Job Opening: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH -- Position open until filled, review of applications will begin October 1, 2011

HISTORY: Founded in 1995 and staffed since 1996, the Audre Lorde Project (ALP) has developed innovative programs and initiated significant community mobilizations focused on the concerns of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (LGBTSTGNC) People of Color. Key programs areas have included issues such as - Transformative Justice/ Anti Violence and Welfare rights for TGNC Communities of Color– that are non-traditional in LGBT organizations.

Mission

MISSION: The Audre Lorde Project is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color center for community organizing, focusing on the New York City area. Through mobilization, education and capacity building, we work for community wellness and progressive social and economic justice. Committed to struggling across differences, we seek to responsibly reflect, represent, and serve our various constituencies.

Responsibilities

CURRENT PRIORITIES:  The Audre Lorde Project’s first Co- Director team successfully leaves the position with a solid organization in their stead and a multi-stakeholder strategic plan in place.  A nationally recognized force in the struggle for racial, social and economic justice, ALP now seeks an Executive Director who will provide overall leadership for our next stage of organizational and programmatic growth as a center for community organizing.  This leader must be a dynamic and creative individual committed to justice, leadership development and practices that reflect ALP’s principles.  They will be expected to: build on organizational strengths; expand community organizing initiatives; deepen the organization’s relationships with other justice-seeking movements, particularly in People of Color and LGBTST communities.

Organizational Development & Governance

Strategic & Operation Planning.  Oversee and manage organizational development, including strategic and operational planning.  This includes providing leadership for the organization’s political direction and ensuring accountability to LGBTSTGNC communities of color and key allies.

 

Board of Directors.  Report to and work with the Board of Directors, and participate in deliberations and decisions of the Board.

 

Organizational Committees.  Coordinate and participate in deliberations and decisions of key organizational committees – ensuring multi-stakeholder leadership of organizational direction and shared decision-making as appropriate.

 

Public Representation. Interpret ALP’s mission and represent it publicly on local, state, national and international levels as appropriate to:  LGBTSTGNC People of Color communities at-large; People of Color, LGBTSTGNC, Immigrant, Migrant, Refugee, communities with Disabilities and HIV/AIDS communities; funders and other relevant organizations, networks and coalitions as well as in organizing/public policy environments and to the media.

 

Management

General Oversight.  Supervise the management of day-to-day activities of the organization, including the hiring and management of all staff and contracted personnel, and the maintenance of ALP’s physical space.

 

Fiscal & Administrative.  Supervise and monitor fiscal policies, protocols and planning activities.  

Recruitment of staff - If hired as Executive Director, your first responsibility will be to recruit and hire a Deputy Director

 

Staff Retention & Leadership Development.  Oversee the management of the organization’s staff, prioritizing leadership development and participatory decision-making practices that reflect ALP’s mission and values.

 

Fundraising

Planning.  Coordinate development and implementation of multi-tiered fundraising strategies to support organizational mission and growth.

Resources.  Coordinate and secure sufficient funds to carry out the organization’s mission and to support special projects as identified by the Board of Directors.

Program

 

Program

Campaign Development.  Work with relevant staff to oversee the development of grassroots community organizing campaigns and community action as the central strategy for addressing community problems and as the focus of organizational programming.  This includes the development of community analysis and the prioritization of strategic coalition-building.

Program Development and Evaluation.  Oversee planning, implementation, evaluation and documentation of organizational programs.

Required Qualifications

• Strong commitment to ALP’s mission and guiding principles.
• Proven ability working with multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-gendered, intergenerational communities and organizations – especially within LGBTST People of Color communities – and significant experience with coalition-building.
• Strong working knowledge of LGBTST POC, LGBTST and POC communities, issues, and resources nationally.  Demonstrated experience with issues relating to Transgender, Youth & Immigrant LGBTST communities of color.
• Preferred 5 years experience cultivating leadership and decision-making among community members; developing and leading grassroots community organizing campaigns; and solid interest/experience in movement-building strategies.
• Preferred 5 years supervisory and managerial experience within a community-based organization, using consensus and other participatory decision-making models.
• Preferred 5 years experience in program development, implementation and evaluation – including the development of popular education trainings and political education strategies.
• Demonstrated experience securing, expanding and managing multiple funding streams (e.g., individual, foundation, government, private).
• Proven success overseeing and providing fiscal oversight for organizational and program budgets.
• Excellent interpersonal, writing and communication skills.  Comfort and experience with public speaking and communicating with community members, community leaders, funders and the media.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and to travel.

 

Preferred Qualifications

Compensation

 

$44,000 to $47,000. Salary is based on experience and ALP’s commitment to internal equity.  A generous fringe benefits package is provided.

Application Deadline

October 1, 2011

How To Apply

Individuals as well as Co-Director Teams* are encouraged to Apply. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2011.  Please send resumé, cover letter, and names and telephone numbers of three professional references by September 1, 2011 to:

The Audre Lorde Project; Attn: Executive Director Hiring Committee;

147 W 24th St 3rd Floor New York, NY 10011 or by Fax: 212-463-0344

 

* Co-Director Teams:  two people with a strong working relationship/history may apply as a team.  Teams will be considered for 2 full time Co-Director positions instead of  a Executive Director / Deputy Director Model.  Co-Directors will have the same salary range  as the ED position.  To apply as a team please submit a joint coverletter, individual resumes and 3 professional references for each team member.  

ALP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender/ gender identity/ gender expression, age, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, HIV serostatus, disability, or marital status