Executive Director – San Francisco

Employer: First Graduate

Position: Executive Director

First Graduate
Founded in 2000, First Graduate is a San Francisco-based educational nonprofit that helps young people finish high school and become the first in their families to graduate from college. Its unique model makes a 10-year comprehensive program commitment to each of its 150 students. First Graduate is in its 7th year of operations, with its first class of students finishing their freshman year in college.

First Graduate has had significant success in implementing its model and sending students to college. The new Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on this success and reputation to create greater impact and stability. First Graduate's main goals over the next five years are to grow the number of students served, further improve and develop the program, and build private support from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

Board of Directors and Staff
An active and engaged 15-member governing Board of Directors leads First Graduate. Staff members include 9 program staff and 3 administrative/development staff. Program staff increases during the summer.

Position Description
First Graduate's Executive Director, working under the direction of the Board, is responsible for the overall management and operations of finances, development, personnel, communications, programs, and services. The Executive Director has primary responsibility for building and protecting the organization's financial assets, representing the organization to the public, and ensuring compliance with Board policies and legal and funding requirements. Principal duties include:
• Serve as ambassador, spokesperson, and advocate; articulate and promulgate the mission and goals;
• Build, manage, and lead staff; foster a culture of collaboration, respect, communication, professional development, and commitment to excellence;
• Analyze finances for management and programmatic information; maintain excellent financial operations; keep the Board Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee well informed; prepare an annual budget to be approved by the Board of Directors;
• Actively manage relationships with donors; attract financial resources through direct personal solicitation; assist Board members and other staff to be effective solicitors and representatives;
• Build and deepen relationships with all stakeholders and constituents, including students, their families, partner organizations, donors, and prospective donors (the public);
• Maintain effective communication with and engagement of the Board of Directors; help the Board chair to plan agendas and develop background materials for meetings; staff Board committees;
• Assist and support the Board in effective Board recruitment and orientation;
• Ensure programmatic excellence and impact by overseeing all activities to ensure that objectives are being met and standards upheld;
• In consultation with the Board of Directors and staff, develop and implement a multi-year strategy to achieve the organization's goals;
• Ensure accountability and compliance with all laws, regulations, and contractual or other reporting requirements from government or private entities; and
• Stay informed about issues, accomplishments, and wisdom in college access, education, equal opportunity, and youth services.

Qualifications and Characteristics
The successful candidate will possess these qualifications and characteristics:
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in areas involving education and youth development;
• Record of successful program administration;
• Nonprofit financial management skills;
• Experience working with a Board of Directors;
• Strong fund raising experience and skills;
• Excellent written and spoken communications skills;
• Personable manager of people;
• Leadership skills that inspire and engage;
• Cultural competence and experience working with diverse populations;
• Enthusiasm for mission; and
• Advanced degree (preferred).

Salary and Benefits
Salary will be commensurate with experience and salary history. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.

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