EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (PART-TIME), THREE RIVERS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION – PITTSBURGH
POSTED: 8/28/08
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
In 1989, a small group of community activists joined together to create a new kind of philanthropy in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Recognizing that grassroots community organizations are often too small to gain the attention of larger foundations, the Three Rivers Community Foundation focused its efforts on funding groups that were too small, too new, or too controversial to get traditional streams of funding.
Three Rivers Community Foundation embraces the philosophy that the best way to bring about social justice is to support community-based organizations working “on the ground floor” of change. This idea has been exemplified in our grantees. The Foundation’s grants are designed to help people work to change their own lives and communities for the better, resulting in sometimes small but critical changes. Our grantmaking committee is dedicated to an open, honest, compassionate, and accountable decision making process. It is made up of activists, community representatives, past grantees, donors, and Board members, all of whom have an equal voice.
Since our humble beginnings in 1989, the Three Rivers Community Foundation has been at the forefront of recognizing critical social justice movements in the region. We have awarded nearly $837,000 in grants to 257 different organizations.
While we are proud of all our grantees, and what they’ve accomplished, there are some standouts:
Before it was legal to have a needle-exchange program in Allegheny County, Prevention Point Pittsburgh (PPP) was on the ground, passing out clean needles to drug users to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases. The Three Rivers Community Foundation funded the organization many times during this, and watched with pride when, in 2002, PPP became a legal, officially-sanctioned syringe exchange program.
Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender students, along with their straight allies, decided to help others struggling through high school by forming Dreams of Hope (DOH), a performing arts troupe. DOH members perform their own pieces, telling their own, personal stories, and encouraging honesty and openness. Each performance is followed by a talk-back session with the audience, where all questions are answered.
Not being content to just provide food to the hungry, Just Harvest Education Fund consistently works on educating the community about the links between hunger and public policy, giving people the tools needed to take action against hunger.
Formed after police brutality killed Jonny Gammage, the Black and White Reunion works to build bridges between black and white communities, and hosts the annual Summit Against Racism in January.
Chain of Hope, a recreational and vocational center in Wilkinsburg, was established by and run by mental health consumers. With a grant from the Three Rivers Community Foundation’s, they created a 25-minute video addressing mental illness and self-help, and a manual to establish similar centers around the country.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES
Revenue generation
Increase funding through the organizations annual campaign and endowment giving programs.
Oversee all grant writing efforts
Develop collaborative projects/partnerships with other community providers
Manage fundraising efforts including direct mail, special events, sponsorship proposals, United Way, corporate solicitations and in-kind donations
Develop a donor stewardship plan to keep donors engaged.
Personnel and human resources
Manage the organization’s part time office manager
Evaluate and update the employee handbook as needed
Financial management
Monitor and report to the board and key stakeholders on financial activities
Develop, obtain approval from the Board and manage annual budget
Manage outsourced accountant to ensure proper record keeping and tracking
Monitor grant spending and reporting to funders, oversee all compliance issues
Organizational management
Ensure that systems, policies and procedures exist and are being followed at all times
Manage risk, due diligence, insurance and other operational best practices
Ensure that the organization is in compliance with all laws and guidelines governing nonprofit organizations
Manage vision and purpose, work within goals identified by Board of Directors, report out on how the organization is performing to the board and appropriate committees
Communications
Redesign the Three Rivers Community Foundation newsletter and issue to donors bi-annually
Give a written Executive Director’s report on a monthly basis to the Executive Committee. This report will be shared with the Board at each Board meeting and should highlight monthly accomplishments.
Expand the profile of the Three Rivers Community Foundation in the community.
External and board relations
Board of Directors
Support and prepare for board and committee meetings
Work collegially and collaboratively to accomplish organizational goals and support board governance and oversight
Volunteers
Recruit, manage and support volunteers in the office, on committees and at events
The Three Rivers Community Foundation has an expectation that the part-time Executive Director will work 20 hours per week out of our Point Breeze office with oversight of our part-time office manager.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
In addition to the requirements stated above, the ideal candidate will possess the following:
Outstanding communication skills, including written, verbal and presentation skills
Experience in raising funds
Interpersonal skills required to relate well to, and work well with, all people, including volunteers, sponsors, donors, and board members
A high degree of integrity that garners the trust and respect of others
A track record of successful growth and the demonstrated business acumen to continue the growth trajectory of the Three Rivers Community Foundation
A pragmatic and professional nature exhibited by, among other things, an ability to establish and meet deadlines and to establish clear priorities quickly
A high degree of organization and a work ethic that promotes thoroughness, timeliness, attention to detail and an ability to work effectively under pressure
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Prior experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors preferred
A Bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree would be preferred.
TO APPLY:
Please send cover letter and resume by September 30 to:
Marcie Eberhart, Board Vice President, at eberhartm@ae.com
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