Executive Director - The Orchard Foundation
The Orchard Foundation seeks a capable and dedicated Executive Director to lead its work in fostering effective schools and improved educational outcomes for Central Louisiana. The Foundation works with 9 public school districts and their administrators, teachers and students for improved teaching, learning and career readiness. Areas of focus include program development and implementation as well as resource development through grantwriting and fundraising.
There are more than 60,000 students in 150 schools in the nine school districts. The districts range in size from 1,700 students in 10 schools to more than 23,000 students in 52 schools.
The Orchard Foundation is a nonprofit supporting organization of The Rapides Foundation. It is responsible for administering the education strategies of The Rapides Foundation. This currently includes leadership and professional development activities focused in the areas of science, math and career and technical education. This work is done by providing Central Louisiana schools with learning through institutes, industry training partnerships and technical assistance.
The Orchard Foundation is seeking an individual with expertise in instructional best practice, able to advise The Rapides Foundation and Central Louisiana educators on the issues and trends impacting education. He/she must be a solid collaborator, adept at working in a team format. Excellent communication skills are key.
Candidates must have proven experience and success in leading change and improvement efforts in a public, nonprofit or business setting. Strongest consideration will be given to candidates with district or school level leadership experience and success in improving school environment, curriculum and instruction with increased student attainment and achievement.
Passion for school improvement and student life readiness is essential. Abilities to perform strategic planning, manage budgets and personnel and comply with policies are assumed as basic qualifications.
An undergraduate degree is required for consideration. An advanced degree is preferred.
Please submit your resume and salary requirements in confidence to Annette@rapidesfoundation.org. To learn more about The Orchard Foundation go to www.theorchardfoundation.org.
JOB SUMMARY
The Executive Director shall provide programmatic and administrative leadership to achieve The Orchard Foundation’s mission and strategic objectives as developed with and set forth by its Board of Trustees. Incumbent advances TOF’s programs in relationship with educators and philanthropic, business and community leaders. The Executive Director administers financial, human resource and accountability matters through the administrative policies and structures provided by TRF.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Develop and support TOF Board functioning; inform, advise and recommend as to Mission, Strategic Objectives, strategies and administrative functions.
• Drive Mission success; Implement board approved strategies and periodically report their effectiveness and outcomes to the TOF trustees.
• Maintain knowledge of education related issues, interventions, methodologies, practices and resources necessary to achieve the TOF’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Collaborate with The Rapides Foundation staff and consultants to support development, implementation and evaluation of the TRF Education Initiative Strategic Plan.
• Cultivate effective working relationships with regional district/school administrators and teachers.
• Develop funding relationships with national, regional and local funders that advance TOF’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Engage and manage resources to effectively administer the fiscal matters of the Foundation including; accounting, budgeting, auditing and reporting - subject to polices established by the Foundation Trustees.
• Manage TOF staff in accordance with the TRF Personnel Policies.
• Represent TOF in all public arenas; developing the public perception and role of the Foundation by communicating information and actively working with all appropriate organizations, individuals and constituencies; engage and manage the applicable resources.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidate should possess an undergraduate or graduate degree in a field(s) relevant to the responsibilities described above. This position requires at least five years experience in a responsible leadership position with proven success in improving education outcomes and impacts or other organizational development/business management accomplishment. Candidate should have skills and experience in strategic planning, project implementation, budget management and human resources management.
Excellent communication, team-building and partnering skills with varied constituencies are necessary for job success.
Personally, candidate should have unchallenged integrity, a passion to make a difference, and the energy and commitment to continuously improve and drive the organization forward.