What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Hourglass Lancaster?
Hourglass seeks a dynamic community leader to serve as its Executive Director. This individual will be a key player in shaping conversations about Lancaster County's future and advocating for our community’s enviable quality of life. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong communication skills, deep connections within the community, and the ability to wear multiple hats in both strategic and administrative capacities.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership and Strategic Vision:
- Provide leadership that aligns with Hourglass’s mission and values, ensuring the organization remains a central voice in community discussions around growth, education, city vitality, health, and environmental sustainability.
- Engage with community leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses to further Hourglass’s initiatives.
Board of Directors Support:
- Collaborate with the Board President to set meeting agendas, schedule guests, and ensure the board remains informed on key organizational activities and community developments.
- Attend board meetings, take minutes, and foster active engagement between board members and the community.
Events & Forums:
- Develop and host monthly First Friday Forums and annual Community Forums on relevant issues impacting Lancaster County.
- Coordinate logistics for events, including speaker scheduling, invitations and registration, venue setup, catering, and livestreaming/video recording, ensuring high-quality execution.
- Manage post-event follow-up through digital platforms, such as YouTube, social media, and email marketing, to share recordings and insights.
Communications & Publications:
- Produce the biweekly Keeping Lancaster Current email newsletter, the monthly Listening to Lancaster podcast, and the Hourglass Quarterly print publication.
- Manage and update Hourglass’s website, social media accounts, and key publications, including the Annual Report.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization, delivering clear and consistent messaging across platforms.
Fundraising and Financial Oversight:
- Lead annual membership appeals, solicit major donor gifts, and secure sponsorships and grants from businesses and foundations to support organizational sustainability.
- Maintain a robust stakeholder database for targeted communication and outreach.
- Collaborate with an administrator to oversee financial reporting, budgeting, and day-to-day accounting, ensuring fiscal responsibility.
Community Engagement and Research:
- Stay well-informed on local, state, and national issues impacting Lancaster County by reading high-quality news sources daily.
- Represent Hourglass at community meetings and collaborate regularly with nonprofit leaders, government officials, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct research on key topics related to Hourglass’s focus areas to inform board members and drive strategic initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, government, or community organization.
- Focus Areas: Passion for and experience in issues related to smart growth/land use, city vitality, public education, community health, and environmental sustainability.
Skills:
- Technology: Proficiency in WordPress, social media platforms (YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), and basic video editing. Familiarity with digital tools like QuickBooks, Eventbrite, Zoom, and Mailchimp is required.
- Communications: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and act as a spokesperson for the organization.
- Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain relationships with key community leaders, elected officials, and donors.
To Apply:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Career@HourglassLancaster.org by October 18, 2024.