Executive Director, Youth United for Change

Posted by on April 07, 2014

YUC is now seeking a new Executive Director.  Please help us find someone who is passionate about school reform, has organizing experience and has the skills to run a non-profit organization.  Please have interested candidates contact [email protected].

Youth United for Change (YUC) is a youth-led, democratic organization made up primarily of working class youth of color organizing for education reform. YUC believes that every young person deserves a quality public education that prepares him or her for success at a 4-year university, for a living wage job, and for active participation in civic life. Youth members work to hold school officials and government accountable to meeting the educational needs of Philadelphia public school students. This is done through a process of school/community-based organizing, a model that helps students realize the power that they have to transform their school and community. A diverse group of youth come together to identify common concerns, design strategies, and act collectively on their own behalf to create change.

YUC has played an integral role in a number of local and national campaigns ranging from ending zero tolerance policies and addressing the school to prison pipeline; improving the quality of school food; fighting for full funding and an end to school closures; calling for charter school accountability; and ending school pushout. We are searching for a new director to help us continue to move our important work forward.

SEEKING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR YOUTH UNITED FOR CHANGE
After 16 years, Andi Perez, the current Executive Director of YUC, has decided to start a new chapter in her career and we are seeking someone with her fervor, passion for social change, enthusiasm, strategic thinking and backbone to lead YUC.

YUC currently has a staff of four Youth Organizers and one Office Manager.  The annual budget is approximately $600K.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Monitor and ensure compliance with YUC’s mission and policies
•    Work with the Board to create and communicate a vision for YUC’s work
•    Responsible for the financial management of the organization
•    Responsible for fundraising, including grant proposals and reports, donor solicitation, events
•    Select, support and supervise all YUC personnel
•    Serve as a public face for the organization
•     Network and maintain relationships with school personnel, government officials,  organizational leadership
•    Maintain a deep understanding of the political climate on a local, state and national level
•    Represent YUC in strategic coalitions

QUALIFICATIONS
•    Bachelor’s Degree and at least 5 years of experience in community organizing required
•    Understanding of and commitment to YUC’s mission, values, and approach
•    Experience in non-profit management
•    Proven ability to write grant proposals and raise funds
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills
•    Work effectively in building and helping lead coalitions of diverse forces
•    Knowledge of youth development strategies, including youth organizing
•    Knowledge of the political climate on a local, state and national level
•    Ability to lead in a grassroots, team-oriented, diverse environment
•    Ability to bring an anti-oppression lens to the work
•    Ability to work under pressure and independently
•    Sense of humor
•    Commitment to on-going learning

Salary range is $55 to $60K.  Full benefits provided.  Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected].  Your cover letter should indicate the reason you are interested in this position and how your skills and background meet YUC’s needs. If you have questions about the position, please contact Elenor Denker at 917-568-5212.