Operations / Administration Executive Director
Job Description
Educational Arts Team Seeks ED
Founded in 1974, the Educational Arts Team (EAT) is dedicated to bettering the educational and social lives of young people through creative writing, dance, drama, storytelling, music, and visual art. The organization fosters the creative spirit of children out of a belief that imagination is a positive force, which can change a child’s world. Through the arts, EAT helps children increase their self-worth, discover their individuality, gain pride in their heritage and community, heighten their academic achievement, and create a vision of a larger world where they can achieve their goals. EAT offers year-round workshops for students, hands-on training and professional development for educators, as well as holistic literacy workshops for parents and children to learn together. During the summer months, EAT operates Camp Liberty, an eight-week camp that provides over 1,000 children each year with artistic, cultural, and recreational experiences in a beautiful outdoor setting.
The organization currently has four full-time staff, six part-time staff, 50 seasonal staff, eight board members, and an operating budget of around $850,000. The organization is currently operating on a hybrid basis and has made adjustments to programming necessitated by COVID-19 protocols, adopting virtual delivery where possible, while planning for a return to in-person programming for the upcoming summer camp.
Position
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director of the Educational Arts Team (EAT) serves as the primary spokesperson and advocate for its mission. Under the supervision of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for planning, implementing and supervising all programs and activities of the organization while ensuring that principles of Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are embedded throughout the organization and it’s program offerings. This includes supervision of staff as well as the provision of guidance to educational arts programming. The Executive Director is also responsible for identifying areas of unmet program needs for new proposal development, and represents EAT publicly in a variety of forums for the expression of positions endorsed by the board as policy.
The ED will develop/maintain relationships with its members, elected officials and community leaders, generate new sources of revenue in support of EAT’s goals and commitments, and expand the reach of new and existing programming. The ED will work closely with diverse stakeholders to develop and maintain collaborations for programming, funding, and advocacy.
The ideal candidate should be an inspiring & results-driven leader with expertise in Arts Education, a passion for EAT’S mission and knowledge of the Jersey City Community
Responsibilities
Financial Performance, Fundraising and Viability: Develops existing and new resources sufficient to ensure the continued financial health of the organization
- Responsible for identifying and pursuing/overseeing fundraising opportunities, grant proposals and developing other tools and resources necessary to support EAT’s operations and mission and ensure the continued financial health of the organization
- Responsible for assisting with the fiscal integrity of EAT to include working in collaboration with the Treasurer of the board. This position assists with the submission to the Board a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial state of the organization;
- Responsible for the fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position.
- Promoting the organization among funders, nurturing important relationships, and ensuring appropriate compliance with funding requirements
- In partnership with the Treasurer and Finance Committee, responsible for the fiscal integrity of EAT, including performing organizational audit and provide necessary recommendations to the board
Board Governance: Works closely with the Board of Directors in order to fulfill the organization’s mission
- Responsible for leading EAT in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors
- Responsible for engaging and communicating effectively with the Board while providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information on activities, plans and state of the organization necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions
- Report to the Board on activities and plans, as well as regular and timely assessment of the organization’s financial position and needs
- Seek advice and approval from the Board of Directors on unmet program needs and new policies needed to procure funds and implement new programs
- Serve on all Board Committees as ex officio or designate an appropriate staff representative
Organization Mission and Strategy: Works with the Board to guide the organization and ensure that its mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, partnerships and community outreach
- Ensures principles of Justice, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are embedded throughout the organizations program offerings
- Responsible for oversight of EAT’s programs and program staff, ensuring the stability and/or growth of programs in keeping with the mission, vision and programmatic priorities
- Conduct a rigorous program evaluation and ensure programmatic excellence
- Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that EAT can successfully fulfill its mission into the future
- Review current systems and make recommendations around timelines and resources needed to achieve strategic goals
Community Engagement
- Responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with its stakeholders and collaborative organizations
- Being active and visible in the community by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations to strategically enhance EAT’s mission;
- Responsible for taking the lead in collaborating with municipal partners, to gain a deeper understanding of each community’s strengths and needs, with the goal of identifying where EAT can play a significant role in offering greater access to arts education.
