EXECUTIVE POSITION PROFILE

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

www.microgrants.net

On behalf of our client, MicroGrants, KeyStone Search is conducting a retained search for an Executive Director

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ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND MicroGrants was founded in 2006 by Joe Selvaggio, a well-known community leader whose 45-year career has focused on bridging the gap between affluent and lowincome people. After an early career as a parish priest in the inner city, Joe left the priesthood and founded Project for Pride in Living, today a thriving multi-service nonprofit with a $40 million budget. He then founded the 1% Club, a philanthropy organization encouraging philanthropy by the wealthiest citizens. In founding MicroGrants, Joe sought to offer an opportunity to those individuals who want to give by connecting them to recipients who can utilize a modest grant efficiently and productively. Today, MicroGrants is a vibrant organization making over 400 grants each year. The MicroGrants concept is based on a partnership process and works like this: 1) Supporters make financial contributions to MicroGrants. 2) Partner agencies who promote self-sufficiency recommend qualified clients as potential grant recipients. 3) MicroGrants reviews applications and awards grants of $1000 each. 4) Partner agencies coach grantees and oversee the use of the grants. 5) Partner agencies follow up with recipients and report the results to MicroGrants. Partner organizations to MicroGrants include Neighborhood Development Center, EMERGE, Jeremiah Program, Amherst Wilder Foundation, Twin Cities RISE!, WomenVenture and many others. A recent study of MicroGrant recipients showed the following exciting results: 98% used the grants as they had planned 97% achieved all or some of their short-term goals 96% of education-grant recipients had completed or were on track to complete their educational goals 100% of the business recipients remained in business 97% of entrepreneurs reported that the grants had helped their business The organization has a budget of around $500,000; an impressive 85% goes directly to program services. MicroGrants employs a very small staff (currently two full-time and two part-time) people and has an office in South Minneapolis. Additionally, more than 35 program volunteers graciously give their time to MicroGrants each year. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of MicroGrants is: To spur economic self-sufficiency by giving strategic grants to low-income people of potential through Partner Agencies.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of MicroGrants. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission and fundraising and financial objectives. The organization has a strategic plan that is focused on growth. The Executive Director leads the day-to-day operations of the organization including leadership in programs, partnerships and measurement. He or she will maintain positive relationships with partner agencies and look for improved ways to work together and collaborate. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and is responsible for ensuring that the stakeholders of the organization are kept informed of the conditions and operations MicroGrants. In some ways, the MicroGrants Board of Directors is still formative; the new Executive Director would add value by bringing additional governance expertise to enhance the workings of the board. The Executive Director is responsible for the assurance of the fiscal integrity and sound financial management of MicroGrants. He or she oversees the development and management of the budget and financial controls. Further, the Executive Director ensures proper administration of all authorized procedures regarding funds management and keeps the board apprised of financial and operational issues. The Executive Director is ultimately responsible for generating revenue for the organization through a focus on fundraising. It is fair to say that perhaps 80% of the emphasis of the job, at least at first, will be on fundraising. Building and sustaining positive relationships with existing donors and fostering and encouraging new donors is a significant part of this position. Executive Director cultivates and manages a broad set of relationships with donors, civic leaders an d other centers of influence. The Executive Director works with leaders from all sectors as needed to maintain positive relations with organizations of all types, to advance strategic initiatives and programs. The Executive Director is responsible for using best practices to hire, supervise, coach, and manage all staff of MicroGrants. It will be important that the current mission and culture be honored, even as the organization moves forward. This position is available due to the retirement of Joe Selvaggio, Founder of MicroGrants and its current Executive Director. Joe has served as MicroGrants only Executive Director. Joe plans to remain on the Board of Directors, as chair, to provide a period of continuity and to assist the new Executive Director to integrate into the new role.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Lead the fundraising process, securing charitable contributions and grants to meet ever increasing budgeted MicroGrants totals. Work with the board chair in the retention of the top thirty donors. Meet annual development goals. Assure consistent, timely progress in the achievement of Microgrants long -range growth strategy. Incorporate Board participation in a strategic planning process and approval of a plan. Provide operational leadership in all program, development and financial activities. Establish good working relationships and cooperative arrangements with Partner Agencies, community groups and organizations. Work positively with the board of directors and assist with board development. Keep the board fully informed on the status and key issues of the organization. Utilize publications, media, and all others avenues of marketing and communications to promote the work of MicroGrants. Personally represent the programs and point of view of MicroGrants to agencies, organizations and the general public. Oversee staff issuance of grant checks, maintenance of official records and documents, always ensuring compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Recruit, develop and manage the staff, including ensuring job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place. Maintain an organizational culture that attracts, keeps, and motivates staff and volunteers. Be a positive presence inside and outside of the organization. Develop and maintain sound financial records. Work with staff and the board in preparing an annual budget and assure that the organization operates within budget guidelines Jointly, with the co-chairs and secretary of the board of directors, conducts official correspondence, and jointly, with designated officers, executes legal documents. Oversees the management of the annual evaluation program to determine the effectiveness of recent grants and to recommend improvements to the grant process. Maintains a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field. Be aware of best practices and consider ways to bring best practices from the sector into MicroGrants. Represent the organization at various meetings and events.

