Executive Director

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Perry School Community Services Center, Inc. (the Perry Center), founded in 1991 by residents of the North Capitol Street area of Washington, DC to create and operate a holistic approach to addressing the conditions of chronic poverty in the area, seeks a new Executive Director, who is a change leader, visionary, performance driven manager, and proficient in collaborating with established stakeholders and developing new ones. 

The Perry Center’s mission, through a collaborative, comprehensive and integrated approach to social services, economic empowerment and youth development, is to address the causes, and consequences of poverty, resulting in positive outcomes for youth, adults and families in the Greater Washington, DC metropolitan area with a specific focus  on the North Capitol Street corridor.  Headquartered in the historic Perry School in Northwest Washington, The Perry Center provides programs and services in youth development, social services and economic empowerment within a $2.5M annual budget.

The Perry Center, Inc. seeks a charismatic, goal-oriented Executive Director to take the organization to the next level by:

·         Carrying out the mission of the organization and policies established by the Board of Directors;

·         Providing support to the Board of Directors assuring knowledge, understanding , operations and responsibilities are communicated and enacted at all times;

·         Managing the day-to-day operations of the organization with focus on achievement of objectives and accountability;

·         Securing the necessary funding for operations and reserves;

·         Supervising staff and overseeing programs;

·         Fostering collaboration among The Perry Center tenants, public officials, and community organizations; and

·         Overseeing general operations of The Perry Center, Inc. (building) and Perry School Community Services Center, Inc. (organization). 

CORE COMPETENCIES Include:

Leadership 

·         Demonstrates a clear understanding of The Perry Center vision and mission, and is able to confidently focus others (staff, board, volunteers) on the priorities of the agency;

·         Is able to clearly discern and articulate the relevant agency issues to the Board, and provide the required background and education to support their decision-making;

·         Is able to communicate the impact of board activity and decisions to agency employees to facilitate internal alignment;

·         Provides strong mentorship to employees;

·         Is able to clearly establish performance goals, monitor progress, and coach employees to a high standard by providing the performance feedback and recognition that is important to their success, engagement and retention;

·         Anticipates barriers to on-going engagement and retention of employees and volunteers (e.g., GenX values and competitive compensation), and creatively finds ways to enhance the value proposition to maintain a win-win partnership;

·         Demonstrates the ability to assess others’ (employees, Board members, volunteers) strengths and interests, and leverage their unique talents;

·         Is able to determine skill ‘gaps’ (e.g., fundraising skills) that threaten agency deliverables and actively engage people with the desired competencies;

·         Demonstrates strong listening skills;

·         Is able to create an inclusive environment by actively soliciting and valuing others’ opinions;

·         Is able to motivate and focus others through both good and challenging times;

·         Takes the time to recognize and celebrate successes;

·         Is able to tailor their leadership style depending on the audience or situation;

·         Is able to respond quickly and decisively in crisis situations.

 

Operational Excellence

·         Establishes, monitors and enforces high quality standards to maintain a highly professional agency (e.g., proposals and letters are professionally written);

·         Demonstrates the ability to translate strategy into implementation plans (e.g. fundraising strategy);

·         Demonstrates strong project management skills;

·         Demonstrates a sound knowledge of the policies, practices, and laws that govern the operation of the agency, (e.g. financial), and is able to communicate and apply them to minimize risk to the agency;

·         Demonstrates a thorough understanding of all aspects of Human Resources (employment law, performance management, compensation, termination, etc.);

·         Is able to make tough decisions (e.g., vacation preferences, raises, termination) based on a sound rationale, and consistent philosophy;

·         Demonstrates an understanding of how to develop and interpret budgets (e.g., where funds are coming from);

·         Is able to ensure a good mix (and reserve of) funds to minimize negative impact of unforeseen circumstances;

·         Demonstrates resourcefulness and fiscal responsibility in deploying agency funds;

·         Demonstrates the ability to keep well-organized files related to the ‘running’ of the agency, (e.g. documentation, policies, procedures, systems) to facilitate the transfer of institutional knowledge management;

·         Demonstrates an understanding of sound case management practices;

·         Is familiar with basic documentation principles. 

