Executive Director for Literacy Coalition Job Description

Executive Director

The Literacy Coalition of Herkimer & Oneida Counties

The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties

MISSION OF THE LITERACY COALITION

The Literacy Coalition connects organizations in our region to the funding, advocacy, professional development and service support they need to increase the availability of high quality literacy programs. Through collaboration, the Coalition will raise awareness of low literacy, provide links to services and encourage the residents of Herkimer and Oneida counties to become lifelong learners. The goal is that through these commitments, all residents will have the opportunity to fully participate in society and support their community as active citizens.

THE POSITION

The Executive Director of the Literacy Coalition under the leadership of The Community Foundation and principal partners will lead a community-wide collaboration of businesses, schools, community and faith-based organizations, volunteers, institutions of higher education and individuals to create and carry forward the Community Literacy Plan. The Executive Director will be an employee of one of the partners. The employer may also be the fiscal agent or another partner may fulfill that role.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Literacy Coalition and the Executive Director will work on behalf of the community to raise literacy levels to ensure that everyone in Oneida and Herkimer counties reach their highest potential for employment, self-sufficiency, inclusion in society and life-long learning. The Executive Director of the Coalition will provide leadership in developing and implementing the vision, mission, values and strategic goals.

Specific duties include:

1. Implementing the Community-wide Literacy Plan
• Work with a consultant to develop, implement and manage the community-wide literacy plan that will serve as the blueprint for all community activities supporting efforts to raise literacy levels.
• Lead the Literacy Coalition in promoting the achievement of the Community Literacy Indicators fostering significant improved literacy development in the areas of early childhood, school based, out of school, adult education, workforce development and lifelong learning.

    2.        Fund Development/Sustainability

• Develop and manage systems for resource development, impact measurement, strategic planning, decision-making and on-going communications with interested parties and literacy providers while engaging the literacy network in the community plan.
• Establish and maintain a relationship with the NYS Education Department in order to access their knowledge and expertise in the area of literacy.
• Establish and maintain relationships with elected officials, businesses and community stakeholders.
• Develop and implement in cooperation with the Leadership Council the legislative agenda for the Literacy Coalition.  
• Facilitate preparation and implementation of a long-range financial plan.
• Facilitate preparation of all fundraising materials, grant proposals and implementation of an annual budget.
• Identify types of special events appropriate to the organization’s image and purpose.

          3.        Leading the Literacy Coalition

• Oversee the work of the Literacy Action Teams that meet monthly or as determined by the needs and priorities of the Literacy Coalition to address long-term and short-term targets and specific strategies to effectively measure literacy success.
• Continue to develop the collegial relationships with community stakeholders that were developed during the planning process, such as direct one-to-one communication, public presentations, written materials and online networking tools.
• Advocate for increased literacy support through collaborative efforts and a united voice.

IDEAL QUALITIES AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in related field required; Master’s degree strongly preferred; at least 5 to 7 years of experience working in the education, business or non-profit field preferred. Key attributes include: inclusive and welcoming, excellent communicator, sharing the spotlight, trustworthy. Skills required: group facilitation; conflict resolution; fund development; and knowledge of literacy landscape and issues.

• Excellent written, verbal, public speaking and technology skills. Coordinate projects, prepare correspondence, produce written reports and proposals, make public presentations, and facilitate planning meetings.
• Act as a collaborator, unifier and negotiator who can build strong and effective relations with a variety of organizations in the community as an energetic team player.
• Self-starter who initiates and pursues objectives in an organized and efficient manner, working either independently or as a team member.
• Needs to be credible both with community leadership and have the respect of coalition members.
• Strong ability to persuade, advocate, develop support of 100% community engagement.
• Passionate about literacy at all levels.

Because the position will require extensive relationship building with non-profits and volunteers, individuals with strong interpersonal, oral and written communications skills should highlight these skills in the cover letter. Candidates with a sense of humor and desiring to make a difference for the community are most welcome.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position. Competitive salary and benefits are dependent on experience.

TO APPLY

Inquiries, applications (including a resume, cover letter and three professional references), and nominations should be directed to Marie Piayai at mpiayai@foundationhoc.org. Please list ED: Literacy Coalition in the e-mail subject line. A review of candidates will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until March 9, 2012. Only candidates who are being actively considered will be contacted.