Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of Grace Network of Martinsville and Henry County, Inc. including service programs, fundraising, and agency operations. Areas of responsibility include planning and evaluation of programs; implementation of policies as developed and approved by the Board of Directors; management and evaluation of personnel, both paid and volunteers; fiscal management and accountability; fundraising and public relations. This is a full-time position, hired by and directly accountable to the Board through its elected chair.

Responsibilities

1.        Management and Administration

a.    Directly responsible to the Board of Directors for the daily operation of Grace Network’s building, programs and services.

b.    Directly responsible to the Board for implementation of its plans, policies, procedures, and decisions, and ensures compliance with guidelines; serves as the interpreter of board policy to the staff.

c.    Carries out organizational goals and objectives consistent with the mission and vision of Grace Network.

d.    Plans the work flow of the agency, including staffing for effective service. Oversees all programs, services, and activities to ensure that the program objectives are met.

e.    Maintains or supervises the maintenance of accurate statistical and financial records; submits these to the board in the required time frame.

f.      Provides information requested by the board for evaluation of the organization’s activities.

g.    Maintains safe and efficient operation of the physical plant.

2.        Financial Development, Fiscal Management and Accountability

a.    Creates and implements annual development plan and strategy.

b.    Cultivates and nurtures relationships with current and potential partnering congregations and their members, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

c.    Prepares or facilitates the preparation of grant applications and funding proposals.

d.    Ensures compliance with the guidelines of all funding sources and submits all required reports on time.

e.    Ensures effective audit trails for daily transactions to provide proper fiscal records and reports.

f.      Approves day-to-day expenditures under limits set by the board; follows proper channels for approval of larger expenditures.

3.       Management and Evaluation of Personnel

a.    Administers board-approved personnel policies.

b.    Coordinates, in collaboration with the board’s personnel committee, all volunteer training events.

c.    Directly supervises or provides for the supervision of all paid staff and volunteers.

d.    Oversees any and all disciplinary actions of the paid staff and volunteers in collaboration with the Board Chair, and the personnel committee if necessary.

4.        Public Relations

a.     Maintains and nurtures the positive reputation of Grace Network.

b.    Coordinates public speaking engagements for Grace Network; makes presentations to groups.

c.     Oversees the creation of all agency brochures, newsletters, and other written materials promoting Grace Network.

d.     Maintains contact with congregations for the purpose of establishing and nurturing partnerships and resource building.

e.    Continually increases awareness of, participation in, and commitment to Grace Network through effective promotion of its services.

f.     Ensures regular media communications to the community regarding Grace Network services.

g.    Represents or provides representation for Grace Network to all Nonprofit Leaders Network meetings as well as other community meetings of interest to or impact on Grace Network.

h.    Attends classes, workshops, and seminars related to responsibilities and/or Grace Network’s mission as approved or requested by the Board of Directors in order to stay informed of current issues and trends.

5.        Implementation of Board Policy and Vision

a.    Develops and sustains positive and effective relationships with the Board of Directors.

b.    Works with the board to develop an active planning process to set annual organizational goals, operating budget, and policy recommendations.

c.    Assists the board chair in planning the agenda and materials for board meetings and committee meetings; attends meetings as requested by the board.

d.    Tracks all board actions and maintains a reporting process by preparing monthly, written reports to the Board of Directors for each meeting. These reports will include financial statements and accurate statistical data, analysis, and recommendations for programs and policies.

e.   Articulates a vision for the future of the organization within the larger community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·        Knowledge, understanding, and commitment to Grace Network and its mission and partnerships.

·        Ability to establish and nurture significant relationships with board members, staff, organizations, congregations, other nonprofits, businesses, and persons of diverse backgrounds at all levels within the community.

·        Ability to tactfully and articulately communicate, both orally and in writing including formal communications and presentations, the Grace Network mission to all audiences.

·        Strong client-centered service philosophy.

·        Strong negotiation skills.

·        Advanced computer skills, especially Microsoft Office Suite programs [Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint]; and ability to work with Grace Network’s Social Solutions database.

·        Knowledge of social service case management model and outcome-based evaluation of programs and services.

·        Proven grant writing and fundraising skills.

·        Ability to work well under pressure and deal with frequent interruptions courteously.

·        Ability to work a flexible schedule which includes evenings and weekends as necessary.

·        Excellent organizational skills.

·        Ability to supervise others in a professional manner.

·        Sound judgment in making management decisions and interpreting the intent of rules and procedures.

·        Effective delegation skills and the ability to rely on and nurture the gifts of others in the organization.

Physical Demands

·         Ability to meet the physical demands of the job.

·        While performing the duties of the job, the employee must be able to move from room to room to be able to communicate with clients and staff members.

·        Ability to sit and stand for extended periods [one or more hours].

·        Position requires moderate manual dexterity for typing and computer skills.

·        Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. There may be some eye fatigue from working at a computer terminal.

·        The employee must be able to perceive and to respond to fire alarms in a calm, rational manner, making sure that the other staff members and clients are safely evacuated.

·        Works in normal heat and light conditions with some exposure to seasonal draft conditions.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree or degree in process preferred. A combination of education and experience equal to a bachelor’s degree will be considered. Experience in supervision and administration, especially in planning and overseeing programs, desired. Non-profit experience a plus. Member of a partnering congregation of Grace Network preferred.

Position

Full time exempt; may include some evenings and weekends. This position may also include attending professional meetings, workshops, or other activities which may be deemed necessary.

Reports To: Board of Directors