Berkeley Community Fund has reached a point where we are poised to expand our
Capacity – financially, organizationally, and programmatically. We are seeking an
entrepreneurial Executive Director who is ready to lead this growth.
Here is the complete job description:
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: BERKELEY COMMUNITY FUND
Mission: The Berkeley Community Fund (BCF) provides 4-year scholarships and mentoring support for academically-talented and resilient Berkeley public high school students attending four-year colleges. We grant partial scholarships – $4,000 per year for a total of $16,000 – and connect recipients with a dedicated volunteer mentor. Many recipients are the first in their families to attend college.
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We are seeking a non-profit leader with the ability to work collaboratively according to the mission set by an active Board of Directors. The Executive Director will be responsible for the fiscal health of the organization, consistent high quality delivery of programs and services, fund-raising and community outreach.
The Fund has reached a point where we are poised to expand our capacity—financially, organizationally and programmatically. The Executive Director will be entrepreneurial and ready to lead this growth.
The successful candidate will be action-oriented and creative with a proven track record of fund-raising, developing collaborative working relationships, and effective operational management.
This position is a unique opportunity for a culturally competent, articulate, and inspiring individual committed to leading a well-respected and effective organization.
Duties and Responsibilities
Fund Development
Assure that the organization has long-range and diverse funding strategies to support the successful implementation of programmatic and long-term goals. Identify and pursue grant opportunities and institutional funding sources. Develop, maintain, and nurture connections with donors. Lead expansion of fund-raising efforts.
Overall Program Management
Work in close collaboration with the Board to ensure that program objectives are clear and that activities are focused and consistent with the overall tone for the program. Serve as the primary contact and nexus for our Scholars and Mentors.
Community and Public Relations, Events Management and Marketing
Serve as the “face” of the organization, representing the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public. Increase the awareness, visibility, influence and impact of the organization. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Berkeley High School, community groups, and related organizations. Develop robust website and online social network presence. Work closely with the BCF Events Committee in planning, promoting and staging the annual scholarship awards ceremony, the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Award Dinner, the holiday party, and other events during the year.
Board Relations & Support
Lead the organization in accordance with Board direction. Work with Board leadership to further develop a diverse, effective and energized Board. Provide Board with adequate information to help members reach sound decisions and establish necessary and required policies. Prepare agenda for Board meetings; prepare and disseminate meeting minutes. Engage and support Board subcommittees.
Financial Oversight
Ensure that the organization is fiscally sound and that the budget supports implementation of the strategic plan. Recommend yearly budget for Board approval and manage organization’s resources within those budget guidelines. Monitor appropriate investment strategy for funds. Maintain relationship with fiscal sponsor agency. Annual budget is approximately $400K, including scholarship grants.
Competitive Qualifications
The ideal candidate will possess many, if not all, of the following skills and experience:
• A strong commitment to the mission, goals and work of Berkeley Community Fund.
• 3-5+ years of experience as an entrepreneurial leader — launching, managing and expanding programs, and managing people, preferably in a nonprofit or social enterprise.
• Proven (3+years) fundraising ability — developing, managing, and executing varied approaches to fundraising.
• Strong strategic, analytical and planning skills. Maintain a view of the overall business and financial situation when making decisions.
• Strong management and administrative skills, given growth goals. Flexibility to address evolving plans.
• Comfortable prioritizing tasks in a resource-constrained environment.
• Great organization skills — able to coordinate a number of activities with multiple components, requiring independent follow through and attention to detail.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with Board, staff, and constituents (scholars, mentors and parents).
• Must have ability for computer use, including use of a computer keyboard and reading a computer screen.
• Microsoft Office skills and strong technological competency. Comfort with blogging, email newsletters, social network tools and database management.
• Willingness and ability to work some weekends and evenings.
• Must have ability to work in an office environment and visit locations in the community. Occasional lifting and/or moving objects of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Cross-cultural competency. Comfortable working with older youth of varied ethnicities from low socio-economic backgrounds.
• Knowledge of Bay Area donor and education community.
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required.
This is a full-time position. Salary and benefits are competitive. To learn more about Berkeley Community Fund, please visit us at berkfund.org.
To apply, email cover letter, salary requirements and resume by Friday, March 1, 2013 to: EDSearch[at]berkfund.org.
Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered.
No phone calls, please.
About BCF
The Berkeley Community Fund was founded in 1992 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization by a group whose love for Berkeley and for a community of hope and equity inspired them to establish a fund that would reflect their optimistic, activist goals. In 2007, it changed its focus and has since that time directed all donations to scholarships and mentoring support for Berkeley High School students who have demonstrated academic commitment and the ability to overcome significant hardships in their lives to succeed.
