JOB OPENING: NECN Executive Director

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Title: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, Exempt Position

Salary: $64,000-69,000 Annually, Plus Benefits

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

We encourage BIPOC, disabled, LGBTQIA, and younger members of our diverse communities to apply. The qualifications & skills listed will be needed on the job, HOWEVER, if you feel you don’t hit every mark, that’s ok! Any combination of education, work experience, volunteer experience & life experience will be taken into consideration.

NECN is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit coalition working in 12 culturally diverse and vibrant inner North and Northeast Portland neighborhoods with a focus on civic engagement, issue advocacy, leadership development, and community project support. 

Founded in 1974, the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) was founded by community members to address community issues and create effective solutions on a grassroots level. 

As part of the Portland Neighborhood System, NECN serves as one of seven district coalitions collaborating with the Office of Community and Civic Life and the City’s 95 neighborhood associations to advance neighborhood livability through highly inclusive civic engagement and grassroots community-building activities. NECN believes in creating healthy communities by engaging citizens to become directly involved in determining how their community evolves.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Executive Director provides leadership in formulating and implementing NECN’s mission, values, goals, and programs. Key areas of responsibility are resource/partnership development, strategic and annual planning, financial management, program development, evaluation and management, human resources, public policy monitoring and advocacy strategies, community relations, and legal/contract compliance.

REPORTS TO

NECN Board of Directors

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Resource/Partnership Development 

  • In cooperation with the Board and staff, pursue fund development and strategic partnerships

  • Manage relationships with grantors; assure compliance with grant reporting requirements

  • Assure positive and proactive relationships with all NECN Fiscal Sponsorship Projects; provide support and oversight

Strategic and Annual Planning 

  • In cooperation with the Board and staff, provide leadership in organizing strategic planning, developing and implementing plans, assuring regular review of plans to celebrate accomplishments and update goals

  • Provide support to the Board, staff, and committees in developing and implementing projects and plans

  • In cooperation with the staff, develop an annual programmatic work plan for Board approval


Financial Management 

  • Oversee an appropriate accounting system and compliance with Board-approved fiscal policies and procedures

  • Work closely with the Executive Committee to develop a proposed annual budget for adoption by the Board and manage the approved budget

  • Ensure the development of accurate and complete financial statements for monthly Board review

  • Oversee implementation of Fiscal Sponsorship policies, procedures, and agreements

Program Development, Evaluation, and Management 

  • Proactively explore opportunities for collaboration to broaden civic engagement with communities of color and other underrepresented groups

  • Provide hands-on leadership in incubating, launching, and evaluating programs and services based on the opportunities, interests, and needs of the Northeast Coalition’s neighborhood associations and other stakeholders

  • Provide oversight and management of annual programmatic work plan; programs including:  Neighborhoods Program, Community Initiatives, Community Committees, Fiscal Sponsored Projects, and Special Projects

Human Resources

  • Hire, supervise, evaluate, and provide support to NECN staff and volunteers

  • Assist the Board with board development activities including board recruitment, orientation, training, evaluation, and recognition

  • Strengthen the Board-staff team, fostering opportunities for staff and board members to work jointly with neighborhood associations and other groups and to bring people together across boundaries on issues of mutual interest

Public Policy Monitoring and Advocacy Strategies

  • Coordinate review of City proposals affecting north/northeast neighborhoods and opportunities for community involvement in policymaking

  • Monitor policy developments and work with the staff and Board to shape NECN's participation in advocacy efforts

Organizational Relationships/Community Relations

  • Serve as NECN's spokesperson (Board Chair also serves as a spokesperson)

  • Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with community-based organizations, local businesses, local government, educational institutions, and media outlets

Legal and Contract Compliance

  • Manage NECN’s legal affairs

  • Ensure adequate insurance for NECN, neighborhood associations, and fiscally-sponsored projects (FSPs)

  • Ensure compliance and appropriate reporting in accordance with contracts and local, state,
    and federal laws

  • Advise neighborhood associations on appropriate nonprofit legal structural requirements for bylaws, articles of incorporation, etc.

Facility Management and Oversight

  • Ensure appropriate maintenance and upkeep of the NECN space

  • Oversee lease agreements, landlord, and space-use partner relations

  • Oversee policies regarding NECN meeting room availability to neighborhood associations and the broader community

  • Plan for future NECN space requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate is a committed lifelong learner and facilitative leader who works in partnership with others (including neighborhood volunteers, board, staff, and community partners) to translate vision into action. This person has a passion for civic engagement and a track-record of community-building experience.

Required:

  • Experience implementing policies and practices related to diversity, equity, and inclusion

  • Substantive management experience (preferably non-profit), including working with a Board of Directors, staff supervision, and program and financial oversight (Delegation to staff and volunteers)

  • Strong cultural competency and experience working with diverse cultural groups

  • Demonstrated leadership and partnership building experience (in paid or volunteer position)

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff, public and private agencies, community groups, and the public

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills and strong listening skills

  • Conflict resolution experience and excellent customer service skills

  • Flexibility in hours with the ability to work some nights and weekends

  • Attention to detail and ability to multitask and meet deadlines amidst many competing priorities

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Preferred:

  • Public speaking and group facilitation experience

  • Volunteer management experience

  • Proven program development 

  • Event planning experience

  • Familiarity with north/northeast Portland community resources and history 

  • Understanding of the Portland Neighborhood System and City Government

  • Experience navigating various government processes and resources

  • Experience with fundraising, grant management, and development 

  • Commitment to continuous learning related to cultural competency and trauma-informed care principles 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit the following three items:

  • Detailed cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the mission of NECN and how your skills, passion, experience, and aptitude match this position

  • Option to submit a video instead of a cover letter

  • Detailed resume or CV

  • Three professional references (that NECN may contact)

We will start reviewing applications on October 29th, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. The position will be open until filled.

By email to: hiring@necoalition.org with "Hiring Committee: Executive Director" in the subject line.

NECN is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, genetics, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factor.