Executive Director, Starfinder Foundation

Posted by on May 21, 2007

Executive Director
Starfinder Foundation
Philadelphia, PA

THE ORGANIZATION:
The Starfinder Foundation is a dynamic youth development organization that uses soccer instruction as a vehicle for developing the strong moral character, academic excellence, positive attitude, and leadership abilities of children in second through twelfth grades. Starfinder’s programs connect diverse groups of children from urban and suburban communities in the Greater Philadelphia region, promoting cultural acceptance through education, soccer, and community service. We provide children with soccer-themed lessons in geography, English, math, nutrition, and history as well as a character-building curriculum that teaches children to make healthy decisions about their lives. The programs also inspire high self-esteem, discipline, and good citizenship among its participants.

Established in 2002 as an independent 501(c)(3) organization, Starfinder is currently led by its founder and President, Tony Williams, and a 16-member board of directors. Starfinder has an operating budget of nearly $750,000 and an administrative and program staff of six full-time and two part-time employees, plus numerous volunteers, interns, and seasonal coaches and instructors. (For more information about Starfinder and its programs, go to <a href="http://www.starfinderfoundation.org">http://www.starfinderfoundation.org</a>.)

POSITION SUMMARY:
Starfinder seeks an experienced leader to serve as Executive Director and oversee all aspects of this dynamic youth sports education organization. The Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Directors, has primary responsibility for realizing the organization’s vision, as established by the Board, and overseeing the creation and achievement of annual goals and objectives. The new Executive Director will be expected to work collaboratively with an effective staff in day-to-day operations and must be proficient in developing and administering organizational infrastructure. The Executive Director will play a key role in guiding the organization through anticipated growth while maintaining stability and financial health. Upon hiring the Executive Director, Starfinder’s founder, Tony Williams, will shift to the position of Board Chair. He will continue to play a key role in setting organizational vision, as well as cultivating key funders and strategic partnerships, and working with youth in Starfinder’s programs. The Executive Director will work closely with Williams, as well as the rest of the Board.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Executive Director:
1 Manages all day-to-day operations and "business"-related activities of the organization, including the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and administrative systems;
2 Makes staffing decisions and manages the organization’s human resources, including leveraging volunteer support;
3 Works closely with the Development Director to ensure that funding needs are met; helps cultivate funder/donor relationships; represents the organization publicly.
4 Ensures the organization’s fiscal health by facilitating the development of sound operating budgets, maintaining organizational accountability to established budgets, and providing financial reports to the Board of Directors;
5 Manages the process of evaluating new opportunities and organizational-level changes of direction, ensures due diligence;
6 Oversees performance reporting for all aspects of the organization;
7 Facilitates thoughtful planning processes and monitors progress toward goals and objectives.

CANDIDATE PROFILE:
Preferred skills and experience
1 Effective management experience demonstrated by outstanding leadership of an organization or program that is highly respected in its field and by its peers.
2 Positive management style that is willing to delegate responsibility to staff when appropriate; allows for independence and creativity; and encourages teamwork and interchange of ideas.
3 Success managing an organizational or large-scale program budget, demonstrated by ongoing fiscal health and absence of debt/deficits.
4 Significant successful experience identifying, attracting, motivating, educating, directing, empowering, and retaining professional staff.
5 The demonstrated ability to articulate strategy and work through business problems while maintaining an understanding of the big picture.
6 Familiarity with nonprofit and/or educational environments.
7 At least five years of experience in a relevant leadership position
8 Successful tenure guiding an organization or entity through a period of sustained growth while maintaining operational stability.

Personal characteristics:
1 Passion for the Starfinder mission.
2 Ability to think creatively and to act decisively.
3 Goal oriented with a clear sense of direction and purpose.
4 A dynamic, values-driven leader with the ability to relate well to and motivate employees.
5 Excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, and technical reporting.
6 Highly organized and analytical with an aptitude for "systems" thinking.
7 Takes pride in achieving excellence.

This is a full-time, permanent position. Target salary $70,000 (commensurate with experience) plus benefits. Anticipated hire date: July 1, 2007. Starfinder is an equal opportunity employer. Please email resume and letter of interest to employment@starfinderfoundation.org.