Executive Director, Dress for Success Philadelphia

Posted by on January 17, 2011

Executive Director, Dress for Success Philadelphia

Posted on: January 5, 2011

Dress for Success Philadelphia, a program of Dress for Success Worldwide, is seeking an energetic, passionate self-starter to fill the role of executive director. The mission of Dress for Success is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Women are referred to Dress for Success Philadelphia when they have interviews scheduled and receive suits and accessories during their initial visits. Once they find work, they can return for up to a week’s worth of clothing and access to the organization’s employment retention programs, including the Professional Women’s Group, a monthly networking association.

The Executive Director is responsible for guiding Dress for Success Philadelphia toward accomplishing its mission, vision and guiding principles. The Executive Director reports to Dress for Success Worldwide and oversees the leadership and management of Dress for Success Philadelphia.

−Collaborate with staff, advisory board, volunteers and funders to accomplish the strategic goals of the organization.
−Responsible for working in conjunction with Dress for Success Worldwide (Worldwide), the advisory board and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of the organization by developing and then expanding diverse funding streams.
−Promote awareness and visibility of Dress for Success Philadelphia through a variety of forums, including public speaking, media (radio, television, newspapers, magazines, etc.) and other means of communication.
−Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the organization, identifying individual, foundation, corporate and public sources of revenue. Plan and execute special events. Play a meaningful role in all aspects of donor relations. Supervise the implementation and evaluation of all fundraising campaigns and events.
−In collaboration with Dress for Success Worldwide, identify and recruit potential board members.
−With Worldwide and staff members, establish annual and quarterly objective with regard to program delivery, fundraising, the volunteer program, marketing and other services. Conduct regular evaluations to assess progress; submit reports to Worldwide on the organization’s accomplishments.
−Foster and maintain relationships with Worldwide, referring agencies, local government, educational and community organizations and relevant partners of Dress for Success Philadelphia in order to fulfill agency’s mission, vision and goals.
−With appropriate staff, oversee the development and implementation of programs; ensure that programs operate effectively and that objectives are met.
−Hire, supervise and evaluate paid staff; help to implement and monitor personnel policies.
−Provide leadership, guidance and support to volunteers.
−Monitor receipts, expenditures and cash flow. Assist with the development of the annual budget. Develop and maintain a system of internal controls.
−Prudently manage the organization’s resources within budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations.
−Supervise all grants and contracts. Ensure that all goals and objectives are met and that funds are expended appropriately.
−Work with Worldwide and the advisory board to develop a strategic plan for the growth of Dress for Success Philadelphia.

Qualifications
−Passion and enthusiasm for helping women succeed in the workplace
−Minimum of seven years of experience with a demonstrated increase in responsibilities and at least two years in leadership roles; experience as executive director preferred
−At least four years fundraising experience, including knowledge of grant writing, individual and corporate giving and special events
−Extensive and diverse community contacts
−Working knowledge of non-profit fiscal management essential
−Demonstrated ability in public speaking
−Clear and effective written and oral communication
−Demonstrated energetic and visionary leadership
−Strong attention to detail; excellent time management and supervisory skills; ability to set priorities and delegate responsibilities
−Effective group and collaboration skills
−College degree required

Please submit a résumé and cover letter to Liz Carey, executive vice president of affiliate relations and information technology, at [email protected]. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.