Executive Director, Youth Enrichment Services Inc.

Organization Link
Youth Enrichment Services Inc.
Position Description

Youth Enrichment Services Inc. (YES), a $1M non-profit corporation headquartered in Boston, MA inspires and challenges urban youth with physical and mental activities that foster life-long respect for self, others, and the environment.  Founded in 1968, YES provides opportunities to develop self-confidence, leadership and job skills through participation in outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking. Between 1,500 and 2,000 youth, aged 8-18, participate in year-round programs: Operation Snowsports, Outdoor Adventure, and YES Academy. Volunteers staff the programs, an average of 150 people per year.

YES seeks a passionate and influential leader who can lead the organization as it continues to expand its services to the community. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead a three-person senior management team.

Summary

The Executive Director serves as chief executive officer, and as such, reports to the Board of Directors and has overall responsibility for the strategic, financial, programmatic, and management operations of the organization. In addition to internal management functions, the Executive Director serves as primary ambassador to the broader community: raising funds; cultivating relationships with donors; interacting with the media; and representing the community we serve. The Executive Director will be expected to build on YES’s excellent reputation, focus its strengths and visualize ways to leverage and increase its impact.


Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Planning -- Provide leadership in implementing the overall mission and strategy. Fine tune and implement long-range strategies and goals. Work with the board and management team to identify and set priorities, areas for improvement, and opportunities for institutional growth and increased impact. Manage relationships with the board, and help identify potential new board members and assist in their recruitment, orientation and ongoing engagement.
  • Public Relations -- Oversee all company communications including web site and public relations/marketing efforts in conjunction with board, staff, volunteers and consultants. Help raise the profile of YES through ongoing networking, cultivation of media contacts, and interaction with foundation representatives, academic leaders, nonprofit agency representatives, and community and business leaders.
  • Fund Development – Expand fund development efforts, including cultivation and stewardship of individual, foundation and corporate donors, and solicitation of major gifts. Direct and collaborate with the board and fundraising consultant on capital and endowment fundraising needs and provide leadership in developing plans and strategies to meet those needs.
  • Internal Management -- Lead and support the management team. Be involved in programs to foster trust and maintain positive morale and sense of teamwork among all staff and volunteers. Ensure required skills and competencies across functional areas. Encourage staff development and an entrepreneurial spirit. Maintain a climate that attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff with high leadership skills. Work with the board to implement YES personnel policies.


Requirements

  • Must have BA and at least 8 years of experience in progressively responsible leadership positions.
  • Have a passion for enhancing character in young people and adults.
  • A collaborative team leader who is not afraid to embrace change.
  • Have courage to initiate, to set things in motion, to move ahead.
  • A clear communicator and spokesperson for the YES mission.
  • Ability to work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Ability to build collaborations/alliances with other people and institutions.
  • Successful track record in raising funds from Individuals, corporations, and foundations.
  • At least a 4 year commitment to the job.


How to Apply

Send resume and cover letter to: Executive Search, Youth Enrichment Services, 412 Mass. Ave. Boston, MA 02118, fax: 617-266-6168 or email: edsearch.yes@gmail.com No phone calls please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. YES is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation
The salary is commensurate with experience. YES offers competitive and flexible benefit packages.
Deadline
None noted.