Summary
Description
Richland County First Steps (RCFS) Is Seeking an
Executive Director
About RCFS
Richland County First Steps is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that children from birth to age five are ready to succeed when they start school. By partnering with families, caregivers, and community organizations, they offer high-quality programs that focus on early childhood development, school readiness, and health. Their mission centers on empowering families to support their children's growth during these crucial early years, laying the groundwork for lifelong success.
Part of the larger South Carolina First Steps network, Richland County First Steps tailors its services to meet the unique needs of its community. They provide support in areas such as early literacy, child care enhancement, and school transition, helping both parents and educators create environments that foster a child’s development. Additionally, their initiatives, including the Early Head Start home-based programming, ensure access to quality early education for all children in the county.
The Role of the Executive Director
The Executive Director provides dynamic leadership and strategic oversight to enhance daily operations and drive the organization's impact. This role demands visionary leadership to not only foresee potential in every opportunity but to manifest that potential into tangible growth and expanded influence in the community. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and enforcing policies, ensuring staff accountability, and building a culturally competent and intimately knowledgeable team about community needs.Key responsibilities include direct supervision over employment processes, training, and staff development, fostering a unified, team-oriented environment that embraces innovation. The role involves active board relations, where the Executive Director supports, motivates, and aligns with the Board of Directors, driving the strategic vision forward and maintaining effective communication between the board and staff. Strategic responsibilities extend to overseeing financial management, including diversifying funding sources and managing budgets to ensure financial stability. The Executive Director also leads community and public relations efforts to enhance the organization’s public image and strengthens relationships with external partners and the community. This role requires collaboration with local, state, and federal educational bodies and advocating for the organization’s interests with legislative entities, ensuring alignment with county initiatives and state policies.
Ideal Candidate Qualifications & Competencies
The ideal Executive Director is a proven leader with exceptional leadership, coaching, and problem-solving skills, and a strong track record in inspiring and managing high-performing teams. They should possess a bachelor’s degree with ten (10) years’ experience in nonprofit management or a master’s degree with seven (7) years’ experience.
Strategic and Visionary Leadership:
- Demonstrates extensive strategic planning skills and implements the board's strategic vision to propel the organization forward.
- Acts as a visionary leader who identifies future challenges and opportunities, translating these into actionable strategies for growth and innovation.
- Leads organizational growth by exploring new opportunities for expansion, partnerships, and innovative solutions that ensure long-term sustainability.
- Enforces policies, delegates effectively, and fosters a collaborative and empowering team culture.
Empowering and Team-Oriented:
- Enhances team dynamics and performance, promotes open communication, and makes informed, transparent decisions.
- Delegates responsibilities to empower staff, fostering a culture of trust, shared ownership, and mutual respect.
Fundraising and Financial Expertise:
- Has robust fundraising expertise, adept at securing diverse funding sources to enhance financial stability.
- Manages financial nuances with strategic oversight to guide the organization towards greater financial autonomy.
High Emotional Intelligence:
- Exhibits high emotional intelligence, managing conflicts sensitively and upholding the organization’s values while maintaining professional boundaries.
Communication and Engagement:
- An exceptional communicator who effectively bridges the gap between the board and staff, facilitating open and efficient information flow.
- Builds trust and enhances the organization's reputation through strategic community engagement and robust interpersonal relationships.
Culturally Savvy and Politically Astute:
- Understands the political landscape and navigates external influences with diplomacy and tact.
- Brings charisma and a sense of humor to the role, enriching the organizational culture and easing any tensions.
Compensation
The salary range for the Executive Director role is $115,000 to $140,000, dependent on experience. Richland County First Steps offers 100% employer-paid medical benefits for the employee and substantial paid leave and holidays.
