Summary
Description
AGENCY: New York State Community Action Association
POSITION: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
LOCATION: Albany, NY
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:
The New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA) was created in 1987 to provide New York State Community Action Agencies with information, professional development, and technical assistance to enhance the capacity of agencies to serve as effective, responsive community resources.
Community Action Agencies change people's lives, embody the spirit of hope, and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other as they move from poverty to self-sufficiency. NYSCAA's mission is to provide services and advocacy that strengthen the ability of its members to improve the quality-of-life for low-income people throughout New York State.
Additionally, NYSCAA serves the collective interests of its members through statewide legislative advocacy; information exchange; capacity-building; professional training and information technology services. New York State has 47 Community Action Agencies.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
The CEO will manage the operation of the New York State Community Action Association and enhance the capacity of the member organizations. The CEO will also develop effective communication systems to educate elected officials, the general public, and other providers/partners regarding issues of poverty and effective solutions provided by the NYS network of CAAs. He or she will also create state and national alliances and partnerships that strengthen NYSCAA’s mission and develop a diverse and adequate resource base. This position reports directly to the New York State Community Action Association’s Board of Directors.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Management
- Provide executive leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission through the development of effective strategies.
- Oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiencies and compliance.
- Fosters a positive, collaborative, and high-performing organizational culture.
- Lead information and technology strategies to strengthen the capacity of the NYS CAA network.
- Develop and maintain strong operations (i.e. asset development, financial management, data management, advocacy efforts, newsletters, conferences and workshops, etc.)
- Leads the Region II RPIC initiative through contract oversite, regular communication with Region II state networks including information from national entities like NASCSP, and collaboration on joint conferences.
Board Governance
- Works closely with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization’s mission.
- Communicates regularly with the Board and provides timely and accurate information/reports necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions.
- Supports Board involvement in all major initiatives, i.e. strategic planning.
Financial Oversight
- Works in conjunction with the third-party finance consultant to ensure that all financial matters, vouchers, A/R & A/P are being processed accurately and efficiently.
- Ensures that a general audit of NYSCAA’s financials is done annually and is presented to the Board of Directors.
- Works in conjunction with the Board Finance Committee to ensure transparency.
Community and Public Relations
- Serves as primary spokesperson for the organization.
- Oversees the development of materials and publications that showcase and enhance the organization’s image and reputation.
- Establish and maintain relationships with various state, regional, and national networks and agencies, promoting the NYS network. Acts as a liaison with national agencies representing the community action network.
- Write a series of reports and monthly newsletters to support work of network and foster communication about policy issues, best practices, workshops, trainings, and events.
Program Development and Implementation
- Effectively implements delivery of contracts and monitors for compliance and quality.
- Seeks out funding opportunities that align with mission and meet needs throughout the state.
Advocacy
- Engage in state-wide legislative and advocacy efforts that impact on policy issues concerned with poverty, strengthening of low-income communities and family supports.
- Writing and presenting testimony for public hearing on behalf of the 47 CAAs in NYS. Additional presentations may be required for local and national workshops and conferences.
Capacity Building
- Organize various conference and training opportunities around issues impacting low-income communities throughout New York and the country, as well as changes in state and federal regulations and mandates that will impact the management of CAA’s across the state.
- Organizes and facilitates training to advance CAA staff throughout the state in skill development, knowledge, and overall professional growth.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's Degree in Business, Social Work, Public Administration or Human Services field preferred and 5-10 years experience in leading statewide initiatives or equivalent combination of both.
Knowledge of public policy involving low-income community development, preferably community action.
Proven experience coordinating advocacy efforts.
Demonstrates exceptional strategic-thinking, organizational and operational skills.
Proven experience executing successful projects to reach and exceed ambitious goals.
Highly organized and motivated to manage self and others around complex projects and work streams.
Proven team-building, negotiating and consensus-building skills.
Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
Experience with a board of directors.
Knowledge and familiarity with NYS.
Certified Community Action Professional – CCAP a plus upon hire or obtained within three years of hire.
The CEO will be required to travel regularly throughout New York State and occasionally nationally.
Salary range (depending on credentials and experience): $95,000 – $110,000 plus benefits.
Relocation expenses may be negotiated if needed.
Location: Capital District Region, NY – Guilderland NY
Interested candidates should email a cover letter and resume to nyscaa_ceo_search@communityactionpartnership.com
