Executive Director at Social Impact Partners for Connecticut

Social Impact Partners (SIP) expands pathways to living wage jobs and economic mobility for all by collaborating with partners across Connecticut to redesign state systems. SIP's vision is a thriving Connecticut where every person has equitable access to a high-quality education starting at birth and to career opportunities that lead to a sustainable livelihood. About the Organization Social Impact Partners for Connecticut pursues its vision by (1) addressing critical gaps in Early Childhood Education, and (2) redesigning education and workforce development systems to expand career pathways to living wage jobs and economic mobility. SIP works at two interconnected levels—at the community level, helping to scale nonprofit organizations and programs that meet critical needs; and at the statewide systems level, strategically engaging with state government and other stakeholders to develop and implement transformational changes in the state's education and workforce systems. With over a decade of growth and successful experience driving meaningful system-level changes, SIP serves as a trusted partner, advisor, capacity builder, convener, and catalyst for many stakeholders in government, the private sector, education, and nonprofit organizations. Notably, SIP supported Connecticut's Blue Ribbon Commission on Child Care, currently serves on the Governor's Workforce Council, and led the creation of the Career Pathways Commission. SIP brings unique strengths and capabilities to its work in Connecticut: We provide consulting support to government agencies, businesses, education institutions, and community-based organizations , reducing barriers that often confound system change initiatives. We have built a reputation for "getting things done." We are a consensus builder , listening closely to the ideas and concerns of all constituents to collaboratively drive change. We get deeply involved in designing innovative and practical solutions , integrating lived experience from proximate stakeholders with data-driven insights from successful operators. We offer a highly leveraged model . Our blended model of highly skilled professional staff, augmented by a cadre of 200+ experienced volunteer professionals, allows us to efficiently scale our impact. We develop and maintain a CBO network , characterized by strong, trusting relationships built through our capacity-building work with CBOs. We have built strong local credibility. We are flexible and adaptive , investing our time and energy with a long view while taking an entrepreneurial approach to pursuing the highest-impact opportunities. About the Role The Executive Director will collaborate with the Governor's Office to advance systems change initiatives in partnership with the Office of Early Childhood, the Office of Workforce Strategy, and the Career Pathways Commission. Spearheading SIP's next stage of growth and accelerating its impact across Connecticut, the Executive Director will lead organizational strategy and execution while developing the playbooks to transform early childhood education, career pathways, and workforce development systems, advancing economic and social mobility. The ideal candidate has led transformational systems-change initiatives at scale in education or workforce development at the city, state, or national level. Taking an entrepreneurial approach, they are an expert at forming effective cross-sector partnerships, building relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, from government, business, and grassroots organizations. Key Responsibilities Champion Advocacy and Statewide Systems Change Serve as the primary external face of SIP, building deep, trusting relationships with leaders across government, education, nonprofit, and the private sectors, making connections that maximize impact. Lead strategic initiatives, including the redesign of early childhood education systems, the development of innovative education and workforce programs, and improving education and employment outcomes for Connecticut students and workers. Champion a vision for economic mobility through prioritizing high-impact opportunities and by incorporating emerging technologies, innovation, data analytics, and industry trends into our core work. Translate high-level ideas, strategic plans, and opportunities into concrete actions within a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment. Approach challenges with deep curiosity and an entrepreneurial nature, taking calculated risks, such as funding strategic investments or shifting programmatic approaches, to accelerate progress. Identify, pursue, and strengthen strategic partnerships that drive meaningful, lasting change in Connecticut. Support Nonprofit Innovation and Grassroots Solutions Create and maintain strong connections with community-based organizations to ensure SIP's work is grounded in proven, grassroots solutions. Position SIP as a valued thought partner, influencing diverse cross-sector stakeholders to adopt a growth mindset and collaborate on shared goals. Apply effective consulting skills, proven frameworks, and a data-driven approach to drive economic mobility and workforce development outcomes through nonprofit partnerships. Recruit, train, and deploy a 200+ network of skilled volunteers who provide strategic consulting to local nonprofits. Mobilize Resources and Build Sustainability Champion our sustainability efforts; develop, steward, and mobilize long-term relationships with investors and networks to unlock philanthropic, public, and private investments. Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Director of Development to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities in Connecticut and nationally that are aligned with our goals. Anticipate shifts in the philanthropic landscape and seize opportunities that align with our mission and strategic priorities. Cultivate an Inspiring, High-Performance Culture Model SIP's core values of Equity, Humility, Collaboration, Optimism, and Impact, fostering a collaborative internal environment focused on closing the opportunity gap. Lead and mentor a high-performing leadership team with an action orientation, balancing accountability with the high degree of autonomy that defines our success. Cultivate a culture of creativity and calculated risk-taking that rewards team members for failing fast in pursuit of effective, lasting change. Maximize organizational capacity by effectively leveraging, developing, and appreciating the unique value that a volunteer network brings to our mission. Partner effectively with the Board of Directors to ensure deep alignment with our core values and strategic vision. Who You'll Work With You will report to SIP's Board of Directors and directly supervise the Chief Operating Officer, Director of Early Childhood Education, and Director of Education and Career Pathways , with overall responsibility for the organization of ~20 staff and ~200 volunteers. Required Skills and Experience 10+ years of executive leadership experience in the nonprofit, government, education, or private sectors. Demonstrated success leading cross-sector, system-change work at the national, state, or local level. Entrepreneurial with a bias toward action and a tolerance for calculated risk. Expertise in relationship building and a strong ability to develop and manage partnerships. Proven fundraising track record with foundations and major donors in collaborative environments. Effective recruiter and developer of talent who builds high-performing teams. Strong operational and financial management expertise with experience managing and stewarding a budget. Exceptional oral and written communication, networking, and public speaking skills; the capacity to clearly communicate vision, mission, and complex concepts to diverse audiences. Commitment to equity and inclusion, and to ensuring that every person in Connecticut has equitable access to a high-quality education starting at birth and the opportunity to achieve a sustainable livelihood. Preferred experience includes expertise in a relevant field, such as early childhood education, workforce development, and/or education and career pathways. Additional Details This is a hybrid role (in-office and remote) based in Connecticut. SIP's offices are located in Westport, CT, and employees are expected to work on-site an average of two days per week. This position requires periodic travel throughout Connecticut for meetings, events, and conferences. Equal Employment Opportunity Social Impact Partners is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to sound EEO practices in all professional activities and employment practices. We comply with the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act and all other applicable federal, state, and local laws. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. We prohibit discrimination, including harassment, against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or pregnancy status, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or any other category or characteristics protected under federal, state, or local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr