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Executive Director - Chapters Ahead, National - Position can be based anywhere in the United States

Posted: Friday, July 31, 2015


Organization Overview:

Chapters Ahead promotes lifelong learning, authentic community engagement, and social connections for adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities (DD). In 2002, Dr. Tom Fish and his colleagues at The Ohio State University Nisonger Center founded the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC), a community-based literacy program for people with DD.  NCBC is now the largest program of its kind, serving over 1,500 people weekly in over 250 book clubs across 5 countries through a network of affiliates who manage the clubs in their communities. Jot It Down (JID), which grew out of our experience developing and disseminating NCBC, is a writing club that gives people with DD supported opportunities to think creatively and express themselves. In 2011, we established Chapters Ahead, Inc. as a 501(c)3 in order to provide training and technical assistance for NCBC and JID to our affiliates. This model allows us to pursue a cost-effective approach to managing and expanding our programs.  For more information about our work, please visit www.nextchapterbookclub.org. 

Position Overview:  Based on the proven pedagogy and international scope of the NCBC, Chapters Ahead is poised for exponential growth. The organization is seeking an entrepreneurial, dynamic Executive Director to drive this expansion through the development and implementation of a strategic plan and the cultivation of key relationships with a variety of stakeholders. The Executive Director will draw on strong relationship-building skills, leadership abilities, and a high level of internal motivation in order to grow Chapters Ahead's impact through a diverse and disparate network of affiliates and clubs. S/he will need to be able to engage others in support of common goals, while also demonstrating comfort with working independently much of the time. For a mission-driven, strategic leader, this is an incredible opportunity to lead the growth of an organization that provides meaningful support and connections to individuals with DD.

Responsibilities:

  • Increase the visibility and awareness of Chapters Ahead's programming, services, and products through effective marketing, networking, and social media efforts
  • Establish a long-range plan for the sustainable expansion of Chapters Ahead,  to include:

   o   Developing and implementing strategies to grow the NCBC affiliates by 30% annually
   o   Determining the feasibility of expanding the JID writing clubs
   o   Identifying opportunities for research and evaluation activities that can measure the impact of
        Chapters Ahead's programming
   o   Exploring avenues for the long-term financial support of Chapters Ahead

  • Develop a Board of Directors with the expertise, networks, and resources needed to support Chapters Ahead's growth, building upon existing relationships in Chapters Ahead's current networks where appropriate
  • Cultivate relationships with potential partners (e.g. national/regional organizations serving individuals with DD, literacy organizations)
  • Ensure the availability of resources for training and technical assistance for NCBC and JID affiliates and identify activities that foster a sense of connection and shared purpose among affiliates
  • Manage day-to-day operations, including Chapters Ahead's budget

Qualifications:

  • Experience leading the development and expansion of a program, product, or organization
  • Strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to execute on strategy in order to meet ambitious goals
  • Skilled networker with excellent relationship management skills and experience in engaging stakeholders to work effectively in support shared goals
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to work effectively and proactively with a high level of autonomy
  • Excellent marketing and social media skills
  • Well-developed organizational skills
  • Passion for Chapters Ahead's mission of promoting learning opportunities, community inclusion, and social connections for individuals with developmental disabilities
  • BA/BS degree or equivalent experience required

To Apply:Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications of the position and stating how you heard about this opportunity, both in Word format, to Dr. Tom Fish at http://commongoodcareers.force.com/careers/ts2__Register?jobId=a0K1600000e0Wik&tSource=.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Chapters Ahead is an equal opportunity employer.

About Commongood CareersChapters Ahead has partnered with Commongood Careers to conduct the search for an Executive Director. Commongood Careers is a mission-driven search firm that supports the hiring needs of high-impact nonprofits. With an approach that leverages robust talent networks, recruitment and search management expertise, and a deep understanding of our clients' missions and cultures, we help organizations secure the talent they need to create greater social impact. Since our founding in 2005, Commongood Careers has led more than 700 searches at 275 organizations in 33 states, making us one of the most experienced and dedicated nonprofit search firms in the country.
Learn more about nonprofit job opportunities at Commongood Careers.