LA LUZ CENTER
Executive Director Position Available
LA LUZ CENTER, a non-profit organization in Sonoma, California since 1982, serves the needs of the lowincome and mostly Latino immigrant population. It provides both emergency services and upstream programs to all ages, with a mission of empowering this community through education, leadership and self-advocacy. Our current Executive Director at La Luz is planning to retire and the Board of Directors has begun a search for a unique individual to lead and to grow this respected and valued community organization. Website: www.laluzcenter.org THE IDEAL CANDIDATE Demonstrates strong leadership qualities. Is able to facilitate change, to bring people together to build consensus and is able to delegate. Is an inclusive team player and a motivator. Has entrepreneurial skills, innovation and vision. Is able to solve problems, be diplomatic, and see the big picture. Helps guide longrange strategic and operational planning and is responsible and accountable for the implementation of such plans. Is able to work in partnership with the Board to ensure that the mission, vision, and values of La Luz are fulfilled. Has experience fundraising and seeks opportunities to optimize and increase agency resources. Has the ability to cultivate major donors, proven success in annual giving, and grant writing. Has existing relationships with funding sources. Is culturally sensitive and comfortable working within a diverse community. Shows compassion and dedication for improving the clients quality of life while demonstrating an appreciation for diverse lifestyles. Has a working knowledge of established non-profit practices and in-depth bicultural experience. Has knowledge of trends and practices in creating and fostering programs for low income and recent immigrant clients. Demonstrates initiative in making decisions and recommendations that may be highly complex and sensitive in nature. Effectively manages the organization and handles confidential matters discretely. Has the ability to foster a dedicated, creative, productive, friendly and effective working environment by example, good judgment, and the exercise of fairness in employee relations. Is able to monitor performance without micromanaging, is a supportive mentor to staff. Is honest and compassionate, personable, and possesses a flexible and collegial nature and has a good sense of humor. EXPERIENCE Fluency in Spanish and English is preferred; Spanish as the primary language a plus. Graduation from an accredited college or university; a degree in one of the behavioral or social sciences, or administration is preferred. A minimum of three years in a leadership/administrative role in a non-profit or for profit organization where responsibilities include those described below. Demonstrated success in fundraising at all levels is required. Experience in fiscal management including knowledge of funding sources, budget preparation, financial statements, and strategic planning. Working knowledge of the following computer programs: Word, Excel, and familiarity with donor data bases. Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
RESPONSIBILITIES The Executive Director is responsible for the management and operations of the affairs of La Luz. His/her duties shall include implementing the strategic direction of La Luz, recruiting and hiring appropriate personnel, managing the staff (currently eight) and ensuring they are provided with training, professional development guidance and evaluation; preparing the annual budget, maintaining accounts and records; working with the Board and its officers in fulfilling their roles; and performing such other duties as assigned by the Board President. The Executive Director will: Leadership and Community Relations: Be La Luz Centers spokesperson, ambassador and advocate, actively promoting the organization and its value in the community at large, that of the clients, and that of the donors. Enhance current collaborative relationships and recruit new ones. Maintain effective working relationships and communication strategies with, families, donors, peer agencies, funding agencies, government agencies, legal advisors, and the media. Keep the Board of Directors informed and provide professional recommendations in helping the Board guide La Luz. Attend Board, Executive, and other committee and community meetings as required. Fundraising: Ensure the financial stability of the organization. Be responsible with the Development Committee for establishing clear objectives for contributed income, implementation of strategies, and successfully achieving financial goals. Identify, cultivate, and solicit private sources for charitable gifts; guide development of private, corporate and public grants, implement legacy program. Be responsible for grant applications including writing and editing, ensuring compliance with grant obligations and contracts, donor restrictions and external reporting requirements. Be responsible for donor relations and attend all donor and fundraising events. Financial Management: Demonstrate a high level of business and financial acumen. Prepare the budget for monthly Board review, monitor expenditures and revenues, and identify and utilize all available resources. Work with appropriate Board and committee members to build annual and project budgets; oversee financial discipline; produce timely financial reports to the Board; and supervise tax reporting and audits. Marketing/PR: Promote inter-organizational partnerships wherever collaboration can enhance La Luzs services. Represent La Luz at professional and public meetings. Oversee advertising, public relations and the website to increase attendance and visibility throughout the Sonoma Valley. Planning/Programs: Develop with the Board of Directors short and long term plans that accurately reflect the work of La Luz. Provide important leadership and creativity in developing or improving programs in fulfillment of our Strategic Plan. Continue to refine and implement measurement metrics to quantify the effectiveness of La Luz programs. Set appropriate goals and objectives for programs and ensure expectations are met or exceeded. Personnel: Develop a staffing structure that supports the efficient delivery of programs and services. Engage and inspire staff to work effectively together toward common goals and a shared vision. Conduct regular performance reviews for staff and conduct regular staff and program meetings. Act as liaison between, represent, and be an advocate for the staff to the Board of Directors. COMPENSATION Full time position with salary depending on experience. TO APPLY Email resume, cover letter and contact information for three references in pdf format to [email protected] Please type La Luz Search Committee in the subject line. Submissions will be accepted until May 31st for consideration in the first round of interviews. In the cover letter, briefly describe your interest in this position, your leadership skills and fundraising experience. Please also include your compensation expectations and your availability for this position.
