Senior Executive Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Executive Director is a top leadership position within the district, responsible for providing strategic direction, overseeing operations, and driving the achievement of district’s goals. This role involves leading and managing teams, cultivating partnerships, and representing the district at a senior level.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Develop and implement the district’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the mission, vision, and goals.
2.    Provide visionary leadership to drive organizational growth, performance, and sustainability. 
3.    Oversee the day-to-day operations of the department, including budgeting, resource allocation, and performance management.
4.    Lead and manage a team of directors and managers, providing guidance, support, and mentorship to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
5    Collaborate with the board of directors, providing regular updates, seeking input, and ensuring effective governance and compliance.
6.    Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including partners, donors, government agencies, and community leaders.
7.    Represent the district at external events, conferences, and speaking engagements, serving as a thought leader and advocate for the organization's mission and initiatives.

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES CONTINUED

8.    Develop and execute fundraising strategies, seeking grants, sponsorships, and other funding opportunities to support district’s growth and sustainability.
9.    Drive district’s innovation and continuous improvement, staying informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
10.    Foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the district, promoting an environment that values and respects all individuals.
11.    Collaborate with the communications and marketing team to develop and implement effective strategies to enhance the district's brand and visibility.
12.    Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, and maintain a strong commitment to district’s integrity and transparency.
13.    Monitor and evaluate department performance, implementing performance metrics and reporting mechanisms to track progress towards goals and objectives.
14.    Identify and mitigate risks to the district, implementing appropriate measures to manage and minimize potential threats.
15.    Continuously assess and address the evolving needs of the district, adapting strategies and initiatives to drive impactful outcomes.

EDUCATION

Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related discipline.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a senior executive role, preferably within the nonprofit sector.

SKILL AND/OR REQUIRED LICENSING/CERTIFICATION

Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with a proven track record of developing and executing successful organizational strategies.
Demonstrated experience in leading and managing teams, fostering collaboration, and building high-performing organizations.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
Proven experience in fundraising and resource development, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and relationship management.
Strong understanding of governance principles and practices, with experience working with boards of directors and governing bodies.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance, legal, and compliance requirements.
Ability to navigate complex organizational and political environments, building effective partnerships and alliances.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and critically, analyze complex issues, and make informed decisions.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience integrating these principles into organizational practices.
Exceptional leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving organizational objectives.
Demonstrated experience in organizational development, change management, and performance improvement.
Passion for the districts’ mission and a strong commitment to making a positive impact in the community.
 

LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic oversight for multiple departments and/or a major division or for the entire district. Provides strategic direction and develops long-range plans which impact multiple departments or divisions. Using in-depth knowledge of multiple disciplines, identifies and evaluates high-impact issues, and provides strategy and direction to a major functional area or multiple departments. Establishes programs and policies, and ensures integration of operational objectives across multiple, major departments, program areas and possibly district-wide.

WORK COMPLEXITY/INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT

Work is non-standardized and widely varied, involving many complex and significant variables including significant time spent planning, evaluating complex solutions and issues, and negotiating outcomes. Strong analytic ability and inductive thinking are frequently required to devise new approaches to situations where previously accepted solutions have proven inadequate. Position regularly makes recommendations to management on areas of significance to the division. Supervision received typically consists of providing periodic coaching, advice and feedback.

BUDGET AUTHORITY

Participates in a group plan and/or budget development.

PROBLEM SOLVING

Decisions are made with greater freedom and discretion, including recommendations that are subject to approval on matters that may affect multiple departments across HISD. Job is frequently expected to recommend new solutions to problems, to improve existing methods/procedures/services and generate new ideas.  May also review decisions made by other individuals on more routine matters.

IMPACT OF DECISIONS

Decisions have considerable impact to multiple divisions or the organization district causing risks or improvements to relationships, significant efficiencies or delays in operations, and/or significant financial gains or expenses. Errors are serious and difficult to discover, normally involve decisions not subject to detailed review and will result in excessive costs and/or significant project delays.

COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS

Negotiate and influence - interprets department strategies and services, resolves conflicts, influences outcomes on matters of significance for the division, conducts final negotiations and coordinates approvals/decision making below the executive level. Interactions are typically with customers and Top Management.

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

Leads others in the resolution of highly sensitive and confidential issues on behalf of the department. Acts as a trusted advisor, and becomes involved in the customer's decision making process including presenting alternatives and information and applying persuasion and negotiation skills in the resolution of problems. Monitors customer service standards.

WORKING/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any hazardous or unpleasant elements.

Ability to carry and/or lift less than 45 pounds.