Executive Director

Executive Director

Department: Executive

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Preference for candidates located in NY/NJ

Description

About this Opportunity
The incoming Executive Director (ED) will have the opportunity to partner with our emphatically mission-driven team and board to steward the organization into the future. Our ideal candidate brings a deep connection to the small business community and a passion for our mission, as well as a successful track record as an organizational executive. This person will also demonstrate a history of advancing equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice, both internally and externally, in the organizations they have served.

Who You Are:
Mission-Driven Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making: Start Small Think Big is looking for a person with experience furthering the mission of a non-profit organization through shrewd decision-making, strategic planning, and effective management of the organization, including via interface with the organization’s board of directors.

Key qualifications:

• Prior experience at a senior executive level at a non-profit organization.
• Experience either making or advising on key organizational decisions and driving organizational success.
• History of managing the operations of a non-profit, with a preference for those at non-profits that directly serve clients and/or those that focus on economic development or entrepreneurship.
• Experience interfacing with key external stakeholders such as volunteer partner organizations, sponsors, and/or government agencies.
• Experience managing the process of financial forecasting/budgeting, planning, and strategy.
• Experience working with a nonprofit's board to leverage board member engagement and to align strategic planning and initiatives.
• Belief in, and commitment to, SSTB’s mission, as demonstrated by a track record in mission-driven leadership and/or promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for advancing equity.
• Experience working with/serving communities of color, directly and/or as part of an organization that focuses on providing such services.

People-Centered Leadership: Start Small Think Big is also looking for a leader who has passion both for the cause of small business development and for leading the great team at SSTB who does this work on behalf of our amazing clients. We are looking for someone who not only thrives at leading people, but actually enjoys the endeavor of cultivating success and professional development.

Key qualifications:

• Experience managing people, dividing work thoughtfully, providing both positive and constructive feedback, and establishing a culture of cohesion, respect, and well-being.
• Track record of helping staff become their best work selves.
• Proven ability to break down silos and promote cross functional communication.
• Demonstrable history of centering equity in decision making.
• DEI focus and experience, including demonstrably advancing equity and inclusion within organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizations through periods of transition, growth, or change.
• Ability to build trust, communicate transparently, and foster a sense of stability and continuity among staff, board, and external stakeholders.

Elevating an Organization’s Profile & Fundraising: SSTB is seeking a leader who can authentically and clearly represent the organization to external audiences, raise its profile by promoting the unique impact of SSTB’s important work, and distinguish SSTB from other non-profits to enhance development and fund-raising efforts. The ideal candidate will be able to increase, expand and diversify fundraising income for SSTB through proactive donor cultivation and by successfully expanding revenue generating and fundraising activities.

Key Qualifications:

• Significant, proven experience raising the profile of a non-profit organization through promotion, marketing, events, or social media strategy.
• Experience identifying, prioritizing, and pursuing partnerships and funding opportunities that align with strategic organizational goals, with a proven track record of raising $2-4 million – and the ability to achieve similar results for SSTB.
• Proven ability to manage a grant process from initiation through completion.
• Prior experience identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive growth, including developing and implementing growth strategies, building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients and partners, and managing teams to achieve growth and fundraising targets.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary for this position is $210,000 per year, with up to 10% additional performance-based compensation. In addition, the following benefits are offered:

• Generous PTO package (25 days) and all federal holidays
• 4-day work week (Mon - Thur)
• 6-days safe & sick time, separate from PTO
• Remote-first work arrangement
• Paid parental leave
• 3 paid volunteering days
• Competitive health insurance package with contributions for employee + dependents
• 401k with employer contributions up to $1,200 per year
• Access to other supports incl. pre-tax commuter plan, and life, dental and vision

Working Conditions & Travel

All Start Small staff work in a remote-first environment, with optional, self-determined, co-working days. For this role, in-person networking and relationship building is a central part of the role and is encouraged. While this is primarily a sedentary job, it may involve some movement to carry out your job duties, including traveling to meet with staff, attending conferences/panels, etc.

Reasonable travel to meet with team members is encouraged but not required. There may be a need for occasional, local travel to meet with clients and/or partners. Occasional out-of-state networking opportunities are offered and encouraged, e.g. conferences and panels.

To Apply: Please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in Start Small Think Big and how your experience aligns with our mission and needs to [email protected] . #J-18808-Ljbffr