- Represent the organization’s interests with Jersey City and New Jersey State elected officials and representatives including the Jersey City Board of Education.
Organization Operations: Works with and oversees the operations and business development of the organization to ensure that resources and business opportunities are maximized.
- Oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations, finances, budget, and programs, including managing and supporting staff, responsibly allocating resources, and ensuring contractual obligations are fulfilled
- Responsible for development and oversight of the operating plan
- Oversight of programs, staff, and general business development
- Provide appropriate support to development and communications staff
- Responsible for preparing and presenting monthly reports to the Board on the organization’s activities and progress in achieving its mission and reaching its financial objectives.
- Oversee Camp processes and plan for a return to “normal” school programs
Professional Qualifications
Leadership
- Passion for arts education with a knowledge of associated educational programming in literacy, SEL and DEI
- Enthusiastic, entrepreneurial, and visionary leader with outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with and build trust with a variety of community stakeholders
- A leadership style that encourages teamwork, collaboration, staff development, and effective delegation while inspiring and motivating all parties
- History of effective program planning, problem solving and the ability to implement strategic vision
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in education and/or workplaces
- Demonstrated ability to value and empower the creative process
- Ability to promote and sustain a positive work culture in an entrepreneurial setting among a small and diverse staff
Industry Experience
- At least 5 years experience working with diverse communities and an understanding of education in a highly diverse urban community, preferably working in the field of arts education, literacy, education or youth development
- Experience working with state agencies, county and district leaders, curriculum leaders, and educators to introduce innovative, inquiry-based instructional materials and learning tools
- Experience with developing and maintaining effective systems for program management
- Experience with collective impact
- Familiarity with Jersey City community
Nonprofit Management
- Proven management and leadership skills and experience developed over at least five years in nonprofits, preferably working in the field of arts education, literacy, education or youth development
- Strong financial acumen and budget management experience
- Demonstrated ability to interact professionally with dedicated Board and staff members who have diverse professional skills and perspectives
- Strategic planning and execution of mission driven strategy with the ability to measure and track impact with data
- An understanding of non-profit financial management and performance metrics
Revenue, Fundraising, Business Development
- Demonstrated business acumen, and experience in developing a sustainable business model with secure and diverse revenue streams
- A history of building and maintaining strong donor and funder relationships, creating an environment in which everyone is a fundraiser
- Demonstrated success in creating effective development systems which engage individual donors, foundations, corporations and government
- Experience securing and managing government contracts/grants
- Experience with earned income Models
- Experience cultivating donations through digital platforms (social media, web-site, crowdfunding, etc.) preferred
Program Development
- Experience in program management, expansion, and growth
- Experience with developing and launching innovative, culturally competent, new business and program activities
- Appreciation of the role of research and the use of data to inform and support an effective outcome model that measures and communicates the vision, mission, success and impact of the organization
- Experience institutionalizing program models and systems
Community Engagement
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity in local communities
- Articulate spokesperson able to increase visibility and articulate a shared vision
- Experience in building partnerships, collaborations and community recognition
- Experience with marketing and external communications
- Experience with elected and school officials/political savvy
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Knowledge of Jersey City and NJ State Government preferred
Technology
- Web-based Communications and Productivity Tools
- Experience using technology in the nonprofit environment
- Knowledge of online marketing and fundraising platforms
Facilities
- Knowledge of facility management and facility-based programming preferred
- Experience in lease/contract negotiation
Human Resource
- Demonstrated commitment to building an inclusive, accessible, and collaborative workplace
- Builds and develops strong teams through professional development and learning
Compensation
The successful candidate will be offered a competitive compensation package.
Location & Commitment Expectations
This job is a full-time position located in Jersey City, NJ
How to Apply
Applicants should reply with a resume and cover letter that references their experience in relation to the qualifications listed in the job description. No phone inquiries will be accepted. All inquiries and resumes should be submitted via email to edarts@supportcenteronline.org.
EAT provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable equal employment opportunity affirmative action laws, directives, and regulations of federal, state, and local governing bodies or agencies thereof. EAT will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, age, or marital status.
