Executive Director

Who We Are

Are you interested in making a tangible impact in the lives of high school students and families in Philadelphia, increasing college access and success for historically underserved communities? At Minds Matter Philadelphia, dedicated, high-potential students are given every opportunity to achieve their dreams. Minds Matter Philadelphia is an affiliate of Minds Matter, a national nonprofit organization that connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Operating in Philadelphia since 2011, Minds Matter Philadelphia currently serves between 40 - 50 students annually on average from 15 Philly area high schools with the support of about 70 volunteers and mentors. Our success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated, long-term volunteers at the forefront of our work with students.

What We’re Looking For

Summary of Position

We are seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our first paid Executive Director. Minds Matter Philadelphia is a fully volunteer-led chapter, so this is a unique opportunity to leverage what we’ve built while helping to shape the future of our work. The Executive Director (“ED”) will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of MM Philadelphia's operations, including but not limited to strategic planning, fundraising, board engagement, partnerships, program support, and day-to-day operations. The ED will also actively engage with local stakeholders, collaborate with other Minds Matter chapters, and work alongside the National team to enhance the program's effectiveness throughout Philadelphia.

We are looking for a passionate, energetic individual who is excited by our mission and who can both lead at the highest level and be on the ground in the day-to-day work as we continue to strengthen and grow the organization over time.

This role offers the chance to lead a pivotal organization focused on educational equity and deliver a transformative impact on students' lives. You'll have the opportunity to shape the organization's future, applying your skills and vision to the future strategy of the Chapter. This position provides a unique platform for professional growth and significant community contribution.

This position will report to the Board of Directors of the Philadelphia chapter.

What You Will Be Responsible For

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and People Management

• Act as the internal and external face of Minds Matter Philadelphia to all stakeholders, including volunteers, corporate and school partners, students and their families, donors, and other nonprofit/educational organizations
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to deepen and implement a strategic direction for the overall organization and execute against that plan
• Help expand the Board and support the transition to a committee structure
• Identify, develop, and retain dynamic community partnerships to expand the volunteer base and opportunities for students
• Cultivate a broad professional network that can be leveraged to raise the profile of Minds Matter Philadelphia
• Inspire and lead volunteers to set yearly goals and carry out the day-to-day operations of the organization

Programming and Outcomes

• Collaborate with volunteer leaders, Minds Matter National, and other stakeholders to assist with the ongoing development, implementation, and assessment of creative and effective programming that advances Minds Matter’s goals and vision
• Support volunteers in recruiting students, and build relationships with schools that create an effective student recruiting pipeline
• Work with current volunteers to recruit additional volunteers and volunteer leaders
• Oversee program impact as measured by the consistent application and measurement of key metrics of program quality and student outcomes

Fundraising and Resource Development

• Lead all fundraising activities for Minds Matter Philadelphia with primary responsibility for meeting annual and multi-year revenue goals, with a significant focus on donor and partnership cultivation, corporate funding, grant writing, and diversifying the donor base
• Actively expand fundraising activities by building relationships and securing financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations
• Represent Minds Matter Philadelphia effectively with donors, partners and other stakeholders
• Take a leadership role in managing donor stewardship and engagement in conjunction with the Minds Matter Philadelphia Board and volunteer leadership

Nonprofit Management & Operations

• Implement and evaluate organizational processes to streamline operations
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of Minds Matter Philadelphia, including but not limited to weekly sessions, financial and legal requirements, and partner relationships
• Be an effective steward of resources via disciplined, mission-driven, results-oriented budgeting and planning
• Develop staffing plans for growth and stability, including the resources needed to sustain additional staff and other resources
• Effectively manage budget, projections, and accounting

About You

Required Experiences:

• Bachelor’s Degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university required; minimum of 5-7 years related experience
• Experience in a leadership role at a high-growth or small nonprofit organization (education, college access, and youth development preferred), with exposure to or experience with programming, operations, and management
• Experience in college access work, particularly supporting first-generation college students, low-income communities, or other historically marginalized groups
• Experience managing people (e.g., Boards, volunteers, community organizations) effectively and independently
• Demonstrated experience working with and sensitivity to individuals from varying socio-demographic backgrounds
• Demonstrated knowledge of and execution of non-profit fundraising strategies, particularly individual donor and major gift strategies
• Experience and/or knowledge of volunteer recruitment and retention strategy in a non-profit setting preferred
• Knowledge of the nonprofit and educational ecosystem of Philadelphia is a plus
• Knowledge of and relationships within the Philadelphia philanthropic community is a huge plus
• People management experience is a plus

Required Skills & Qualities

• Ability to effectively communicate with multiple and diverse stakeholders (students, school leaders, volunteers, and Board of Directors)
• Effective at cultivating external relationships and forging new partnerships, specifically able to build meaningful relationships and partnerships with families
• Exceptional capacity for managing and leading people; a team builder who has experience in scaling up organizations
• Experience in college access work, particularly supporting first-generation college students, low-income communities, or other historically marginalized groups
• Understands systemic educational barriers and displays a commitment to advancing access and equity in programming and leadership
• Ability to actively listen to stakeholders, analyze complex problems, and identify patterns and connections that improve decision-making and action
• Ability to share a clear perspective, both oral and written
• Demonstrated flexible and adaptable style; willingness to ‘roll up their sleeves’ to be both a strategist and executor of the work
• Excellent organizational skills and capacity to prioritize and manage time well, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work as both an independent self-starter and a team player who productively engages with others within and outside the organization
• Ability and desire to learn and grow; desire to take calculated risks, ability to learn from mistakes, and willingness to integrate feedback to improve
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency is a plus

Additional Information

• Salary: $125,000
• Health Insurance
• 8 weeks paid time off
• Hybrid role, with a requirement to attend at least three Saturday sessions a month during the school year. For the first 6 months, the Executive Director is expected to be at 100% of Saturday sessions (barring any exceptions or emergencies)

Apply

This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact by building on an already successful program. You'll play a key role in strategic growth, including expanding partnerships and increasing student and volunteer engagement. This is an ideal opportunity for a dynamic leader ready to take the next step in their career and invest in the future of Philadelphia's youth.

Applications must be submitted to THIS LINK. Applications submitted through any other medium will not be considered. The Application deadline is April 28, 2025. The search process will encompass three rounds of interviews and a thought exercise with various members of the Board and organization.

A background check and a reference check will also be a part of the process.

Minds Matter Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

Applicants needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact Emalee Rodriguez at Together Together Consulting (emalee@togethertogetherconsulting.com) to request and arrange for assistance.