Executive Director

Executive Director Job Description

Job Summary: The Executive Director (ED) of Far + Wise is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s strategy, programs and operations, including staff and financial management, donor cultivation and stewardship, and community engagement. The position requires strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to ensure the fulfillment of the organization’s mission and strategic plan.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategy

• Provide visionary leadership to advance the organization’s mission and long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans.
• Provide oversight, support, management, and leadership to staff.

Program Development and Oversight

• Ensure the effective implementation and evaluation of programs that align with the mission and strategic plan.
• Lead innovation to address evolving program and community needs.
• Provide oversight of programmatic outcomes, issues, challenges and opportunities; ensure development of student disciplinary policies and appropriate implementation of such policies.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for organizational growth and development.
• Foster partnerships with schools, community organizations, and employers to enhance program impact.

Fundraising and Financial Management

• Develop, implement, and expand fundraising strategies, opportunities, and relationships with individuals, foundations, and businesses; be experienced in and have comfort with making “the ask.”
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
• Oversee financial operations and reporting in compliance with applicable laws and nonprofit standards.

Board and Staff Collaboration

• Partner with the Board of Directors to maintain strong governance practices.
• Recommend Director prospects and participate in the vetting and onboarding of new Directors.
• Provide the Board timely and transparent updates on organizational performance and key initiatives.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented team of staff and volunteers.

Operations and Compliance

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee the development and implementation of organizational policies and procedures.

Community Engagement

• Build strong relationships with student’s families and actively involve them in F+W and the broader community.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the organization, building relationships with stakeholders, funders, and the community.
• Oversee the creation and management of initiatives to engage alumni.

Desired Experience and Competencies:

The ED will be thoroughly committed to Far + Wise’s mission and all candidates should have proven leadership, management, oversight, and fundraising experience.

Specific requirements include:

• Prior experience working for a non-profit organization, ideally one committed to equalizing. educational opportunities; track record of effectively leading and scaling a performance- and outcomes-based organization and staff .
• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to coach staff, manage, and develop high-performance teams, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget.
• Past success working with a Board of Directors in a collaborative manner.
• Demonstrated successful fundraising and marketing experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator.
• Passion, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Affinity for a close-knit mountain community.