QUALIFICATIONS This critical position requires a bachelors degree and ten or more years of relevant experience in leadership in a non-profit or civic organization, ideally having worked with non-profit funding sources. A strong interest in the mission of MicroGrants-supporting the self-sufficiency of people of potential--will be important as well. The Executive Director will have exceptional fundraising skills. He or she will possess the ability to drive a financially sustainable enterprise by thinking strategically and focusing on opportunities for growth while keeping a keen eye on execution. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of building relationships with key donors, business and civic leaders and others who can positively impact the organization. An entrepreneurial drive and passion is desirable in this position. This position requires an astute ability to manage complex relationships and groups. A strong track record of creating an open door environment is an absolute must. This individual should have strong motivational, team building, and overall communication skills. He or she will maintain a servant leadership attitude which values input and creativity from others. A track record of building strong, mutually beneficial relationships inside and outside the organization and achieving results through people is a must. Other desired professional qualifications are: Outstanding verbal and written communications. The ability to speak publicly and represent MicroGrants in the media will also be important. Knowledge of current trends and emerging models in grantmaking is strongly preferred. Proven, practical knowledge of program management. Proven organizational skills and administrative competence in areas such as strategic planning & goal setting, financial management, budgeting, marketing/donor experience, building loyalty, public relations, publications and technology. Experience building, managing, and strengthening staff and volunteer teams. Background and skill working with an experienced board of directors. An ability to assist in board development and governance will be required. A positive orientation to maintain and uphold the core values and culture of the organization while continuing to seek new ways of doing business. The ability to positively lead and measure effectiveness of any change initiatives. The ability and commitment to envision and describe the long-term future of the organization in a way that inspires and motivates key stakeholders. The ability and commitment to be an engaging ambassador and advocate for MicroGrants with key business, community, and government leaders. This includes the ability to skillfully manage the needs of competing stakeholders. Demonstrated experience and ability in volunteer management. Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects.

CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS A positive and persuasive champion and fundraiser A well-connected community presence A strategic thinker and innovator A politically astute leader with a proven ability to build strategic relationships A skilled expert in board leadership and governance An effective public speaker, negotiator and listener Well-organized, with a demonstrated ability to multi-task A change agent who can attract new donors and engage positively with a changing constituent base Skilled in management including operations, administration and finance Able to promote participation and support and cultivate volunteer leaders An individual who is deeply committed to social justice, empowerment, and helping the poor

COMPENSATION The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience and consists of a base salary and participation in a PTO program. CONTACT Marcia Ballinger, PhD, Principal 612-375-8895 marciab@keystonesearch.com or Lisa Curtin, Vice President 612-718-7779 lisac@keystonesearch.com

Because Culture Matters

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