Strategic Thinking

·         Demonstrates a strong vision of the possibilities to expand the current reach of The Perry Center;

·         Demonstrates a strong understanding of current and emerging community needs, and the on-going sustainability of current programs to meet these needs;

·         Is able to critically analyze the past impact and sustainability of current programs in context of the changing external environment (e.g., demographics, economic, funding) and leverage the potential of every program;

·         Demonstrates creative ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking in developing new programs and channels to achieve the mission;

·         Is able to step outside their comfort zone by taking educated risks to re-fresh The Perry Center brand;

·         Actively seeks external partners to create new opportunities (e.g. new funding streams) that are aligned with The Perry Center’s strategy to advance the mission and strategic agenda;

·         Recognizes the value of engaging with government and other agencies and demonstrates a willingness to collaborate;

·         Demonstrates good strategic and analytical thinking in deciding where to focus fundraising efforts based on potential outcomes;

·         Recognizes the need to make tradeoffs in activities, (e.g. speaking, meetings, grant writing) to achieve fundraising goals;

·         Develops a customized strategy on how to ‘pitch’ to different fundraisers;

·         Is able to clearly articulate (both in writing and speaking) a compelling reason to support The Perry Center and provide ‘evidence’ of outcomes;

·         Demonstrates flexibility in revising strategic plans and goals to minimize the impact of negative trends, or capitalize on emerging opportunities.

Optimistic Drive

 

·         Demonstrates optimism, focus and tenacity especially in challenging situations;

·         Focuses on finding solutions;

·         Learns from, and is not discouraged by, “failures” and does not dwell on past mistakes;

·         Enjoys a fast paced environment with multiple priorities and stakeholders;

·         Exercises sound judgment to determine priorities (recognizing that trade-offs are always needed to achieve the best outcomes, and avoid burn-out);

·         Is proactive in seeking help to resolve problems and challenges, (e.g., develops a network of informal, trusted advisors both inside and outside the agency for advice and support);

·         Demonstrates a sense of humor, the ability to laugh at themselves, and put things into perspective;

·         Demonstrates a healthy “work/life” balance;

·         Is committed to personal wellness and managing stress (e.g. takes vacation, makes time for family, friends, and personal interests).

 

Relationship and Public Relations

Acts in a manner that is consistent with being a leader in the community at work and in private-life;

·         Recognizes  s/he is the face of The Perry Center and the responsibility in upholding its reputation;

·         Demonstrates passion about the mentoring movement;

·         Easily engages people through  his/her positive energy and visibility in the broader community;

·         Demonstrates confidence, clarity and conviction in public speaking;

·         Actively networks;

·         Continuously renews and builds relationships that create opportunities (funding, program, volunteer) for The Perry Center and the mentoring movement;

·         Demonstrates the ability to clearly articulate why people should support The Perry Center by differentiating its ‘brand’ in the social services/anti-poverty movement, and quantifying the benefits it provides to the community (changing the ‘soft’ perception of The Perry Center);

·         Demonstrates a sensitivity to the communication needs of others;

·         Is able to relate and establish a connection with different types of people and groups (kids, parents, volunteers, staff, board members, and media);

·         Demonstrates political astuteness in crafting and delivering the appropriate message to each audience;

·         Demonstrates honesty, integrity, accountability and appropriate transparency in all relationships;

·         Builds trust through a direct approach in delivering both “good” and “difficult” messages.

QUALIFICATIONS include: 

• Preference for a Master’s Degree in Business or Public Administration with emphasis on Nonprofit Organization Management;
• Within the last year, completed at least five (5) years’ in a senior management position with programmatic, staffing and financial oversight and responsibilities consistent with this position;
• Demonstrated success of effectively leading change and organizational growth through strategic planning;
• Proven track record in nonprofit fundraising from government and foundation grants, personal and corporate contributions, and major donors at levels close to, or in excess of, the current Perry Center budget levels;
• Strong inter-personal skills including positive sound relationships with Board of Directors and staff;
• Demonstrated fund development, marketing and public relations experience to successfully engage in collaborative relationships with other organizations and institutions, stakeholders, funders, business partners, policy makers, media and communities;
• Demonstrated knowledge of poverty and social services issues and passion for The Perry Center mission.
• Possesses strong oral and written communications skills;
• Proficient computer and social media skills consistent with requirements and responsibilities;
• Integrity, professionalism, respect for diversity, commitment to mission, and the ability to inspire and motivate.

SALARY

Salary is competitive for similar positions and organizations with similar budgets.   Consideration will be made for previous responsibilities, ability and experience.  Candidates shall submit a salary history with their application. 

TO APPLY

Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume and three references with contact information to settleson@verizon.net, subject line: Perry Center ED.   Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled with the qualified candidate.  No relocation expenses are provided. 

The Perry Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a culturally diverse workplace.