Inner Explorer was founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to unlock academic potential, foster lifelong well-being, and catalyze compassionate action for millions of children, educators, and families through daily mindfulness practice. Inner Explorer has positively impacted more than 9.5 million students and teachers to date, improving their success in school and life. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee the strategic and operational aspects of our programs and staff.
The ideal candidate for this position will have experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, program development, community outreach, and a personal commitment to and deep understanding of mindfulness practices and their benefits.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and the board of directors. The candidate should also have a strong understanding of research and policy work to build an awareness and ultimately adoption of mindfulness as a critical component of educational curriculum and its significant, positive impact on children’s mental health and academic performance.
- Nonprofit management: Knowledge of nonprofit governance, fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.
- Strategic planning: Develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s mission and goals in collaboration with the board of directors.
- Leadership: Provide leadership and direction to staff and volunteers, ensuring that all activities align with the organization's vision and values.
- Fundraising and resource development: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes grant writing, donor cultivation, and special events. Identify and cultivate relationships with potential foundations, donors and sponsors, and work to secure financial resources to support the organization's programs and initiatives.
- Program development: Knowledge of mindfulness practices and how they can be effectively applied to different populations, as well as experience in designing and implementing programs that meet the community’s needs.
- Financial management: Develop and manage the organization's budget, ensuring that financial resources are allocated appropriately and in accordance with the organization's strategic priorities. Provide regular financial reports to the board of directors and ensure that the organization operates within its financial means.
- Board development and engagement: Work with the Board of Directors to recruit new members, develop board policies and procedures, and ensure that the board is fully engaged and active in supporting the organization's mission and goals.
- Community outreach and public relations: Serve as the public face of the organization, developing relationships with community leaders, foundations, donors, and other stakeholders. Represent the organization in public forums and ensure that the organization's mission and goals are well understood and communicated to the public.
- Staff management: Recruit, hire, and manage staff members and volunteers, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and resources to carry out their duties effectively. Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers and create a positive and supportive work environment.
- Master’s degree or higher in nonprofit management, psychology, counseling, social work, public health, or education
- Creativity: Ability to think creatively and develop innovative approaches to meet the organization's mission and goals.
- Mindful Practitioner: Personal experience with mindfulness practices and familiarity with mindfulness-based stress reduction concepts and methodology.
- Self-awareness: Committed to ongoing personal growth and development in order to model the organization's values and principles.
- Research: Understanding and past experience with developing evidence-based results; ability to speak to existing evidence to support the practice and benefits of mindfulness.
- Educational: Past experience in working with Pre-K through Grade 12 institutions
- Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, ICHRA
- Seven paid holidays plus four weeks paid vacation (two are non-flexible and correspond with school calendar time off in July and December) two must be taken within the year.
- Remote work environment
Inner Explorer is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse staff and creating an inclusive environment for all employees.