Strategic Director, Philadelphia Student Union

Posted by on July 25, 2011

[posted 7/9/11]

Job Announcement: Philadelphia Student Union seeks Strategic Director

About: The Philadelphia Student Union (PSU) is a community based youth organizing and leadership development organization led by high school and middle school aged youth with adult support.  PSU is national leader in the youth organizing movement with school based, citywide, statewide, and national organizing campaigns and strategies, a well-developed media and communications infrastructure, and supportive programs and services for members.

The strategic director position begins in Fall 2011 and overlaps with PSU’s current Executive Director for four to six months at which time pending suitability the Strategic Director will transition into the role of Executive Director.   This is an exciting time to join a dynamic organization at a time of growth. The Strategic Director will be working with a strong team of leaders composed of students, alumni, staff and board members.

Responsibilities of the Strategic Director:

*Management and supervision of staff
*Coordination of strategy and tactics at all levels
*Coordination and leadership of coalitions and networks
*Leading national policy and base building work
*Leading external and internal communications
*Leadership development of staff and student members
*Strategic development and management of relationships
*Fundraising + financial management
*Organizing a school-based chapter

Qualifications of the Strategic Director:

Strong knowledge of an urban public education system as it fits within the larger system of public education nationwide. Knowledge of Philadelphia’s public education system, its history, current state, and trends is a plus.

A minimum of 3 years experience with the following:

·       Fiscal accountability and financial management

·       Organizing campaigns at various scales; successful implementation of strategy, tactics and vision

·       Working with young people [young people of color and poor young people] in an organizing or youth development capacity

·       Successful management of high-performing teams of staff and volunteers

·       Fundraising, including grant writing, individual donor fundraising, and major donor fundraising

·       Guidance and coordination of alliances and networks to impact policy on local, regional, and national levels

·       Media and communications strategy

How to Apply:

Serious candidates only.  Please send resume, writing sample, cover letter and three professional references to:

Philadelphia Student Union Strategic Director Search Committee
E-mail (preferred):  hiring@phillystudentunion.org
Mail: 4205 Chestnut St., Philadelphia PA 19104
No phone calls please.

Compensation:  Salary starts at $55,000; varies based on experience.  Full benefits including medical, dental and vision.  Generous time off policy.

PSU is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. People of color, women, working class people, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifying attributes:

·       Effective leader and supervisor

·       Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·       Ability to manage complicated workflow and multiple and diverse types of tasks effectively and efficiently

·       Excellent time management skills

·       Excellent follow-through – ability to consistently operationalize tasks and activities that lead to completion of goals and accomplishment of measurable outcomes

·       Demonstrates good judgment; professionalism, the ability to make smart decisions under pressure

·       Proven ability to build group cohesion and morale

·       Flexible, adaptable and clear

·       Strong dedication and extremely strong and demonstrable work ethic

·       Experience building relationships with multiple stakeholders including students, parents, principals, teachers, community organizations and community leaders, elected officials, religious leaders, funders, etc.

·       Demonstrated quick learner; ability to synthesize and internalize information quickly, incorporate it into strategy, communicate it to others