Free Science Inc. is searching for a part-time Executive Director.
The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with the Creative Director and Program Director. Other key duties of this position include project management, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and volunteer coordination. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Position Description:
Free Science Workshop in Ithaca, NY provides a supportive space for marginalized youth to experience interest-driven, self-directed project-based learning; rekindle curiosity about and creativity in the world around them; and gain new confidence and a sense of agency. If this interests you, check out our mini-documentary, website, and annual report for more information. Our workshop is one of five sites in the Global Alliance of Community Science Workshops.
The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with the Creative Director and Program Director. Other key duties of this position include project management, fundraising, marketing, community outreach, and volunteer coordination. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.
A background in science is NOT required. If you like what we’re doing and want to be a part of it, please don’t hesitate to apply. We have many community members involved who are passionate about science and can share their knowledge and resources.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
1) Board Collaboration:
Responsible for leading FSW in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
2) Financial Performance and Viability:
Responsible for fundraising and developing other income sources
Oversee and direct fundraising activities, grant applications, grant reporting, and other funding
Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, uses limited resources wisely, and maintains an overall positive financial position.
3) Organization Mission and Strategy:
Works with board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach.
Responsible for strategic planning to ensure that FSW can successfully fulfill its mission into the future.
Responsible for the enhancement of FSW’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations.
4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate.
Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
Responsible for effective administration of FSW operations.
Job Responsibilities
Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising, and increasing the overall visibility of the organization.
Supervise and collaborate with workshop staff and volunteers.
Solidify and execute strategic plan.
Timeline and oversee annual budget.
Serve as a spokesperson to stakeholders, community leaders, the media, and the general public.
Cultivate relationships with individuals and organizations toward fulfillment of FSW’s mission.
Successfully manage fundraising strategies and tactics, including but not limited to grant writing, drawing on existing networks, presenting to funders and foundations, and leveraging large fundraising events.
Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
Oversee organization Board and committee meetings.
Establish employment and administrative policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of the nonprofit.
Review and approve contracts for services.
Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
This position might be for you if you are:
Experienced in working with communities historically excluded from science and technology (such as rural, low-income, indigenous, and BIPOC communities.)
Passionate about social justice and environmental sustainability.
An exceptional written and oral communicator: You have excellent interpersonal skills – you’re a collaborator and a problem-solver who is often praised for your organization and attention to detail. You can translate complex work and the mission of Free Science Workshop to different audiences.
Team-oriented: You work collaboratively, both in-person and electronically, to envision and promote positive change, and to be supportive of others; you bring integrity to all situations.
Organized, thorough, and self-sufficient: you communicate consistently with your team, stay on top of your to-do list, and you don’t miss deadlines.
An excellent problem solver: You’re excited to take on diverse development challenges, identify where organizational operations could be improved, and propose solutions
Tech-savvy: You are excited by technology and eager to learn new programs with support from colleagues. You are interested in or have used technology in the context of advocacy, grants tracking and reporting. You have experience using a variety of collaborative software such as Google Suite and nonprofit financial management systems.
Professional Qualifications Needed
Transparent and high integrity leadership.
Five or more years senior nonprofit management experience.
Demonstrated experience in and commitment to working with historically disenfranchised groups.
Experience with and skill in working with a Board of Directors.
High level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to articulate the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers and donors.
Ability to effectively communicate the organization’s mission to donors, volunteers and the overall community.
Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.
A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.
Active fundraising experience. Excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the funding community.
Previous success in establishing relationships with individuals and organizations of influence including funders, partner agencies and volunteers.
Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.
Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Strong public speaking ability.
Strong work ethic with a high degree of energy.
Salary Range: 30k/year
Part-time hours: 20hrs/wk
Please keep resume down to one page, limited to position-relevant experience/education.