Executive Director, Break Away

Posted by on June 26, 2004

BREAK AWAY? EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Break Away?: The Alternative Break Connection, Inc. is seeking applicants for an anticipated vacancy in the Executive Director position. Please distribute freely to qualified applicants. Read below or visit the Break Away website at <a href="http://www.alternativebreaks.org">http://www.alternativebreaks.org</a> for more information on the organization.

Break Away? is a membership-driven, national nonprofit organization whose mission is to train, assist and connect campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative break programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship. Founded in 1991, Break Away’s vision is a society of active citizens: people who value community and make social action a priority in their life choices. Break Away provides training and support to anyone interested in implementing alternative break programs, including nonprofit organizations seeking to utilize alternative break volunteer groups. Break Away is the recognized leader in its field and drives the national alternative break movement through more than 100 campus "Chapter Schools," over 300 nonprofit "Host Sites," and hundreds of individual members worldwide.

The Break Away Executive Director is responsible for overseeing every component of Break Away operations, including curriculum development and program design, membership development, training and technical assistance, public relations, and fundraising. The successful Executive Director will possess a balance of administrative, financial and organizational skills as well as extensive postgraduate experience with alternative break program development and leadership training. Please see the description below for more specific job responsibilities.

A bachelor’s degree is required for this position. However, competitive candidates will have a master’s degree or three years of professional experience with alternative break programs. Involvement with Break Away programs, especially on the national level, is a plus. Desired qualifications also include knowledge of service-learning and familiarity with the nonprofit sector. Break Away is an equal opportunity employer; qualified individuals of all racial and ethnic backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
* Provide entrepreneurial leadership for consistent fulfillment of the organization’s mission by identifying and pursuing opportunities to advance
long-term goals, including the continuous improvement of curriculum and program design, development of strategic partnerships, and incorporation of emerging trends and best practices;
* Manage and attend weeklong national Alternative Break Citizenship Schools (ABCs). Includes facilitating site selection, contract negotiation, logistical preparation, social issue education service project development, temporary staff recruitment and hiring, curriculum development/program design, and more. Present workshops based on the Eight Quality Components, Active Citizen Continuum, and other Break Away curriculum and methods through 4-8 weekend Site Leader Retreats tailored for leaders of individual campus alternative break programs nationwide;
* Recruit, train and manage part-time and full-time volunteers, especially consultants for fall Site Leader Retreats and interns for summer months;
* Manage timely communication and facilitate sharing of ideas and best practices via email, phone, internet, and other means to member institutions;

ADMINISTRATION, FINANCES AND FUNDRAISING
* Develop and evaluate progress toward annual goals. Work with Board of Directors to develop and evaluate progress toward long-term strategic plan;
* Work with Board of Directors to develop and fulfill annual budget;
* Manage legal reporting and filing requirements, including payroll taxes, sales tax, charitable solicitation registration, trademark registration, federal and state annual reports, and more;
* Monitor the financial performance of the agency and adjust operations as necessary; Develop goals and implement strategies for increasing school and nonprofit membership;
* Record all income and expenses using QuickBooks software and produce monthly financial statements Submit grants for organizational and program-specific funding;
* Develop and execute annual individual direct mail campaign(s);
* Price products and services to meet costs and achieve targeted profit margins;

BOARD DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS
* Serve as staff to the Board of Directors. Ensure that the board has the timely information, training and logistical support to carry out its function;
* Serve as chief spokesperson for Break Away, actively working to raise its visibility and ensuring that the organization is effectively presented to the public;
* Develop and maintain effective working relationships with collaborating agencies, members, the media and government officials;
* Manage website development and produce brochures and other marketing materials;

HOW TO APPLY
Email a cover letter, resume, and three references to: Sanjay Patel, Board Chair, sanjay@alternativebreaks.org. Applications received by July 7 will receive priority consideration. Only complete applications will be considered. Salary ranging from $20,000 to $26,000 dependent upon experience. Anticipated start date is mid to late July 2004.