Executive Director

Who We Are

Are you interested in making a tangible impact in the lives of students and families in Portland, increasing college access and success for historically underserved communities? At Minds Matter Portland, dedicated, high-potential students are given every opportunity to achieve their dreams. Minds Matter Portland is an affiliate of Minds Matter, a national nonprofit organization that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.

Operating in Portland since 2006, Minds Matter Portland currently serves 56 students with the support of about 80 volunteers and mentors. We recently opened a second location and are on a growth path to serve 90 students by the 2027-28 school year. Our success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated, long-term volunteers at the forefront of our work with students.

What We’re Looking For

Summary of Position

We are seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Executive Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape an evolving organization during a period of growth and transition. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Minds Matter Portland's operations, including development, fundraising, volunteer management, strategic planning, board engagement, external partnerships, marketing, outreach, program support, and day-to-day operations. The Executive Director will provide strategic vision for the Chapter, grow fundraising capacity, develop community relationships with diverse stakeholders, and guide day-to-day operations. The Executive Director will work closely with our Board of Directors, volunteers and three paid staff members.

We are looking for a passionate, energetic individual who is excited by our mission and who can both lead at the highest level and be on the ground in the day-to-day work as we continue to strengthen and grow the organization over time.

This role offers the chance to witness firsthand the transformative impact of our program on students' lives. You'll have the opportunity to shape the organization's future during a period of growth, applying your skills and vision toward an existing three-year strategic plan while collaborating with a passionate team. The organization has a strong financial foundation and ambitious plans to double the number of students served over the next several years. This position provides a unique platform for professional growth and significant community contribution.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and People Management

• Act as the internal and external face of Mind Matter Portland to all stakeholders, including volunteers, school partners, students and their families, donors, and other nonprofit/educational organizations
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to deepen and implement a strategic direction for the overall organization and execute against that plan
• Help shape, professionalize, and/or expand the Board in support of the organization’s goals and growth trajectory
• Identify, develop, and retain new and dynamic community partnerships to expand the volunteer base and opportunities for students
• Cultivate a broad professional network that can be leveraged to raise the profile of Minds Matter Portland
• Inspire and lead volunteers to set yearly goals and carry out the day-to-day operations of the organization
• Manage and lead the Director of Programs and Program Associate; collaborate closely with the Director of Finance

Programming and Outcomes

• Collaborate with Program staff, volunteer leaders, Minds Matter National, and other stakeholders to assist with the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of creative and effective programming that advances Minds Matter Portland’s goals and vision
• Work with staff and current volunteers to recruit additional volunteers and volunteer leaders
• Oversee program impact as measured by the consistent application and measurement of key metrics of program quality and student outcomes

Fundraising and Resource Development

• In partnership with the Director of Finance, lead all fundraising activities for Minds Matter Portland with primary responsibility for meeting annual and multi-year revenue goals, with a focus on donor and partnership cultivation, corporate funding, grant writing, and diversifying the donor base
• Actively expand fundraising capacity by building relationships and securing financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Represent Minds Matter Portland effectively with donors, partners and other stakeholders
• Lead donor stewardship and engagement in conjunction with the Minds Matter Portland Board and volunteer leadership

Nonprofit Management & Operations

• Implement and evaluate organizational processes to streamline operations
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Minds Matter Portland, including but not limited to weekly sessions, financial and legal requirements, and partner relationships
• Be an effective steward of resources via disciplined, mission-driven, results-oriented budgeting and planning
• Develop staffing plans for growth and stability, including the resources needed to sustain additional staff and other organizational capacity
• Partner with the Director of Finance to effectively manage budget, projections, and accounting

About You

Required Experiences:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university required; minimum of 5-7 years related experience
• Experience in a leadership role at a nonprofit organization (education, college access, and youth development preferred), with exposure to or experience with programming, operations, and management
• Experience managing people effectively without authority (e.g., Boards, volunteers, community organizing)
• Demonstrated competency and experience working with individuals from varying socio-demographic backgrounds
• Knows fundraising strategies within the non-profit ecosystem, particularly individual donor and major gift strategies

Preferred Experience

• Experience and/or knowledge of volunteer recruitment and retention strategy in a non-profit setting preferred
• Knowledge of the nonprofit and educational ecosystem of Portland is a plus
• Knowledge of and relationships within Portland philanthropic community is a huge plus

Required Skills & Qualities

• Ability to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders (students, school leaders, volunteers and Board of Directors)
• Effective at cultivating external relationships and forging new partnerships, specifically able to build meaningful relationships and partnerships with families
• Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder who has experience in scaling up organizations
• Experience working in college access work, particularly supporting first-generation college students, low-income communities, or other marginalized groups
• Understands systemic educational barriers and a commitment to advancing access and equity in programming and leadership
• Ability to actively listen to stakeholders, analyze complex problems, and identify patterns and connections that enable improved decision-making and action
• Ability to share a clear perspective, both oral and written
• Demonstrated flexible and adaptable style; willingness to ‘roll up their sleeves’ to be both a strategizer and executor of the work
• Excellent organizational skills and capacity to prioritize and manage time well, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work as a self-starter without oversight and as a team player who productively engages with others within and outside the organization
• Ability and desire to learn and grow in new situations and from mistakes; actively integrates feedback to improve
• Bilingual proficiency is a huge plus

Additional Information

• Salary: $110,00 to $120,000
• Health Insurance
• 8 weeks paid time off
• 3% employer match for 401k
• Hybrid role, with a requirement to attend at least two to three Saturday sessions a month during the school year

Apply

Applications must be submitted to THIS LINK. Applications submitted through any other medium will not be considered. The Application deadline is March 28, 2025. The search process will encompass three rounds of interviews and a thought exercise with various members of the Board and organization. A background check and a reference check will also be a part of the process.

Research shows that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you are excited about the role and see connection with what we are looking for, but don’t meet every single requirement, we’d encourage you to apply anyway.

Minds Matter Portland is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

Applicants needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact Emalee Rodriguez at Together Together Consulting (emalee@togethertogetherconsulting.com) to request and arrange for assistance.