Executive Director
About GLSEN
GLSEN is a national education 501c3 non-profit organization, leading the movement to create safe and inclusive K-12 schools for all since 1990. We work tirelessly to ensure that all children can have a high quality education where they are safe and affirmed. We envision a world in which every child student learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and in turn is respected and accepted themselves.
Each year, GLSEN reaches millions of students and educators via action at the national, state, and local levels, with leadership from a national network of volunteer GLSEN chapters. Over three decades, GLSEN has improved conditions for LGBTQ students across the United States and launched an international movement to address LGBTQ issues in education and promote respect for all in schools. For more information on GLSEN’s policy advocacy, student leadership initiatives, school-based programs, research, and professional development for educators visit www.glsen.org.
In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic, GLSEN has quickly pivoted all of our work on-line, sustaining the relationships, community, and core sense of shared purpose that is the foundation of our power and track record of success.
About this Role
After a successful 20 years leading the organization, GLSEN's Executive Director is moving on to pursue new opportunities. The Board of Directors is now seeking its next Executive Director to lead the organization with a focus on long-term growth and success.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors and working closely with the executive team, the Executive Director will develop and implement the strategic vision for the organization, the growth of its 30 person team and its ~$7M budget.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Organizational Strategy and Leadership
- In collaboration with the Board and staff, design GLSEN's strategic vision and plan and oversee its implementation of strategy and cultural development. Lead with unimpeachable integrity every day
- Serve as a true culture builder and carrier; help GLSEN define and realize its optimal culture tied to its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusivity, anti-racism, gender justice and disability justice.
- Oversee all day-to-day operations (including program, fundraising, research & public policy, communications) and staff, with ultimate accountability for the success of the organization
- Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing and diverse team, including three direct reports, holding team members accountable for achieving ambitious goals and ensuring they have opportunities for growth and development
- Provide outstanding leadership and financial management to significantly grow the GLSEN organization internally as well as its external effectiveness
Programmatic Strategy and Research
- In partnership with the Board and the GLSEN team, identify the issue areas where GLSEN can make the most impact and develop new programs to drive mission impact
- Drive and oversee the execution of GLSEN's impact agenda across the chapters, volunteer community, partner organizations, and the broader network
- Ensure the systems and processes are in place to support GLSEN's programmatic efforts and future growth and scaling
- Monitor the political and advocacy landscape through research and make adjustments, as needed, to organizational goals, strategies, partnerships, and approaches
External Leadership and Fundraising
- Serve as GLSEN's spokesperson for speaking engagements at a local, state and federal level; i.e. testifying before Congress, speaking on civil rights issues and policy initiatives that will advance the work of GLSEN and its impact on LGBTQ+ youth
- Manage and enhance relationships, and cultivate new ones, with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media, celebrities, policy makers, and other key influencers with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities in supporting and advancing GLSEN's mission.
- Market and brand the organization to heighten its profile and influence and raise funds to support its mission
- Develop and maintain successful relationships with a variety of funders, including corporate, foundation and individual major gift prospects
Board Engagement
- Cultivate a collaborative working partnership with the Board to increase engagement to capitalize on their strengths and expertise
- Implement Board policies, goals and objectives, in conjunction with the Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Executive Committee, in alignment with governance and by-laws
- Expand Board diversity and effectiveness by assisting in identifying, recruiting and developing new Board members
Candidate Requirements:
- At least 10 years experience in nonprofit leadership, including experience building and leading teams and guiding team members' growth and development.
- Familiarity with, and a passion for, LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education.
- An unwavering commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, with an ability to serve as an exemplar for the organization's values and foster an inclusive and respectful workplace.
- An authentic and clear passion for GLSEN's mission.
- Strong managerial and financial skills with significant experience leading strategic and operational planning and budgeting.
- Experience leading or collaborating with a Board of Directors.
- Skills and success in raising funds from a variety of sources including foundations, corporate and individual major donors.
- Superb written and oral communication skills, with experience communicating effectively in one on one and large group settings.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with a track record of building strong relationships cross-functionally and externally.
- Ability to create and maintain a collegial and positive work environment with high morale, professional standards, and productivity.
- Meticulous organizational skills; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Ability to build and maintain robust systems and processes.
- Leadership experience; takes initiative and has the ability to work independently.
- Emotional maturity and agility in working in a fast-paced environment.
Benefits:
GLSEN offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package, including: five weeks paid time off for new employees in addition to 10 paid holidays per year; 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance for staff and optional benefits for family members (including domestic partners); life insurance; and a 401k plan with increasing employer contributions based on staff tenure.
To apply for this position, visit on-ramps.com
GLSEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage people of color, people of diverse gender identities, people with disabilities, and women to apply.