Executive Director

A BLACK EDUCATION NETWORK

APPROVED JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Overview

A Black Education Network (ABEN) wants to hire a visionary, mission-driven, entrepreneurial and collaborative executive leader who will succeed our founding Executive Director who has provided exemplary service to ABEN for 18 years. We are looking for an educational leader who has the training, experience and passion to implement innovative programs focused on achieving academic and cultural excellence by African-American children.

About ABEN

The vision of ABEN is to develop, support and sustain a national network of schools, churches, non-profit organizations, educators (broadly defined), researchers, parents, corporations, foundations and others to serve thousands of students through Saturday STEM Academies and related education and cultural programs and activities to ensure that Black students reach their full potential. Our mission is to “reverse the backward slide by facilitating academic and cultural excellence wherever our children and youth are—using culturally informed research, technology, visionary parent education and networking in our communities here and in diaspora contexts.” At ABEN, we work with partners who are “unapologetically” committed to providing African-centered education for Black students.

ABEN is governed by a distinguished, seven-member national board with leadership, management and fiduciary responsibilities. There is a core staff of three people who are supported by a national network of individuals that develop and implement ABEN programs at various sites around the country. ABEN has an annual budget of $500,000 and raises funds from a variety of philanthropic sources.

Strategic Direction

The Board of Directors recently identified the following strategic priorities for ABEN:

• Improving and expanding ABEN’s programs focused on cultural and academic excellence for Black students
• Developing and implementing a successful fundraising strategy
• Building ABEN into a highly respected, youth-serving organization
• Creating a dynamic strategic plan for ABEN
• Implementing a successful leadership transition strategy

Basic Responsibilities

The Executive Director will have strategic and functional responsibility for ABEN’s administrative, fiscal and program operations including the following:

• Fundraising and Revenue Generation: Ability to develop a feasible business model and implement a multi-faceted resource development strategy
• Field Leadership: ability to be a thought leader and articulate a strong, “unapologetically Black” voice on behalf of for Black children, families and communities
• Fiscal Management: Ability to do financial planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting based on standards in the field
• Management Systems/Operations: Ability to establish administrative systems/ operations that are efficient and effective
• Vision, Mission and Strategy: Ability to imagine, articulate and operationalize the strategic aims of an organization
• Program Management and Evaluation: Ability to design, plan, implement and evaluate core programs based on best practices in the field
• External Relations: ability to implement a marketing/branding strategy and develop strong partnerships with key stakeholders to advance the organizational mission
• Human Resources: Ability to build and maintain a dedicated, cohesive and capable staff team
• Board Relations: Ability to work collaborative and collegially with a board of directors

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have the following education/training, experience and knowledge/skills to effectively serve ABEN:

Education/Training and Experience

• Masters degree required, Ph.D. or ED.D. degree desired or equivalent education and training
• At least 10 years of program leadership/experience in a school system and/or nonprofit organization
• At least 5 years of executive management experience in a school system and/or nonprofit organization

Desired Knowledge and Skills

Organizational planning; fundraising/resource development; fiscal management; program development, management and/or evaluation; personnel management; teaching, counseling and/or school administration; technology; research (and publishing); public policy; strategic communications/marketing; and working with a nonprofit board of directors

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors, supervises an administrative team, leads the educational network and partners with organizations in multiple communities.

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following information: (1) an application (attached), (2) a cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in the Executive Director position, (3) a signed copy of the California Consent to Background Check Form (attached) and (4) a list of three references with contact information. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on December 31, 2019.

ABEN offers a competitive benefits package that includes vacation/holiday/sick leave, medical/dental/vision insurance, life and long-term disability insurance and a retirement contribution.

ABEN is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting a broadly diverse pool of qualified candidates for this position.

A Black Education Network (ABEN)

Application for Employment: Executive director position

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Position Desired

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Last Name

First Name

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EDUCATION

High School Graduate or Equivalent (GED)?

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Institution Name and Location:

College Technical School

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LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

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WORK HISTORY

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May We Contact the Supervisor? Yes No

Achievements

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May We Contact the Supervisor? Yes No

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May We Contact the Supervisor? Yes No

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REFERENCES

Please list three (3) professional references not related to you, with full name, email address, telephone number and relationship.

Name

Email Address

Contact Number

Relationship

CERTFICATION: I certify that the facts set forth in this Application for Employment are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that if I am employed, false statements, omissions or misrepresentations may result in my dismissal. I authorize the Employer to make an investigation of any of the facts set forth in this application and release the Employer from any liability. The employer may contact any listed references on this application.

Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ________________

California Consent to Background Check Form

• *I am a prospective employee with A Black Education Network (ABEN)

Name:

Address:

City:

State/Zip

SSN

I, _________________________________________, hereby authorize A Black Education Network (ABEN) and/or its agents to make investigation of my background, references, character, past employment, consumer reports, education and criminal history reports, which may be in any state or local files, including those maintained by public and private organizations, and all public records for the purpose of confirming the information contained on my application for employment, and/or obtaining any other information, which may be material to my qualifications for employment. A telephone facsimile (fax) or xerographic copy of this consent shall be considered as valid as the original consent.

I, hereby consent to the Company’s verification of all the information I have provided on my application form. I also agree to execute, as a condition of employment or of continued employment, any additional written authorization for the Company to obtain access to copies of records pertaining to this information. I also herby authorize the Company’s access to any medical histories pertaining to me and any other individuals who due to my employment may be covered by any company medical or insurance program.

With regard to foregoing disclosures, I hereby agree to release any person, company or other entity from any or all causes of action that otherwise might arise from supplying the Company with information it may request pursuant to this release. I understand that any false answers or statements or misrepresentation by omission, made by me on this application or related document, will be sufficient for rejection of my application or for immediate discharge should such falsifications or misrepresentations be discovered after I am employed.

Applicant:

Signature

Date

Work Location:

• Fully Remote

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Flexible schedule
• Professional development assistance