SUMMARY 

The Youth Job Center (YJC) is searching for a visionary and entrepreneurial Executive Director, a strong manager and developer of people to lead the organization as it enters into its fourth decade.  The next Executive Director will bring a keen awareness of issues that overlap and intersect with YJC’s mission and how they impact the organization’s work in the community.  The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success in fundraising and financial stewardship; prior experience in staff development and mentorship; leadership and Board-level interactions; and, a knowledge and expertise in issues related to youth development, workforce development, and shaping an organization to better serve as a community resource to clients, employers, residents and other stakeholders. 

Operating on a $1.4 million annual budget, YJC is led by a 30-member Board of Directors representing business, nonprofit and community leaders.  YJC also benefits annually from the generous gift of time and talents of nearly 200 volunteers.   During the most recent fiscal year, YJC served 1,534 youth, placing 739 in jobs. Of these, more than 400 were in-school youth (ages 14-18) who participated in after school and seasonal employment. YJC also worked with more than 1,000 post-high school age (ages 18-25) by providing them with job readiness training, subsidized work experiences, credentialing and certification programs.  


THE ORGANIZATION

The Youth Job Center has been a leading provider of employment-related services for disadvantaged and at-risk youth in Evanston and Chicago, serving more than 20,000 young people during their 30- year history. YJC was founded with the belief that all members of the community are a valuable, untapped source of energy, talent and productivity.  

Since its founding, YJC has prepared youth ages 14 to 25 for success in the workplace by providing job-readiness, placement and employment support in partnership with employers. Each year, this vital nonprofit organization provides services to approximately 1,400 youth, helping them:
 

• Obtain and Maintain Employment
• Increase Income Potential
• Gain Meaningful Work Experience
• Develop Professional Skills and Behaviours
• Enhance Feelings of Independence, Confidence and Self-Worth

The Youth Job Center Mission

We prepare youth ages 14 – 25 for success in the workplace. We provide job readiness, placement and employment support in partnership with employers. 


Youth Job Center Vision 

YJC will be a leader in job readiness, placement and career pathways planning for youth. We establish the industry standard for effective outcomes with youth, valued partnerships with employers and strategic partners, and organizational effectiveness in workforce development. YJC’s clients will be successful at finding and keeping jobs, its employer partners see YJC as their service provider of choice, and other agencies seek advice on how to replicate YJC’s success.


Youth Job Center Core Values
 

• Work has the power to shape futures and change lives.
• Youth can be responsible, contributing members of their community.
• Youth gain valuable experience and knowledge in the employment process.
• Youth overcome barriers to employment when the playing field is leveled through skill building, education, partnership and increased opportunity.
• Youth need help in finding a job and starting a career.
• Employers need a trusted source of job-ready workers.

THE OPPORTUNITY: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR 

The Executive Director is responsible for providing overall executive leadership and management of YJC’s day-to-day activities.  Reporting to the Board of Directors, the selected candidate will provide direction for all organizational affairs in accordance with its mission as defined by its by-laws, mission statement, guiding principles, and policies established and approved by the Board.  The Executive Director will directly supervise 3 managers (Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, Director of Administration, and Director of Programs) and indirectly 11 staff members.

In addition to general oversight, the Executive Director will be charged with achieving progression toward the priorities of the new and carefully developed strategic plan, staying abreast of current trends and best practices related to workforce development and youth services, and implementing best practices in achieving mission priorities. The dynamic leader will continue to cultivate and initiate new relationships with schools, area businesses, and other partners in order to achieve collective impact in and beyond Evanston.

 
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES  

The Youth Job Center has recently approved a new Strategic Plan which will take the organization through 2016.  Under the leadership of a passionate and dedicated Board of Directors, YJC has fostered strong and capable leadership in program management and implementation.  The new Executive Director will be charged with establishing and growing the Center’s external presence, while augmenting the Center’s reputation as a thought leader in the areas of workforce development and youth services.  

Visionary Leadership

• Identify and implement plans for the growth of the organization that are collaborative and foster partnership opportunities.
• In collaboration with the Board, implement the newly developed strategic plan, with a focus on identifying, developing and implementing measurable objectives, strategies, budgets, funding strategies and timelines.
• Promote and foster an organizational culture that creates and sustains a productive and motivated climate for staff, Board Members, volunteers, employer partners, and other stakeholders.
• Engage the Board, seeking to utilize their expertise and existing personal and professional relationships to further the mission and vision of the YJC.

External Relations and Fund Development

• Serve as an articulate, passionate and visible spokesperson for YJC, and as a face for development and fundraising throughout the organization and in local communities.
• Provide strategic leadership to the organization’s efforts to effectively communicate the mission, interests, goals and accomplishments to donors, prospective donors, and the broader community.  Develop and implement an annual marketing plan.
• Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships and partnerships with current and prospective key donors, community leaders, volunteers, and other organizational partners, in collaboration with the Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships.  Advocate on behalf of YJC and promote its successes.
• Work with, provide training for, and mentor the Board and senior leadership team to create an overall culture of philanthropy and to enhance fundraising activities.
• Maintain active membership and a strong presence in professional organizations, community groups, and other spaces relevant to the work of YJC and its mission (local, regional, and industry- specific).

General Leadership & Administration 

• Provide leadership, direction, and motivation to the leadership team as they execute their responsibilities, holding them accountable for their respective program areas and creating a cohesive senior leadership team.
• Guide the development, preparation and administration of the budget; and ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines. Regularly monitor budgets, cash flow statements, and line of credit; demonstrate fiscal responsibility and efficient use of all organizational resources. Provide executive-level strategy and accountability for all financial matters, including monthly financial reports to the Board.
• Develop and implement strategic and staff succession plans.
• Guide and implement all operational policies of the agency.

Program Innovation, Oversight and Management

• Ensure programmatic excellence and evaluation, assuring that all programs and services meet a high standard and align with best practices.
• Explore and evaluate program replication, expansion and leveraging to continually expand upon YJC’s impact.
• Oversee program development and implementation, ensuring compliance with funding sources.
• Contribute to the use of best practices and client-centered programming.
• Oversee the maintenance of official and confidential records and documents with program staff, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
• Monitor program outcomes in order to make informed decisions on program offerings, direction and delivery.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE 

• Passion for YJC and its mission, augmented by demonstrated experience in similar programmatic and nonprofit service areas.
• Experience preferred in the areas of workforce development or youth services or philanthropy and development.
• Proven ability to develop a highly productive, effective team by training, mentoring, and retaining staff; building teams; and enhancing professionalism within the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to identify, cultivate, steward and solicit donors.
• Successful track record in financial management, stewardship, and developing strategies to successfully increase revenue and control costs.
• Accomplished background in building strong external relationships with a variety of constituencies: staff, volunteers, elected officials, business representatives, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to serve as an advocate and spokesperson for the organization.
• Creative problem solving skills.
• At least 5 to 7 years of experience at a Director or Executive level, particularly in a not-for- profit organization or related field.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required, with relevant advanced training or degree preferred.

The Youth Job Center offers a competitive salary for this exempt position and benefit package.  YJC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria.  
 

To Apply
 
This search is being managed by Heather A. Eddy, CFRE, President and CEO of Alford Executive Search.  To apply, candidates must complete the online application at http://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/openings and thereon submit their cover letter and resume.  No applications will be accepted via email. Questions may be addressed to Laura Weinman at lweinman@alfordexecutivesearch.com
 
Alford Executive Search is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the not-for-profit community through professional staffing solutions. To find out more, visit our website at www.alfordexecutivesearch.com.