Executive Director

High Hopes Development Center

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the incumbent Executive Director, Gail Powell, joined High hopes in 2007. She plans to retire upon suitable identification and onboarding of a new Executive Director.

The Executive Director will help refine and execute High Hopes strategy and provide leadership excellence in the operational management of the center. He or she will be valued for fresh perspective, caring and compassion, educational, or experience with therapy for children with special needs, general business and financial acumen, with future vision concerning development, capital management and expansion opportunities. The Executive Director will interact regularly with the Board, Donors, Directors, Staff, Parents, the children we serve and on occasion, regulatory entities and government representatives. She/he will need to also be highly visible in the community and be an energetic, engaging, proactive and influential advocate for the mission. She/he must have a heart for children.

The Executive Director will be responsible for growing and leading operational functions that can scale with intended growth and satisfy the additional challenge and scrutiny that comes with scale. As High Hopes continues to grow, it is imperative that the qualities that differentiate the Center, most notably its high touch, compassionate model and its focus on children to remain fundamental.

The Executive Director will lead a team of roughly 80+ professionals and staff members through four direct reports, responsible for Therapy, Early Childhood Education, Development and Administration. While High Hopes understands that the next Executive Director will want to assess the team and organizational structure, High Hopes is confident in its strong talent currently within the organization. Attracting and retaining top talent will continue to be a key priority.

Job Responsibilities

High Hopes seeks a leader to both maintain the current level of success, and to work strategically to grow the mission of High Hopes.

Current non-profit executives at organizations of similar or larger scale would be desirable candidates. Similarly, educators, administration professionals, health care professionals or business leaders from other industries with the right combination of skills and experience would be welcome applicants.

High Hopes desires to choose from a diverse slate of candidates. Given High Hopes non-profit status, depth of experience in capital campaigns and fund development would be a strong plus.

Candidates should demonstrate the ability to provide confident direction during times of uncertainty as was experienced during the pandemic; and, positively lead change during a period of growth. She/he should have the poise and executive presence to represent the organization to an ever-growing group of internal and external stakeholders.

She/he must be both strategic and tactical, with strong self-awareness and communication skills and a penchant for over-delivering. Exerting influence in a collaborative, inclusive fashion is essential, as is the ability and willingness to personally immerse oneself in the details of the core functions of the day-to- day operation. Candidates must be proactive, detail oriented, fact-based and service oriented in their approach to work. Candidates with the aptitude and ambition to substantially grow the business well outside the “four walls” would be desirable, but later career candidates who could mentor and groom a successor would also be strongly considered.

Primary Functions:

1. Leadership, Management and Operations – The Executive Director shall:

1. Be responsible for High Hopes’ consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives.
2. Actively participate with the Board of Directors to assure development of a long-range strategy to achieve High Hopes’ mission and be responsible for implementing the strategic plan.
3. Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board.
4. Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of High Hopes’ work.
5. Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
6. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
7. Ensure the delivery of high-quality services by High Hopes while managing for current and future growth.
8. Increase efficiencies and consistency throughout High Hopes.

2. Fundraising and Communications – The Executive Director shall:

1. See that the Board is kept fully informed on a timely basis on the overall well-being and financial condition of High Hopes and all-important factors influencing it.
2. Publicize the activities of High Hopes, its programs and goals.
3. Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and High Hopes.
4. Represent the programs and point of view of High Hopes to agencies, High Hopes, and the general public.
5. Oversee operational fundraising planning and implementation, including funding sources and establishing strategies to approach funders.
6. Work in coordination with the Board and their fiduciary responsibility for Capital campaigns.
7. Formulate and execute comprehensive marketing, branding and development strategies for High Hopes.

3. Staff Relations – The Executive Director shall:
   1. Be responsible for the recruitment, employment, and release of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
   2. Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
   3. See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
   4. Encourage staff and volunteer development and education and assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the total program of High Hopes.
   5. Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people.
4. Budget and Finances – The Executive Director shall:
   1. Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices of High Hopes.
   2. Work with the staff, Finance Committee, and Board in preparing an annual budget and see that High Hopes operates within budget guidelines.
   3. Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit High Hopes to carry out its work.
   4. Jointly, with the President, Treasurer and Secretary of High Hopes, conduct official correspondence of High Hopes, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.
   5. Coordinate and review the annual IRS Form 990 filing and other reporting requirements.

Qualifications

• • • Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Management, Business, or related field required
    • Master’s Degree desired
    • 5-7 years of non-profit experience in an operational environment strongly desired
    • 5-7 years management or supervisory experience
    • Satisfactory results of a background check and any other requirements as may be dictated by the State of Tennessee.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Prospective candidates are encouraged to apply by sending a letter of interest and resume to Alex Geraughty, ageraughty@highhopesforkids.org for consideration by the Search Committee

Details

• Date Posted: January 3, 2022
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Accounting / Financial Management
• Service Area: Children / Youth