Jobs

Position Summary:

The Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership, program quality, and financial oversight of Breakthrough Manchester at The Derryfield School.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Related to Breakthrough Manchester

• Articulate and elevate Breakthrough’s mission to participants, funders, community and school leaders, and the community at large.
• Implement and continually refine Breakthrough’s strategic vision and direction.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Breakthrough institutional partners, The Derryfield School, and Southern New Hampshire University, through networking, attending events, and regular communication.
• Foster a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse year-round and high-quality seasonal staff, providing active supervision and management.
• Function as “Head of School” for Breakthrough Summer Program, overseeing all aspects of academic and community programming as well as budgeting and program administration.
• Ensure diligent management of Breakthrough’s operating budget: develop and monitor an annual budget to ensure Breakthrough covers direct expenses and reflects organizational and strategic priorities.
• Work closely with the Director of Philanthropy and Communications to diversify and deepen funding sources to sustain Breakthrough’s operating budget; establish and cultivate relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors; and strategize on communications that elevate all aspects of the program to the broader community.
• Continually collaborate with the Program Director on all program components, from student and teacher recruitment and training to program management.
• Partner with Breakthrough Collaborative to align programs with national standards and benchmarks.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with organizations that help further Breakthrough Manchester’s mission and advocate for Breakthrough’s interests in the Greater Manchester community.
• Ensure effective program assessment and evaluation, develop policies and procedures to support an effective, engaging, high-functioning, and efficient organization that holds partners and participants to high standards.
• Engage an Advisory Committee to support Breakthrough through guidance, positive community connections, and fundraising.

Related to The Derryfield School

• Collaborate with the broader Derryfield External Affairs team to promote and foster Derryfield and Breakthrough being “Better Together” in both word and practice.
• Adhere to all policies and practices of The Derryfield School.
• Partner with the Head of School, Assistant Head of School, CFO, and Director of Facilities on matters that cross over between Derryfield and BTM.

Related to College-Bound at Southern NH University

• Uphold the Memorandum of Understanding between SNHU and Breakthrough Manchester.
• Work closely with the College-Bound administrator at SNHU to ensure seamless continuation of the program from middle school through high school for Breakthrough Scholars.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of issues affecting educational equity and access to higher education.

• Understanding and appreciation of the stages of adolescence from age 10 to 23.
• Excellent communication and motivation skills; the ability to write and speak persuasively and to build, manage, and empower an effective team.

• Proven organizational skills, including the ability to initiate and follow through on ideas and balance many projects, both independently and collaboratively.
• Strategic and respectful “bridge builder,” able to foster partnerships with people of diverse socio-economic, cultural, and political backgrounds.
• Robust leadership skills that foster growth, high expectations, joy, and forward momentum.
• Proficiency with various computer and web-based applications, including Google Suite, Salesforce CRM, and Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge; a growth mindset regarding digital tools.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours, including select evenings and Saturdays.

Education:

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Experience:

• A minimum of five years of relevant experience in school leadership or non-profit management, preferably in the field of education or youth services.
• Proven record of fundraising success with individual, corporate, foundation, and government grant support.

Physical and psychological demands:

• Must be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks simultaneously and consistently functioning well in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be capable of using a visual display terminal with a keyboard.
• Must have a driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must have a strong commitment to and ability to execute superior customer service.
• Must be able to effectively give and receive feedback.
• Must exhibit the following qualities to be a successful team player:
  • Trustworthiness and the ability to fully trust other team members.
  • Ability to communicate in a timely and professional manner to address conflicts.
  • Strong evidence of ownership and accountability for all aspects of work responsibilities.
  • Consistent and superior attention to detail and results.

The position is full-time (12 months) and qualifies for a competitive benefits package.