Posted on February 19, 2013

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Executive Director

The What If? Foundation is a small nonprofit in Berkeley, CA with an operating budget of approximately $500K and two full time staff members. The Foundation's mission is to feed and educate impoverished children in Haiti. Grounded in mutual respect, trust, and the belief that taking small steps at a grassroots level is essential to lasting change, "What If" and its Haitian partners, called Na Rive, have worked together to provide life-giving services to impoverished children for the last 13 years with the generous support of individuals, foundations, faith communities, and civic organizations. In addition to continuing to provide 1,200 meals each weekday and 200 educational scholarships a year, the Foundation is in the midst of a capital campaign (launched in 2012) to build permanent, safe structures for the programs it funds as well as a new, neighborhood school.

The What If? Foundation started solely as a volunteer-run organization and has grown to a staff of two who work collaboratively with the founder and Board of Directors. The current Executive Director is moving out of state this year. Consequently, we are seeking to fill her position. Our new Executive Director will have the opportunity to manage the What If? Foundation's development at this critical time in its history as it prepares to expand its reach and impact.

Job Overview

The Executive Director provides overall leadership for the daily operations of this heart-centered organization, ensuring the fulfillment of its humanitarian mission and strategic plan. The Executive Director has primary responsibility for the organization's administration, financial management, fundraising, public relations, and human resources management. The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Directors is responsible for setting the strategic direction. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Leadership (25%):

The Executive Director represents the Foundation and is responsible for developing and executing an annual plan for programmatic, operational and development goals. Working together with the Founder, the Executive Director serves as a key spokesperson for the organization to share the Foundation's vision and mission.

• Leads the creation, implementation, and updating of a strategic plan.
• Guides and executes the shared vision of the Foundation and its Haitian partners, Na Rive.
• Establishes and strengthens relationships and partnerships with stakeholders.
• Builds and motivates staff (currently one full time employee who serves as the Foundation's Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator) and a small number of volunteers to ensure effective operations and the timely accomplishment of goals, tasks, and projects, including the "Building the Dream" capital campaign project.

Fund Development (40%):

The Executive Director, working with the Board of Directors, is responsible for designing and carrying out the fund development plan, including the current capital campaign.

• Exhibits a passion for and is directly engaged in fundraising.
• Works with the Board and staff to secure adequate funding for the operation of the Foundation.
• Works closely with the Board, staff, and volunteers in the planning and execution of fundraising activities.
• Develops strong loyal relationships with supporters and cultivates potential donors.
• Researches and collaboratively executes grant proposals.
• Builds a positive fundraising culture within the Board and staff.
• Expands fundraising capacity.

Finance (10%):

The Executive Director, in partnership with the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee is primarily responsible for the financial health of the organization.

• Develops the annual budget.
• Works collaboratively to complete monthly financial statements, the annual 990, foreign bank and financial account reporting and other legal filings.
• Manages Foundation finances, including payroll, projecting expected cash flow, reconciling bank accounts, and monitoring use of funds.
• Manages the use of restricted income funds (i.e. grants, scholarship sponsors, capital campaign).
• Creates budgets for funding proposals.

Operations (5%):

The Executive Director efficiently and effectively manages the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.

• Provides effective staff management and training
• Facilitates effective communication and teamwork among the Board, staff, and volunteers to ensure the achievement of the Foundation's goals.
• Works as a Board/staff liaison; assures the By-Laws are adhered to and that all Board and committee meetings are properly documented; actively participates in Foundation Board meetings as a non-voting member, develops Board agendas and related materials with Board chair

Program Development (20%):

The Executive Director ensures that the programs in Haiti relate deeply to the Foundation's mission and that funding is used as intended.

• Maintains consistent communication and collaborates with Na Rive program director and program coordinators in Haiti.
• Receives and assesses information from Na Rive including financial reports, program status, problems and concerns
• Shares beneficial updates, photos, stories with Board and donors.
• Informs the Board of Directors about program needs, challenges, and successes by providing regular updates.
• Maintains and grows relationships with partnering organizations and individuals in
  Haiti. Travel to Haiti required. (Trips are usually twice/year and average 6 days.)
• In collaboration with the Board of Directors and partners in Haiti develops an effective reporting structure to measure outcomes for current programs and the new school and community facility the What If? Foundation is funding.

Qualifications

We are looking for a passionate leader and energetic fundraiser with the desire and will to advance and lead the What If? Foundation in its next stage of development. The Executive Director must have a deep interest in international philanthropy and working in partnership with a Haitian community, be a strategic thinker and planner, entrepreneurial in philosophy, possess business acumen, and be willing to work as a generalist in operations. Fundraising ability with foundations, corporations, faith based organizations and private donors is an important component of this position.

The ideal candidate would have the following:

• Energetic outlook and commitment to What If? Foundation's mission, vision and values
• Exceptional communication skills; articulate, with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively; the ability to write compelling proposals and funding documents; comfortable connecting with and inspiring a wide variety of audiences/donors.
• Strong attention to detail; organized and systematic; ability to juggle long and short term priorities and projects.
• Appropriate combination of higher education and program expertise that includes directing and supporting staff as well as working closely with a committed Board and volunteers.
• Five years of professional progressively responsible positions in a similar field or comparable non-profit organization, with experience in public and community relations, fund development and strategy, finance, budget and operations preferred.
• Ability to make decisions independently combined with an ability to work as part of a team; ability to creatively problem solve
• Professional presence, flexibility, patience, compassion, and humility.
• Desire and ability to travel bi-annually to Haiti (trips average 6 days).
• Ability to converse in French or Haitian Creole a plus

Compensation

Dependent on qualifications and experience. As a very small organization, the What If? Foundation does not offer health insurance, but does have a Healthcare Flex Spending Account for its staff. 4-5 days a week with flexible work environment (offering option to work occasionally from home).

Application Instructions