About First Book: First Book (https://firstbook.org/) believes that education offers children the best possible path out of poverty. Reaching 5 million children from birth to age 18 annually, First Book has also built the country’s largest and fastest growing network of educators serving kids in need: today First Book reaches 575,000 educators nationwide – and growing every week. A global leader in social enterprise, First Book harnesses the strategies of the private sector to advance social change. First Book has built a family of social enterprises to serve its network of educators and support children in need including the First Book Marketplace, The First Book Accelerator, First Book Insights, and a range of other efforts. In fact, since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 225 million books and educational materials to children from low-income families. Because of its record of innovation and impact, First Book has been celebrated globally by such institutions as the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the World Economic Forum and in case studies at Columbia Business School, Wharton Business School, the Yale School of Management, and the London School of Economics. Finally, Charity Navigator recently awarded First Book its highest rating, including a perfect 100% score for Accountability & Transparency.
About the position: Do you have a private sector head and a public-sector heart? First Book is looking for a creative, entrepreneurial individual to lead as Vice President, Global Strategies. The Vice President of Business Operations is responsible for managing a major international initiative focused on youth empowerment. This initiative is First Book’s key global initiative and is a central pillar for building the organization’s global expansion. Its success can propel the current business as well as our global footprint, and it will require working with the Executive team to advance First Book’s footprint through project work that expands First Book’s work globally so we can deliver optimally to our current partner, and other potential global partners. This includes managing the global strategic planning and capacity management function, which will be pivotal in determining how we design the most effective strategies to meet our mission. The role also includes capturing the key learnings and strategies for our global expansion as our footprint continues to reach beyond the Continental United States.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned entrepreneurial executive with a proven track record of leading global projects and operational functions. They have direct experience in capacity management, workforce management, financial planning (incl. P&L oversight). The successful candidate will have the ability to be highly strategic while leading and expanding our foundational operational capabilities for global expansion. The individual will have a collaborative demeanor, high sense of urgency, strong executive presence, and an outstanding history of building and deploying scalable and sustainable strategies, processes, and tools to accelerate our operational rigor to accommodate expansion beyond the USA and Canada.
Primary Responsibilities:
· Lead First Book’s partnership with management of global youth empowerment initiative. As part of this:
o Manage First Book’s Global initiative focused on youth empowerment on a day-to- day basis.
o Ensure the global strategic plan for the Changemaking Initiative is executed appropriately.
o Working collaboratively with all parties involved in the project to ensure they are aligned and working seamlessly toward executing the goals of the global initiative.
o Communicate with global partners to ensure continued agreement with the direction and execution of the initiative.
o Provide regular project updates to the Executive Team.
o Use the youth empowerment initiative as a guide to author the business plan for First Book’s continued global expansion to larger global business objectives.
· Assist in leading the charge to find funding to support expansion of global efforts beyond our current global funders.
· Support First Book operations, fundraising and partnership efforts as necessary.
Preferred Qualifications:
· 15 years’ experience in Program Management
· 12 years in Functional Leadership, with at least 5 years managing Directors or higher
· 10 years in managing business operations functions
· 10 years interacting with internal and customer executives
· Proven expertise in process and technology automation
· Proven experience with analytical capabilities
· Experience supporting a scaled business including support, sales, or similar
Other qualifications – the ideal candidate will possess:
· Demonstrated entrepreneurial skills. An entrepreneurial spirit is a core to First Book’s DNA. Must be a tenacious self-starter.
· Exceptional writing and presentation skills. Must be able to produce creative written content and presentations quickly and under time pressure.
· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to spark, cultivate, and grow relationship with corporate leaders. Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.
· Keen organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
· A collaborative demeanor and the ability to bring multiple stakeholders together.
· Ability to represent First Book in a variety of settings. Some travel required unless precluded by global or regional safety and public health considerations.
· A passion for First Book’s mission that is visible and contagious.
· A sense of humor—this one is required.
· Is a thought leader, stays abreast of trends globally
· Has a Beginners Mind, always looking for new ways to make things better
· Embodies the values of Trust, Customer Success, Innovation, and Equality
Benefits:
· Hybrid work environment: work from home & office
· Medical insurance
· Dental insurance
· Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
· Vacation leave
· Sick leave
· Twelve Annual Holidays
· 401K and employer matching pension contribution
· Transportation benefits
· Work with an amazing team and change the lives of children around the world!
Posting Statement
At First Book we believe that our mission is to improve the state of our world through educational equality. Each of us has a responsibility to drive equality in our communities and workplaces. We are committed to creating a workforce that reflects society through inclusive programs and initiatives. First Book welcomes all.
To Apply
Candidates are invited to submit a resume, and a cover letter that details your interest in the position. If you need assistance applying for the position, please contact us at ajones@firstbook.org , 202-499-5935.