Save the Children is seeking a dynamic State Director to lead and grow our programmatic and advocacy work in South Carolina. She/he will provide overall leadership and representation of the organization as the senior staff member within the state while overseeing a high performing team. The State Director will work seamlessly with Save the Children HQ staff to develop and implement a long term strategic plan for our work in South Carolina. He/she will oversee program operations within the State, establish and strengthen strategic partnerships, align programmatic strategy and growth, secure additional funding, and drive our state level policy and advocacy agenda.
Leadership and Representation: 25%
- Lead State-level programs, operations, advocacy, fundraising, marketing and communication
- Establish and maintain relationships with State officials, donors and partners
- Establish and maintain strategic partnerships to scale the impact of our work and promote long-term sustainability
- Increase the visibility of Save the Children’s work in South Carolina – represent Save the Children to opinion leaders and high level officials; Host site visits for donors/VIPs; serve as a spokesperson with media and at state events
Program Strategy and Implementation: 20%
- Coordinate with National team to develop and execute long-term program strategies, focused on increasing reach and diversifying stable funding
- Work with partners to advance Save the Children’s Policy and Advocacy goals in South Carolina.
- Partner with National Education, Early Childhood and Child Protection teams to ensure programs meet quality standards
Operational Excellence: 25%
- Lead development and management of state-level annual budget and plan
- Oversee/implement all sources of funding to ensure donor compliance and efficient use of resources
- Build and maintain a high performing team – participate in the development of organizational design and staffing plan; lead recruitment efforts for state-based staff; promote staff learning and development goals
Partnership Development and Management: 20%
- Ensure effective management of sub-grants
- Establish State-level, county-level and local level, partnership strategy and relationships, including with key stakeholders, funders, and programs partners.
Public and Private Fundraising: 10%
- Identify competitive grants and partnering opportunities locally in partnership with National fundraising teams
- Identify and implement South Carolina-focused private funding strategy and pipeline at State level in partnership with fundraising and advocacy colleagues
- Raise incremental funds from local corporations, foundations and individuals; secure Gifts-in-Kind in partnership with fundraising colleagues
Required Qualifications
- 7-10 years of non profit or similar work experience (education, early childhood) with a minimum 5 years in a management role with progressive responsibility.
- Strong leadership and managerial skills
- Experience directing a large and complex grant portfolio
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across levels and locations
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Entrepreneurial approach for growing state-level presence and programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Established track record of donor relationships within South Carolina
- Extensive knowledge and experience working with child-focused organizations in South Carolina e.g. South Carolina Department of Education
- Strong network and relationship among funders, partners and policy makers in South Carolina
- Comfort working with high-level donors, board members, legislators and other VIPs
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities and with the American Management Association, as well as language learning opportunities