Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc.
P.O. Box 2276
Worcester, MA 01613-2276
Job Title: Executive Director
Overview:
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. (ODSC) is a non-profit organization that assists Deaf/Hard of Hearing individuals who are impacted by domestic and sexual violence. We offer a comprehensive program that includes advocacy, support services, education, and training to improve awareness of cultural and linguistic considerations among service providers who work with such individuals.
Mission Statement:
The Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. (ODSC) serves individuals impacted by domestic and sexual violence (D&SV) in Deaf communities by providing culturally sustaining resources and services.
Position Summary:
Our Deaf Survivors Center, Inc. is in search of an Executive Director who shares our passion for our mission and is capable of leading our team of 2 individuals with excellence. The Executive Director will oversee all aspects of the organization’s operations, including fundraising, program development, financial management, and staff supervision. As a mentor to the staff, the Executive Director will motivate and empower the team to perform their best work.
The Executive Director will have operational responsibilities but also play a key role in inspiring others to support our mission. They will work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure that the organization fulfills its mission and serves its constituents effectively. Additionally, they will be responsible for building relationships with key stakeholders, such as donors, partners, and community leaders, and maintaining relationships over time.
We are looking for an inspiring leader with a strong background in nonprofit management to join us. Our ideal candidate should have a passion for our organization's mission and a proven track record of success. As the Executive Director, they will need to have both short-term and long-term planning skills and be able to make strategic decisions. They should have excellent communication skills and be able to represent our organization to a diverse range of audiences. They will be working in person with some hybrid possibility if in the state of Massachusetts.
Key Responsibilities:
Organizational Leadership and Board of Directors Relations
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Collaborate with the Board of Directors to ensure the organization is fulfilling its mission.
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Provide regular updates to the Board of Directors regarding the organization’s operations and performance
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Develop and implement policies and procedures supporting the organization’s goals.
Financial Management & Leadership
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Collaborate with the Board of Directors to identify opportunities for growth and cost savings while ensuring financial stability and sustainability.
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Collaborates with a bookkeeper to handle monthly billing and booking tasks.
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Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising and grant program aligned with ODSC’s mission, utilizing diversified funding streams.
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Assist the Board of Directors with the production of fundraising events.
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Maintain up-to-date knowledge of best practices in nonprofit financial management and ensure that the organization’s financial policies and procedures comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines.
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Build relationships with funders
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Oversee the organization’s budget along with preparing and submitting grant progress and financial reports
Program Development & Management
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Develop and implement a strategic program planning process to align programs with the organization's mission, working closely with staff, board members, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Cultural and Linguistic Competence
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Demonstrate ability to understand and adapt to different cultures and languages.
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Engage in effective communication with people from diverse backgrounds and marginalized communities.
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Strong knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and social justice.
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Must be native or fluent ASL signer.
Advocacy & Relationship Development
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Advocate for policies promoting victim safety, autonomy, social justice, and abuse accountability.
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Advocate for policy initiatives that are responsive to the needs of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
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Develop, nurture, and sustain connections with sexual assault and domestic violence organizations statewide and locally.
Staff Management & Mentorship
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Foster a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration, encouraging staff members to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.
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Provide regular feedback to staff members in the form of ongoing coaching and formal performance evaluations to ensure that they meet performance expectations and grow in their roles.
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Develop and implement individualized staff development plans to support each team member's ongoing growth and professional development.
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Model and promote the organization’s values and culture, setting a high standard for ethical and effective behavior in all interactions.
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Review and update employment policies as needed to ensure they are current, legally compliant, and aligned with the organization's objectives.
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Create and present onboarding, orientation, and skills training for employees.
Marketing, Communications, & Public Speaking
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Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy to enhance the organization's visibility and audience reach.
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Represent the organization at public events and speaking engagements as its spokesperson.
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Represent ODSC to the community, organizations, donors, grantors, supporters, and participants. Promote victim advocacy as needed.
Qualifications and Experience
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Master’s degree in Business or Nonprofit Administration, Public Administration, Mental Health counseling, social work, or a related field preferred or a minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit management or a related field.
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Knowledge of Sexual and Domestic Violence dynamics and related issues/topics is required.
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Fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) and cultural competence in Deaf culture are required.
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Excellent writing, communication, and organizational skills with great attention to detail.
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Ability to exercise good judgment when faced with complex decisions and can work well under pressure during stressful situations.
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Strong marketing and public relations skills, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
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Proficiency in working collaboratively with staff, Board of Directors, donors, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
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Demonstrated experience creating conditions for nonprofit financial success, including grant writing, soliciting corporate support and major gifts, non-profit fundraising strategies, donor cultivation, and business development.
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Be able to manage budgets and grant administration.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
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Moderate travel is required; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are necessary.
Salary & Benefits
The salary range is $70,000-$83,000 commensurate with experience and within the organization’s annual operating budget framework. Benefits are included.
Please note that the selected candidate will be required to undergo a background check, which includes Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).
To Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and three letters of reference (must be two professional references) to board@odscunity.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application- (your name). You may send a link to an ASL video of your cover letter.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status.