support for Literacy Source’s continued impact by developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, engaging in major donor cultivation, grant writing, supporting board members in fundraising efforts and building philanthropic and corporate partnerships.
• Financial Management: Provide overall financial oversight of the organization. Working with the Finance Manager and the Finance Committee, maintain sound financial practices, prepare the annual budget to reflect organizational needs, and ensure sufficient funds in support of the strategic plan.
• Partnerships & Communications: Foster and strengthen relationships with strategic partners in support of Literacy Source programs and students and serve as a primary spokesperson to convey the mission and vision of the organization.
• Program Development & Management: In partnership with the Educational Director, provide leadership and vision for program development aligned with the strategic plan, budget, and community needs and opportunities. Ensure best practices in organizational administration, including compliance with regulations and accountability with contractual obligations.
• Center Operations: Working with the Center Operations Coordinator, ensure effective operations at Lake City Learning Center.

Shared Responsibilities with the Educational Director:

The Educational Director and Managing Director will jointly lead and manage the organization and will both report to the Board of Directors. They will work collaboratively in making organizational decisions and in representing Literacy Source in the community. Shared Responsibilities include:

• Organizational Health: Foster and support a highly collaborative and team-oriented work environment, with meaningful and appropriate staff input and involvement in decision-making.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Build the organization’s capacity as an anti-racist, multi-cultural organization incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion into all organizational realms.
• Board Relations : Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and board member participation. Support board committees]]>

Job Tags

Similar Jobs