Executive Director

About the Job

Title: Executive Director - Foundation

Report To: Founder & Chairman, Louis Hernandez Jr.

ABOUT US:

Louis Hernandez Jr.'s Foundation For A Bright Future ("For A Bright Future," "FABF") is a US-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting the needs of underrepresented and underprivileged children through education, healthcare, the arts, and youth leadership development.

For A Bright Future is committed to helping students reach their full potential by equipping them with the necessary resources and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this, we foster relationships among local communities, businesses, schools, and donors as we work towards our vision. Our comprehensive programs encompass a range of initiatives, from scholarship programs to healthcare and innovative project-based learning pilots, such as our leadership development training and the Media Lab and Financial Technology (Fintech) Innovation Lab programs. These labs offer hands-on experience and equip students from diverse backgrounds with the skills and confidence they need to excel in today's.

Who we are looking for:

Our ideal candidate will be a motivational leader with a proven track record of success in nonprofit management, fundraising and operations. You will be passionate about our organization's mission and committed to achieving our goals. The Executive Director will be a strategic thinker who is able to balance short-term needs with long-term planning. They will have excellent communication skills and be able to represent our organization to a variety of audiences. They will be able to drive the performance of the programs in the most economically sustainable way, drive success with the grants, and drive success in the fundraising efforts. The candidate will also be able to coordinate the successful engagement of the board of directors and maximize their contributions to our cause.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations, including fundraising, program development, financial management, and staff supervision. As a mentor to staff, the Executive Director will motivate and empower the team to achieve their best work. In addition, the role will include recruiting, managing and optimizing the contributions to the board of directors.

In addition to their operational responsibilities, the Executive Director will be a passionate leader who inspires others to engage with our mission. You will work closely with the Founder & Chairman to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission. The Executive Director will also be responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership and Founder & Chairman Relations:

• Collaborate with the Founder & Chairman to ensure that the organization is fulfilling its mission.
• Provide regular updates to the Founder & Chairman regarding the organization's operations and performance.
• Work with the Founder & Chairman to develop and implement policies and procedures that support the organization's mission and goals.

Staff Management & Mentorship:

• Serve as a servant leader to the organization's staff, providing guidance, motivation, and support to help them succeed in their roles.
• Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration, encouraging staff members to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
• Develop and implement staff development plans to support the ongoing growth and professional development of each team member.
• Model and promote the organization's values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.
• Ensure that staff members are fulfilling their roles effectively, and work with them to identify opportunities for improvement and growth.

Financial Management & Leadership:

• Oversee the organization's financial management in partnership with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), ensuring that the organization is financially sound and operating with financial prudence for long-term sustainability.
• Develop and oversee the organization's annual budget, working with the CFO and other staff members to ensure that it aligns with the organization's goals and priorities.
• Monitor financial performance on an ongoing basis, tracking expenses and adjusting as needed to ensure that the organization is operating within its budget.
• Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided to the Founder & Chairman in a timely manner, working with the CFO to provide detailed financial analysis and reporting as needed.
• Collaborate with the Founder & Chairman and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings, while also ensuring that the organization remains financially stable and sustainable for the long term.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit financial management and ensure that the organization's financial policies and procedures are following all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Fundraising and Development:

• Develop and lead the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising and development strategy that aligns with the organization's mission and goals, with a focus on securing major gifts and individual donations.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with high-level donors, foundations, and other potential funding sources, working closely with the Founder & Chairman and other stakeholders to engage donors and secure major donations.
• Work with the Founder & Chairman and other stakeholders to establish fundraising priorities and opportunities, including annual giving campaigns, special events, and grant applications.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff and volunteers involved in fundraising and development activities, ensuring that all efforts are aligned with the organization's goals and priorities.
• Develop and implement donor stewardship plans to maintain strong relationships with donors and secure ongoing support, including regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities.
• Ensure that the organization raises enough funds to meet its annual goals and expand its mission reach and impact, monitoring progress toward fundraising goals and adjusting as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit fundraising and development, and work collaboratively with the Founder & Chairman and other stakeholders to continuously improve the organization's fundraising efforts.

Program Development and Management:

• Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans to achieve the organization's mission and objectives, including setting goals, identifying key priorities, and allocating resources effectively.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of programs, working with staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are executed with excellence and create the most impact for the mission of the organization.
• Expand programs and services as appropriate to fulfill the organization's mission, working with the Founder & Chairman and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.
• Ensure that programs are implemented in accordance with all relevant regulations and guidelines, maintaining compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Promote the organization's programs and services to key stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, community partners, and the media, to increase awareness and support for the organization's mission.

Marketing and Communications:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to increase the organization's visibility and reach.
• Create and maintain the organization's brand and messaging across all channels.
• Act as the organization's spokesperson and represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media outlets and reporters to secure press coverage and promote the organization's activities.

Strategic Planning:

• Work with the Founder & Chairman and staff to develop and implement the organization's strategic plan.
• Conduct regular assessments of the organization's performance and adjust the strategic plan as needed.
• Identify opportunities for growth and expansion and develop plans to pursue them.
• Ensure that the organization's programs and activities align with the strategic plan and the organization's mission and values.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, social work).
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in nonprofit management or a related field.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and development.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and budgeting.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
• Passion for the organization's mission and values.