Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

The Executive Director will exemplify visionary and spiritual leadership and remain committed to leading a biblically integrated educational experience for Deaf and hard of hearing students (DHH) from infancy through grade levels within a bilingual-bicultural model prioritizing the use of American Sign Language (ASL) alongside English. This leader will focus on increasing student enrollment, ensuring more families are aware and have access to an excellent Christian education for Deaf or hard of hearing students. Happy Hands Education Center (HHEC) never turns away a DHH child due to the family's financial situation. 

The Executive Director of Schools provides leadership and vision in the establishment and implementation of the organization's mission, goals, and strategic plans. The ED directs educational programs and services. The ED serves as the primary spokesperson for the schools before all audiences. The ED facilitates meeting the spiritual, educational, and developmental needs of the students, families, and staff. 

Happy Hands' ethos of generosity and vision to serve more students and families requires the ED to invest significant time and energy in resource development. The ED will foster strong relationships while inviting all to join the mission with their time, talents, treasure, and testimony. 

The Executive Director is responsible to the Happy Hands Educational Center Board of Directors.  

Requirements:

Qualifications  

• A faithful Christ-follower and member in good standing with a local Christian church, who agrees with the statement of faith (happyhands.org/about/our -statement-of-faith), and signs a commitment to the Biblical Lifestyle standards (in info packet) 
• Spiritual gift of leadership and effective one-on-one people skills 

Preferred Qualifications  

• Fluent in ASL and experienced with the Deaf community and Deaf culture 
• Preferred experience in personnel management of more than 15 employees 
• Knowledge of accounting principles and previous experience in nonprofit corporate finance 
• Recognizes the changes in Deaf education, such as the ASL/English Bilingual Approach and related legislation, including IDEA and ADA, as well as current issues, terms, and trends relating to the field of Deaf education. 
• Experience in planning and coordinating fundraising events 
• Office skills include word processing, accounting, communications, and public-media formats 
• Strong written, verbal, and ASL communication skills 

Education Requirements  

• Bachelor's degree in Deaf education, special education, business, human resources, law, leadership, or related field, or seven years applicable administrative and supervisory background in a nonprofit organization or a Christian school. 
• Education requirements for ED accreditation (Association of Christian Schools International) include 3 semester hours or 54 Continuing Education Units of Bible and Christian Philosophy of Education (can be completed within 2 years of hiring) 

Responsibilities  

The Executive Director will oversee the following: 

Administrative Operations  

1. Supervise the processes of the Development Department and the Business and Finance Office. 
2. Monitor and modify Policies and Procedures Manual. 
3. Guide the staff in the implementation of strategic plans. 
4. Develop and manage operational systems. 
5. Maintain culture and personnel reviews to ensure all staff behavior is conducted in a manner consistent with Happy Hands' Biblical, legal, and professional standards, as set forth by ACSI and the HHEC Employee Handbook. 
6. Supervise all employee human resource activity, benefits, and policies. 

Business and Finance Management  

1. Oversee all business and finance bookkeeping, communications, policies, and procedures. 
2. Ensure Happy Hands Education Center meets ACSI, ECFA, and Annual Audit best practices. 
3. Guide the development of the annual budget and monthly reporting. 
4. Maintain appropriate levels of property, liability, and director’s insurance. 
5. Direct the timely filing of all IRS and government-related reports and forms. 

School Program Services

1. Initiate program development (students and families). 
2. Oversee curriculum development. 
3. Maintain faculty, staff, administration, and volunteer on-boarding and development. 
4. Initiate spiritual nurturing components designed to enrich staff personally. 
5. Facilitate the licensing, accreditation, and therapy partnerships/contracts for compliance. 
6. Establish and maintain the evaluation of all education programs and support departments. 
7. Encourage participation in community, state, and national education outreach opportunities. 

Facility Management

1. Oversee all facility-related policies and procedures, assuring the facility is operated and maintained in a manner consistent with the health, safety, and security standards as set forth by DHS, OSHA, local fire department, Tulsa Health Department, and HHEC security guidelines. 
2. Approve contracts or agreements related to the upkeep of the HHEC grounds and facility. 
3. Monitor policies and procedures for building usage/rental/outside groups. 
4. Acquire and maintain appropriate property, equipment, and supply inventory. 
5. Update security, health, and licensing standards at regular intervals. 

Board of Directors’ Relationship  

1. Serve as the primary liaison and direct support to the HHEC Board of Directors as the executive employee of the Board of Directors. 
2. Assist the Board in the process of defining and moving toward approved long- and short-range goals for the Happy Hands ministry, which are consistent with the HHEC Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Objectives/Core Values. 
3. Attend all Board meetings as an ex-officio, non-voting member.
4. Maintain a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors' Chairperson. 

Resource Development

1. Develop resources and donors sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. 
2. Develop and maintain relationships with donors and the giving community. 
3. Oversee the development team's endeavors to ensure continued growth in all sectors of the giving and community engagement. 
4. Guide community relations and communications programs. 
5. Supervise the research and writing of grant requests, planned giving, and other specialized opportunities.