About Valley Eye Radio:

Valley Eye Radio (VER) keeps our Pioneer Valley neighbors with vision loss or reading impairment informed and connected to their communities by radio broadcasting 24/7 local news that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them.

We’re on a mission to fight loneliness, keep our listeners informed, and create a sense of community among our listeners, our nearly 100 volunteer readers, and the entire region we serve.

VER is a member of the Massachusetts Audio Information Network (MAIN), a group of six Massachusetts non-profit radio reading service organizations, all of which are partially funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

We’re looking for a passionate and strategic Executive Director to serve as the organization’s leader, reporting to the Board of Directors to advance our mission and execute strategic and annual operational goals.

Learn more about VER: https://valleyeyeradio.org/.

Qualifications and Skills:

The ED is an established nonprofit leader, fundraiser, fiscal, and program manager with the ability to engage stakeholders of all kinds. Successful candidates will be able to implement programs to meet the strategic goals and objectives of VER. We are looking for:

• A strategic and visionary leader with a desire to move the organization into the future.
• A project- and people manager with demonstrated experience growing non-profit organizations similar to VER.
• A successful fundraiser with demonstrated experience in grant writing and securing individual and corporate donations and/or sponsorship opportunities. Familiarity with Pioneer Valley area funders is a plus.
• An individual with a working knowledge of the Massachusetts state-level budget process and the ability to work with MAIN and other professionals to advocate for VER to State Representatives and Senators.
• A community connector with passion and an understanding of the organization’s mission and the people we serve.

Experience & Skills Required:

• Exceptional leadership and organizational skills with the ability to perform the diverse tasks required to successfully manage a nonprofit organization.
• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree a plus) in a relevant field and 5 or more years of nonprofit management experience or equivalent work experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for a variety of audiences – staff, volunteers, listeners, Board of Directors, funders, collaborators, community members, legislators, and more.
• Experience with or demonstrated understanding of accessibility and inclusion standards for those with disabilities, particularly vision impairment, and the changing needs of the communities VER serves.
• Knowledge of the Massachusetts state-level budget process preferred.
• Experience with radio/news broadcasting is a plus.

Some Responsibilities Include:

Financial

• Prepare the annual budget to be approved by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting.
• Manage and monitor income and expenses to be in alignment with the Board’s approved budget.
• Work with the Board’s Treasurer to oversee all financial operations.
• Coordinate the preparation, execution, and reporting of all state and federal tax and reporting requirements, ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Fundraising

• Research funding agencies, write letters of intent, grant proposals, grant reports, and create and maintain a grants calendar.
• Monitor and carry out activities and operations to meet the promises outlined in each funded grant proposal.
• Advocate to Massachusetts State Senators and Representatives to secure State funding.
• Create and market an annual appeal to secure funding from individuals.
• Secure corporate sponsorships and write reports.
• Ensure VER information on nonprofit sites such as Guidestar, Charity Navigator, etc., is accurate and up-to-date.

Operations

• Oversee VER’s 24/7 broadcast and VER staff activities; VER’s Program Director manages the day-to-day operations.
• Hire and manage contractors (radio engineer, grant writer, website developer, videographer, etc.)
• Maintain a general understanding of the organization’s technology and be willing to troubleshoot with staff and contractors if needed.
• Monitor and report data about listener activity to the Board; make strategic decisions to increase listenership.
• Assist the Board of Directors in the development and implementation of the strategic plan.
• Create and maintain relationships to benefit the successful operation of VER, including MAIN representatives, Mass Comission for the Blind, legislators, local leaders, other non-profit leaders, those in the healthcare space, WestMass Eldercare, LifePath, etc.

Community & Public Relations

• Raise the profile and awareness of VER to advance the mission.
• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson to the media and community.
• Maintain website and domains.
• Create and/or outsource marketing materials.
• Build and maintain relationships to advance the reach of VER.

Human Resources

• Prepare job descriptions, hire, train, lead, evaluate, and retain staff.
• Oversee the recruitment and training of volunteer readers.
• Advocate DEI practices throughout all levels of the organization.

Board of Directors

• Prepare monthly Executive Director’s report.
• Assist the Board of Directors with the recruitment of new Board members.
• Identify and report strategic relationships to the Board on a quarterly basis.

Compensation & Benefits:

This is a full-time role at 32 hours per week. The salary is $72,000.

The schedule is flexible and hybrid, with some work and oversight required onsite at VER’s studio in Springfield.

We offer paid time off and holidays. Due to the small size of the organization, we unfortunately cannot offer health insurance at this time.

VERisan Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

To make sure our small but mighty staff can get the important work of VER done, no calls please.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $72,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 32 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Choose your own hours

Ability to Relocate:

• Springfield, MA 01105: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Springfield, MA 01105