Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia is currently seeking a highly motivated, talented, and dynamic individual to serve as Executive Director who will have primary responsibility for leadership of all aspects of the organization. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to execute a newly developed three-year strategic plan, continue the organization’s growth, build on strong community relationships, and participate in refining and implementing our organizational vision. For more information about the organization, please visit our web site at www.breakthroughphilly.org.
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
Founded in 1994, Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia launches talented students, beginning in middle school, on a path to college success and inspires outstanding college students to teach in Breakthrough classrooms and then pursue careers in education.
Breakthrough increases educational opportunity and equity by focusing on the development of both students and teachers. Through academic enrichment and college preparation, Breakthrough prepares students who have limited educational opportunities to attend and succeed at competitive high schools and four-year colleges. Each year, a cohort of approximately 70 rising seventh grade students join the two-year intensive middle school summer program, split evenly between our sites at Germantown Friends School and Drexel University. These students are given learning support during the school year and continue with Breakthrough through college. Simultaneously, Breakthrough develops future educators by providing professional teaching experiences to college students through its selective residency programs. Breakthrough Philadelphia is part of a national educational movement called The Breakthrough Collaborative, which operates in 26 cities across the country.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Breakthrough Philadelphia is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that operates with a committed Board and talented staff. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing an annual budget in excess of $800,000, and a staff of 6 full-time and 2 part-time employees. With a new strategic plan in place, expansion of revenue to support program growth is vital.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to providing overall leadership and daily, hands-on guidance for the entire organization, the Executive Director will:
• In partnership with the Board of Directors, manage the execution of a new three-year strategic plan that includes expanded services for students and teaching fellows
• Oversee all program operations and ensure program effectiveness, vitality and consistency across program sites. Currently Breakthrough Philadelphia operates sites at Germantown Friends School and Drexel University
• Manage, and supervise year-round staff including a Director of Programs, two Site Directors, a College Counselor, a College Prep Coordinator, an Alumni Relations Coordinator, a Development Director, and an Office Manager; also ensure their ongoing professional development
• Oversee all aspects of sound financial management
• Direct overall development efforts, with an emphasis on individual donor cultivation and growth
• Expand local revenue to support existing program operations and new programming
• Develop a wider community presence among funders, school department officials, and community members
• Maintain and further develop positive relationships with the host institutions (Drexel University and Germantown Friends School), Breakthrough Collaborative, Philadelphia public and charter schools, and other local partners
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to engage each individual member and make use of specific expertise
The ideal candidate will be:
• Dedicated to equity in education, with a commitment to ensuring high-quality programs that provide opportunities for young people and young adults to succeed in learning and teaching
• Able to interact comfortably with and understand the interests of a variety of constituents while inspiring excitement and support for the organizational mission
• Energetic, with demonstrated interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Able to plan a complex annual schedule and set priorities
• A leader able to inspire, motivate, and supervise staff
• Committed to working with a diverse population
• Willing to learn, take risks, and model excellence
• Interested in the challenge of a demanding position characterized by multiple opportunities for professional learning and growth
QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience in school leadership or non-profit management within an educational setting preferred
• Demonstrated success with fundraising, staff management, and financial management
• Ability to work on multiple projects, adjust quickly to shifting priorities, meet deadlines, exercise good judgment, and handle pressure situations
• Highly motivated, self-directed, and able to efficiently plan and execute projects
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of audiences
• Team player who motivates others to exceed expectations
• Ability to demonstrate a positive attitude, sense of humor, energy, and high degree of flexibility within a professional setting
• Previous experience with or knowledge of the Breakthrough model is preferred, but not required
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree preferred
TO APPLY: Please submit a resume, cover letter, recent writing sample(s) to resume@breakthroughphilly.org and indicate Executive Director Search in the subject line.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: Include a competitive salary with a vacation package and health benefits including medical, dental, and long-term disability.
Non discrimination policy: It is the policy and practice of this Corporation to assure that no person will be discriminated against or be denied the benefits of any activity or educational program and not to discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, creed, religious belief, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical disability or blindness and or sex, except where sex is a bona fide occupational qualification.