Position Overview: RODS Heroes exists to empower individuals with Down syndrome to achieve their unique purpose and ultimately sing the song they are meant to sing. We accomplish this by inspiring families to answer the call to adopt a child with Down syndrome and sharing the light and joy of Down syndrome through inspiring storytelling.
We are seeking a dynamic Executive Director with a strong background in leadership, development, operations, and nonprofit management to lead our organization into its next phase of growth.
Our organization operates using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). We are seeking a leader who will assume the role of Integrator and will work closely with our Founder, who will continue in the role of Visionary of the organization.
The ideal candidate will excel in the critical areas of an Integrator, mainly, strategic thinker, strong communicator, process-oriented, people-oriented, organized, doer, goal and accountability-oriented, and coach.
For a detailed reference of the roles and relationship between an Integrator and Visionary, please refer to the book, Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman.
Key Responsibilities:
Director and Leadership:
- Provide strategic leadership to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
- Create exponential growth and expansion of Heroes Club
- Set ambitious fundraising targets and motivate the team to achieve them
- Monitor and drive performance metrics, such as family adoption inquiries, monthly contribution results, and pipeline activity
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key relationships and strategic partners.
- Lead high-level negotiations and participate in key client meetings
Human Resources
- Oversee hiring and recruiting of employees, onboarding, training, and team meetings
- Implement EOS systems and playbooks for organizational efficiency.
- Monitor weekly metrics to ensure proper growth or issues are resolved
- Manage time clocks, vacation requests, and employee schedules
- Oversee and promote a work culture of positivity and cause-driven focus.
- Facilitate and lead corrective action meetings to address operational challenges and ensure continuous organizational improvement.
- Manage employee separations in compliance with company policies and legal requirements.
Heroes Club Program Management:
- Work closely with key partners to grow the program
- Execute a strategic plan to scale the Heroes Club program effectively nationwide
- Recruit and manage a robust volunteer management system
- Onboard and train volunteers to ensure alignment with program goals
- Provide guidance and support to staff and volunteers to achieve program objectives
- Coordinate volunteer training sessions and appreciation efforts.
- Design program structure to meet inclusive needs in schools, neighborhoods, and communities
- Set goals, and metrics, and manage program logistics with staff and volunteers
- Lead regular meetings to review progress and address challenges
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, product, and other departments to achieve business objectives.
- Communicate effectively with the board of directors to provide updates on progress, opportunities, and challenges.
- Assist in grant writing specifically for the Heroes Club initiative
Public Relations and External Representation:
- Act as a public-facing representative when required, including media appearances, community engagements, and public speaking engagements
- Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with external stakeholders and partners
- Maintain meaningful relationships with other like-minded nonprofit organizations
Event Planning and Execution:
- Plan and execute events such as World Down Syndrome Day, Heroes Club Celebrations, and other outreach activities
- Coordinate logistics for Heroes Hours, fundraising events, and other related activities.
- Manage event invitations, promotions, and attendee logistics.
- Regularly attend and support events of organizations with a similar focus to RODS Heroes.
Donor Relationships and Fundraising Management:
- Work closely with the Founder and Director of Development to drive fundraising results
- Assist in fundraising efforts and organize donor cultivation events.
- Manage fundraising campaigns via the website and support independent fundraisers.
Board of Directors Support:
- Operate as the liaison and point of contact between RODS Heroes and our Board of Directors.
- Sustain meaningful relationships with the Board of Directors
- Prepare materials for board meetings, including evaluation of financials, metric reports, agenda items, and presentation
- Assist board members with RODS Heroes fundraisers, projects, and misc governance responsibilities
Qualifications:
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Director Experience: Proven experience in executive or senior management roles.
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Nonprofit Management: Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, governance, and fundraising.
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Leadership Skills: Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
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Communication Skills: Superior verbal and written communication skills.
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Organizational Skills: Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with attention to detail.
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Public Relations: Experience in public relations, media relations, or external communications.
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Team Management: Experience in recruiting, training, and managing employees and volunteers.
Additional Requirements:
- Currently resides or is willing to relocate to Northern Utah.
- Ability to travel as needed to meet clients and attend industry events.
- Proficiency in CRM software and sales management tools.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or related field preferred.