Chief Executive Officer, Chief for Change
Alma Advisory Group, United States
Job Description
Who We Are
Chiefs for Change is a bipartisan network of diverse school superintendents and state education chiefs who share a vision for schools that serve all children well. The members are united around a core set of beliefs about what it will take to achieve that vision in communities across the nation. Specifically, members believed that education is a fundamental right and that every child must have:
- A safe and welcoming school.
- Access to an excellent education.
- Fully prepared teachers with the support they need to do their jobs well.
- High-quality instructional materials.
- Reliable and affordable pathways to college and careers.
This network represents the nation’s largest community of practice for education leaders that together include approximately 7 million students, 435,000 teachers, and 14,000 schools. The organization exists to advocate for policies and practices that make a difference, to share and scale promising programs, practices, and initiatives, and to build the pipeline of talented educators ready to lead K-12 systems.
What You’ll Do
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will bring vision and innovation to this membership organization. The person in this role will drive the strategic direction and foster sustainable connections across a nationwide network of educators and partners committed to the vision in communities across the nation. The CEO will set goals and priorities and work systematically to meet them, oversee the senior team, and ensure that the organization allocates funds effectively in support of the members.
Responsibilities
Setting and Implementing the Organizational Vision and Strategy
- Maintain a relentless focus on innovative K-12 policies and best practices that make a difference for children, ensuring that any proof points are shared in the network and beyond.
- Model thought leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a way that establishes Chiefs for Change as the go-to source for information on what works for children.
- Communicate the vision and strategy to inspire and galvanize action across staff, members, future chiefs, and the broader education, civic, and philanthropic communities.
- Translate the strategy into long- and short-term priorities, strategies, and goals, adjusting as needed.
- Act as a bridge between the organization and the members, leading and stewarding organizational strategy, decision-making, and creating trust and transparency.
- Present and promote the organization and its mission, programs, partners, and members in a consistently positive manner, inspiring optimism and hope for the students served by the organization’s members.
Building Strong Relationships with Transparency and Integrity
- Initiate, cultivate, and extend relationships with the organization’s portfolio of individual, foundation, and corporate supporters.
- Lead efforts to generate new philanthropic support, leveraging the Board of Directors and members as needed.
- Leverage quality technical assistance providers so that members receive the support and assistance needed to be successful in their roles.
- Manage strong relationships and partnerships with the Board, particularly the Chair, maintaining regular and ongoing communication with the entire Board, and keeping them informed of all financial, legal, and other public interest matters.
- Serve as the voice of members and as a representative of the sector as a whole when advocating for policies in the best interests of the students, families, and communities they serve.
Team Leadership and Management
- Coach and develop members of the Senior Leadership Team to be effective in their roles and in the management of their teams and functional areas.
- Engage equitable and inclusive recruiting, hiring, and onboarding practices to find, grow, and keep a diverse team.
Organizational Effectiveness
- Provide strategic leadership and hands-on management for all of the administrative and operational functions of the organization in accordance with the mission, vision, and policies.
- Direct resources and manage all financials prudently within budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations.
- Systematize key functions in the organization to maximize efficiency, enhance program effectiveness, and increase access to necessary information for staff and members.
Requirements
Competencies and Skills
Extraordinary Influencer, Communicator, and Relationship Builder
- Navigate complex political environments, relationships, and dynamics to c