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Executive Director

This job is no longer available

Bethesda, MD, United States
Part-time

Join a team dedicated to revolutionizing the world of children’s literature from the inside out! What we need: A world in which all children can see themselves in the pages of a book. How will we get there? With a natural leader willing to continue the groundbreaking work of one of the most respected, grassroots change agents in publishing. Will you answer the call? 

We Need Diverse Books is a determined band of rebels challenging the publishing industry’s status quo, and now seeks an Executive Director to operate under the guidance of the CEO and Board of Directors. The Executive Director will be responsible for the planning, organizing, staffing, motivating, directing, and management of a non-profit focused on putting more books featuring diverse characters into the hands of all children. This person will oversee the day to day operations of We Need Diverse Books but also work directly with the CEO and a volunteer Board of Directors as well as volunteer leaders from around the country.

Qualified candidates will be passionate about children's books and will have experience in basic office administration and management. Excellent written and verbal communication is essential in working with our diverse partners. Budgeting, project oversight and event management are all required to ensure the continued success of our distinct programs.

Areas of Responsibility: 

Leadership

– Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization

– Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization

– Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization’s activities

– Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff

– In addition to the Board of Directors, act as a spokesperson for the organization

– Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate

– Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile

Operational Planning and Management

– Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its members and Board

– Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization

Program Management

– Oversee the administration of the organization’s programs, events and services including planning special projects

– Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board

Team Development/Volunteer Recruitment

– Determine staffing requirements, recruit, interview and select team members for organization initiatives

– Oversee the development and implementation of the policies, procedures and practices that guide team members

Financial Planning and Management

– Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization

– Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization

Community Relations/Advocacy

– Coordinate the development of the organization’s annual report

-- Liaise with the Social Media Manager to increase an on-brand social media presence

– Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

Risk Management

– Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization’s people (members, staff, board), property, finances, and image and implement measures to control risks

– Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage

– Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Educational Background: 
Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree preferred
Skills/Experience: 
  • Experience in motivating broad base of volunteer leaders
  • Transparent and high integrity leadership as well as passion, idealism and mission-driven mentality
  • Five or more years senior/executive level nonprofit management experience and/or children’s literature/publishing experience with a proven track record of successful facilitation of progressive organizational change and development
  • Strong mentoring, coaching experience to a team with diverse levels of expertise - Strong marketing, communications, public relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders
  • Strong organizational skills including planning and project management
  • Ability to convey a vision of the organization’s strategic future to staff, board, members and funders
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Strong technology skills – software and hardware
  • Flexibility to work evening/weekends
Compensation/Benefits: 

Based on part-time schedule (up to 29 hours per week) and commensurate with experience

How to Apply: 

Please send resume, cover letter, and professional writing sample of 500 words or less to: [email protected]

Additional Information: 

Background Check is Required

Organization Info

We Need Diverse Books

Overview
Headquarters: 
Bethesda, MD
Annual Budget : 
$100-500,000
Size: 
1-10 employees
Founded: 
2014
About Us
Mission: 

We Need Diverse Books™ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a grassroots organization of children’s book lovers that advocates essential changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects the lives of all young people.

Programs: 

Walter Awards -- A yearly awards ceremony that honors and celebrates diverse children's literature. The ceremony is held at the Library of Congress. 

Walter Grants -- We provide monetary grants ($2000 each) to promising diverse writers and illustrators who are currently unpublished.

Internships -- We award supplemental grants to students from diverse backgrounds to help further their goals of pursuing a career in children’s publishing.

Mentorship -- We support writers early in their career by pairing them with an experienced children’s author or illustrator.

OurStory App -- We created an easy-to-use resource — for kids, teens, parents, and educators — to discover diverse books.

WNDB in the Classroom -- We bring diverse books to economically disadvantaged schools.

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Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Jan 11 2018
Active Until: 
Feb 11 2018
Hiring Organization: 
We Need Diverse Books
industry: 
Nonprofit