Job Announcement

Position Title: Executive Director

Term: Full Time

Location: 895 State Farm Road, Suite 404, Boone, NC 28607

Salary Range: $55,000 to $65,000

Open Until Filled

 

Organization Background

The Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge (WFBR) is a collective giving organization formed and sustained by a group of women philanthropists striving to make a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in Ashe, Avery, and Watauga Counties, North Carolina. WFBR believes all women have the right to equality, safety, opportunity, and self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We recognize our role as a leader in our community by working to achieve these goals through grantmaking, advocacy, and community building. More information can be found at www.womensfundoftheblueridge.org. 

 

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the key management leader of the Women’s Fund of the Blue Ridge.  The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, event planning, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership, direction, and coordination for the advancement  of WFBR by implementing strategies to raise funds and develop relationships with donors, prospective donors, and local partners.  
  • Enhance the public image of WFBR by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
  • Organize and manage the annual Power of the Purse Luncheon, Bourbon & BBQ event, and other membership events and “Friend-raisers.”
  • Maintain awareness of the work of other collective giving organizations and nonprofits, and seek out opportunities for collaboration.
  • Diligently pursue major gifts for WFBR.
  • Research and submit funding requests to foundations and corporations.
  • Together with the Membership Committee, design and implement strategies to increase membership and engage members.
  • Pursue continuing education and best practices regarding fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector and collective giving organizations.
  • Oversee maintenance of the donor database.

Marketing and Communications

  • Envision, create, and maintain a positive brand for WFBR.
  • Together with the Public Relations Committee, convey WFBR’s brand to members, businesses, donors, and the general public across WFBR’s service area.
  • Create engaging, brand-positive content for quarterly newsletters, social media, brochures, press releases, and other publications.
  • Act as the primary spokesperson and communicator for WFBR.
  • Create, update, and oversee content for the website.
  • Represent WFBR through public presentations.
  • Raise community awareness about issues affecting women and their families through written and oral communications.

Grant Allocation Process

  • Together with the Grants Committee, review, revise, and distribute grant guidelines, applications, and reporting requirements.
  • Provide technical assistance to prospective applicants and to the Grants Committee, and assist in overseeing the grant review and monitoring process.
  • Maintain working knowledge of community needs in the counties served by WFBR.

Administration

  • Implement effective systems to track progress and regularly evaluate and revise systems/procedures so as to improve WFBR’s ability to pursue our mission. Develop metrics of success that can be effectively communicated to the Board, funders, and other constituents.
  • Supervise the Operations Manager, interns, and volunteers, creating a positive work atmosphere emphasizing efficiency, professional growth, positive thinking, and creative problem-solving.
  • Establish sound working relationships with community groups and organizations.
  • Manage the finances of WFBR and, together with the Finance Committee, create proposed budgets for Board approval.
  • Attend WFBR Board meetings and committee meetings as necessary.
  • Sign agreements and contracts on behalf of WFBR.
  • Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization's work.
  • Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Qualifications

  • Strong commitment to the mission and values of WFBR.
  • A bachelor’s degree or higher and 5+ years of applicable work experience.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor relations, and event planning.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent planning and research skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and priorities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive. Experience with or ability to learn QuickBooks and donor management software.
  • Understanding of women’s issues, the nonprofit landscape in northwestern NC, and philanthropy.
  • Ability to take initiative and work as a responsible, self-managed leader, acting without day-to-day supervision.
  • Ability to function as part of a team.
  • Ability to interact respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures.

How to Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to Patti Jupiter, WFBR Board Chairwoman, at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled. 

WFBR is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.