Background
First Steps was created in 2005 by community leaders to serve as an independent and influential voice for early childhood in Kent County. As an objective and neutral entity, First Steps works to ensure the early childhood system is high quality and services are aligned and coordinated. It gathers information and reviews data to help the community make targeted decisions about where to focus resources, ultimately providing accountability for the money spent on early childhood in Kent County.
Since it was conceived, best practices have been researched and innovative pilot programs proposed and started to begin to fill gaps in service delivery.
First Steps received its start up funding from the Steelcase Foundation, the Frey Foundation, the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the State of Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation and recently the Kellogg Foundation. Operating since its inception under the fiduciary auspices of the Heart of West Michigan United Way, the First Steps Commission (Board) is moving to become a 501 c 3 non-profit entity. As it moves into this formal organizational structure, a full time Executive Director is needed.
The Position
The Executive Director will be responsible for the overall management, planning and leadership of First Steps. The Executive Director reports directly to the First Steps Commission through its co-chairs.
The Executive Director works with the Commission to establish the strategic direction of the organization and to develop effective policies and programs to support the mission and vision of First Steps. The Executive Director works with the staff to administer such programs and to implement the agreed strategy. The Executive Director leads the fundraising efforts to ensure that short term and long term fundraising goals are met. The Executive Director explains the purpose and programs of First Steps to community partners, policy makers, grantees, outside organizations and to the public. The Executive Director develops and administers standards and procedures related to human resources, budget and physical facilities, and has overall responsibility for staff management and development. The Executive Director provides supervision of the director of the Great Start Collaborative.
Responsibilities
In each of the responsibility areas the Executive Director is expected to work in partnership with the members of the Commission to achieve the Commissions goals. The desired goal is for the Commission and the Director tosupport, consult, and complement each other.
- Develop Intermediate and long term strategies for the organization that are established to achieve organizational vision, goals, objectives and policies.
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Provide direction for the implementation of policies approved by the Commission and serves as staff resource in developing and formulating policy, and provides staff for Commission and its’ appointed committees.
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Responsible for the effective hiring, development, management, retention and termination of all personnel.
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Teamwork among the leadership staff and full staff is developed and maintained to achieve organizational goals and objectives. As chief executive officer, directs staff to assure that team members work in a collaborative and productive manner.
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Represents the organization and promotes the goals of First Steps in appropriate community, state and national venues. Is a community champion for early childhood issues.
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Develops and maintains positive, constructive relationships with key constituent groups Ensures collaboration and coordination between all community stakeholders as the goal of all children ready for life and school is pursued.
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Develops and monitors effective financial administration policies and actions including budget development and reporting, financial controls, fiscal record keeping, and audit practices.
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Works with the Commission to develop funding sources for operations and pilot programs.
Qualifications
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Undergraduate degree required
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Minimum of 10 years experience in leadership position
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Demonstrated understanding of financial management
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Ability to work independently
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Strong collaboration abilities. Willing to work as part of a team or consortium to advance the goals of First Steps
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Creative, innovative, entrepreneurial spirit
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Strategic thinker
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Ability to motivate and listen to others
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Ability to work effectively and communicate with a variety of community constituents
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Hands-on, roll-up-your sleeves leader
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Demonstrated understanding of the organizational aspects of non-profit groups
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Demonstrated understanding of the legislative process at the national, state and local levels
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Dedicated to the mission of First Steps
Location
The First Steps offices are currently located in the Heart of West Michigan United Way building in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Interested candidates please provide a cover letter of interest, current resume, and salary expectations to: srex@waybetterunitedway.org Deadline to apply: July 3, 2009 EOE
