Executive Director

Center for Black Excellence

Location: Portland, Oregon

Compensation: $175,000-$200,000

Motus Recruiting and Staffing is proud to partner with the Center for Black Excellence in its executive search for an Executive Director.

ABOUT THE CENTER FOR BLACK EXCELLENCE:

The Center for Black Excellence (CBE) supports student learning and brings a strong commitment to social and racial justice in education by providing services that advance success and posterity in the Black community. The CBE seeks to positively impact Black excellence, and in-turn progression, by providing access to collective brilliance within the community and center.  CBE leverages collective strategies and community-led best practices to fulfill the center’s vision.

OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE:

The Executive Director (ED) will provide general leadership for the center’s success, overseeing strategic planning and development for long-term growth. The ED is responsible for stewarding the center’s vision, reporting to the Board, and collaborating with community stakeholders. The ED is responsible for the coordination of qualitative and quantitative measures of success. The ED will curate the methodology and framework for success, provide leadership, and coaching, and oversee all programs associated with the CBE’s mission. The ED will report to the Board of Directors.

Salary range for Executive Director: $175,000-$200,000

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies and activities
• Develop, recommend, and monitor annual and other budgets; approve expenditures
• Establish internal controls and a fiscal management system, including reporting and documentation
• Submit monthly financial statements to the Board of Directors
• Prepare and submit grant applications and funding proposals as appropriate
• Maintain all grant management and tracking documentation
• Establish HR/Payroll functions

Board Governance

• Assist the Board Chair in planning and preparing materials for meetings
• Initiate and assist in setting priorities and developing policy recommendations
• Facilitate the orientation of new Board members
• Effectively and regularly communicate with the Board of Directors

Management and Administration

• Develop and facilitate an active planning process
• Develop and implement organizational goals and objectives consistent with the mission and vision of the organization
• Oversee all programs, services, and activities to ensure that program objectives are met
• Oversee business development and ensure Legal and HR compliance
• Establish processes and infrastructure for evaluation of the organization’s activities

Internal Leadership and Management

• Aligns team goals and direction with the mission, vision, and values of the organization
• Identifies staffing needs to meet work expectations, using a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens
• Organizes and manages workflow to ensure employees have adequate information and resources to meet job expectations
• Use of equity tools to guide leadership, planning, operations evaluation, and decision making

Portland Public Schools (PPS)

• Participate and lead cross-functional teams to plan, manage to implement a district-wide plan for The Center for Black Excellence
• Negotiate, manage and execute contracts and service agreements to support the implementation of the CBE’s Board vision, in partnership with Portland Public Schools
• Work with school communities, culturally specific community partners, and the PPS Office of Research, Assessment, and Accountability to ensure all Black students are represented accurately in data and there is an understanding of student’s needs, assets, and educational growth and achievement

Communication and Convening

• Experience engaging and partnering with executive leaders and elected officials
• Possess an inspiring public presence and public speaking skills
• Ensure strong community, business, and partner agency relationships in support of Black excellence
• Build strategic partnerships, alliances, and coalitions with culturally specific organizations to understand the needs of Black children and families
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Center for Black Excellence Steering Committee, comprised of a consortium of Black-led and Black-serving organizations
• Serve as CBE’s key brand ambassador through media, public speaking, and writing
• Consistent awareness of trends and opportunities that align with the organization’s mission

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

• Demonstrated sensitivity to DEI and social justice issues within a community setting
• Proven track record of being able to manage time effectively, organization, prioritization, and attention to detail while performing multiple duties
• Systems thinker, with a track record of problem-solving both independently and collaboratively and identifying solutions to complex issues
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with community organizations, public and private agencies, faculty, staff, and students
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, and move complex projects forward while paying attention to details and deliverables
• Be familiar with the Black history of the Oregon region and the ability to empathize with the disparate experiences and create authentic relationships and sustainable transformation
• Knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations (e.g., language, culture, race, physical ability, sexual orientation, and gender diversity)
• Knowledge of or experience working within a policy or legislative process as an advocate

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in education, social work, communications, management, program administration, cultural studies, or a related field. Work experience may be a substitute for a degree.
• 5-7 years of experience working with African American communities in education and related services.
• Three or more years of experience managing staff and teams of at least 5 persons

About Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc.

Founded in 2006, Motus is an award-winning recruiting and staffing firm in the Pacific Northwest, specializing in professional services and technology solutions. We are a group of people who not only recognize the importance of representation, but actively fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the recruitment process. Our goal is to educate organizations on the importance of DEI when hiring, promoting, and supporting diverse employees. We are calling organizations to demonstrate their commitment to DEI by being intentional about whom they hire.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, disability, or protected veteran status.