Executive Director

Overview:

After-School All-Stars (ASAS) is seeking an innovative and experienced leader to take on the role of Executive Director for its Philadelphia/Camden Chapter. The Executive Director will have the unique opportunity to lead a growing organization dedicated to providing free, comprehensive after-school programs to children in need. Reporting to the Vice President of Field Operations, the Executive Director will work closely with the Advisory Board, local staff, and ASAS national teams to set the chapter’s strategic vision, oversee quality programming, elevate the chapter’s profile, and execute fundraising plans. In this forward-facing role, the Executive Director will build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including partner schools, board members, staff, government agencies, foundations, and program partners. For the person in the role, understanding the unique dynamics of leadership within a matrix organization will be essential to driving the organizational mission forward.

The Executive Director will play a crucial role in overseeing ASAS’s Philadelphia/Camden operations, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships, directly influencing the organizational mission and amplifying ASAS’s impact throughout the region. The person in this role will be responsible for strategic program development, process management, and implementation.

The Executive Director must possess strong nonprofit financial and budget management skills, as well as the ability to generate revenue through various channels. The ideal candidate will demonstrate executive leadership acumen, exceptional communication skills, and high emotional intelligence. They will be adept at managing and coaching a diverse team, building and managing a local Advisory Board, fostering innovation, and identifying, stewarding, and building relationships with key stakeholders within the Philadelphia region. The Executive Director must have a strong commitment to youth development and programming.

This position is ideal for a visionary leader to make a significant impact on the lives of children in the Philadelphia/Camden area while contributing to the growth and success of a nationally recognized nonprofit organization. In this forward-facing role, the Executive Director will represent ASAS in strategic initiatives, working closely with the National Program and Development teams. For the person in this role, extensive knowledge of the local nonprofit landscape and engagement with stakeholders in local government, foundations, and school boards will be essential to driving the organizational mission forward.

About the Company:

Founded in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a national non-profit organization providing free, daily afterschool programs to more than 150,000 children in need at 728 school and community sites across 18 chapters in the U.S. ASAS aims to help students be healthy and active, graduate high school, pursue college education, find fulfilling careers, and give back to their communities.

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate for the Executive Director position at ASAS Philadelphia/Camden Chapter will possess a robust blend of professional experience, leadership skills, and personal commitment to youth development. This leader will have a demonstrated track record in nonprofit management, resource development, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on community engagement and program growth. The ideal candidate will be an innovative and adaptable executive, skilled in management and coaching within a matrix organization, and passionate about driving meaningful change for youth in the Philadelphia/Camden area. They should excel in financial management, and communications, demonstrate flexibility in handling competitive priorities, and have experience in program implementation and business development.

Professional Characteristics:

1. Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible youth development and programmatic leadership experience.
2. Two or more years of experience as an Executive Director is preferred.
3. Proven track record of raising significant individual, grant, and corporate support in the Philadelphia/Camden region.
4. Experience in managing a nonprofit organization with the ability to develop a meaningful internal understanding of the organization, successful interpersonal relationships, and cultural understanding.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a matrix organization, understanding the complexities of developing and stewarding local and national relationships.
6. Demonstrated success in preparing and managing annual budgets and financial statements, with a strong understanding of nonprofit financial management.
7. Experience managing and leading a dynamic team of staff.
8. Prior success in fundraising, stewardship, and external partnership development.
9. Strong interpersonal skills and executive presence.
10. Experience with federal grants, state and local funds preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

Vision and Strategy

• Overall strategic planning and vision for the organization, in collaboration with the National staff and Advisory Board.
• Oversee, develop, continually evaluate, and grow quality afterschool programming at all partner schools and align programming to national ASAS goals.
• Serve as a representative and spokesperson of ASAS in key local meetings.
• Work with the National staff and Advisory Board to strategize, plan, and solicit major sponsors and donors.
• Lead the growth of the chapter with a vision to grow intentionally.

Organizational Management

• Provide ongoing overall management and leadership of ASAS Philadelphia/Camden staff, budget, and office.
• Strive to create a work environment of engagement and belonging among Philadelphia/Camden staff.
• Maintain internal financial oversight and controls.
• Cultivate a transparent relationship with the Advisory Board and work collaboratively to carry out the strategies and tactics to meet the chapter’s programmatic and fundraising goals.
• Conduct regular communication with the Advisory Board regarding programmatic impact, growth and development, and marketing.
• Recruit, retain, and cultivate new advisory board members in partnership with the current Advisory Board.
• Maintain relationships with school sites and partner Community-Based Organizations (CBO’s).
• Conduct appropriate evaluation to ensure feedback from stakeholders and program quality.

Development and Marketing

• Work with staff to develop and implement a fundraising strategy to support the goals, objectives, and activities of ASAS Philadelphia/Camden.
• Work with the National Staff and Advisory Board to strategize, solicit, and steward major sponsors and donors.
• Raise funds from corporations, foundations, individuals, and government agencies.
• Lead fundraising events throughout the year to raise ASAS Philadelphia-Camden public profile and raise unrestricted revenue.
• Prepare and distribute, as appropriate, all needed materials for soliciting sponsors.
• Work with staff to research and write grant applications or sponsorship proposals.
• Work with staff to develop and implement social media and online communication strategies.
• Work with colleagues across the ASAS national network to share information, resources, and leads and collaborate on national fundraising and marketing efforts.
• Ensure that marketing and fund development are carried out in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, vision, and plans.

Compensation:

$130,000 annually with benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards. ASAS promotes a healthy work/life blend and offers a generous benefits package in the top percentile of nonprofit organizations.

Organizational Information:

The Executive Director will have several direct reports including a full-time development role, as well as operational support via shared services, and will report to the Vice President of Field Operations.

Relevant Financial Information:

ASAS Philadelphia/Camden chapter currently operates on an annual budget of approximately $1.4 million.

Service Area / Industry Information:

The Philadelphia/Camden chapter serves 4 sites/schools in Philadelphia and 2 in Camden, reaching hundreds of students annually.

Notes / Additional Information:

This role is based in the City of Philadelphia. The successful candidate will be expected in the office at least three days a week and must be present for all on-site staff meetings held once a week. Additionally, the Executive Director is expected to be a regular presence at program sites during various hours.

ASAS is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Employment decisions at ASAS are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, and are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, or sexual orientation.