Director

Director
FLSA JOB STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time
REPORTS TO: Board of Directors
SUPERVISES: Case Manager, Program Administrator, Administrative Assistant, Americorps VISTAS

Background:

The Ben Johnson Educational Center (BDJ Center) provides workforce development for residents 17 and up in Natchitoches, Louisiana, a rural town with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a unique heritage. Despite its appeal as a popular tourist destination, most visitors don't see or experience the poverty and social ills that have historically plagued Natchitoches and surrounding communities. In response, the BDJ Center was founded in 2018 to build community in Natchitoches and give access to social and economic success to all its residents. The center is located in a historically African-American neighborhood, in a building which previously housed thriving minority-owned businesses. Now, the center is a SNAP Employment and Training Provider (SNAP E&T), a federally funded grant program designed to create a pathway out of poverty to SNAP recipients. Participants gain experience that will increase their ability to obtain full-time employment and are prepared to meet state or local workforce needs.

Additionally, the BDJ Center provides free HiSET (formerly known as GED) courses, and industry-based certification classes, like forklift operation and OSHA-10, in partnership with the local community college. The BDJ Center has an in-house case manager, offering comprehensive case management services to all program participants, recognizing that one’s ability to show up for work every day is a result of one’s stability inside themselves and at home.

The Director will report to and work collaboratively with the Board of Directors in leading the BDJ Center’s mission. Specifically, they will ensure the BDJ Center’s fiscal, operations, fundraising, marketing, human resource, technology, business, and programmatic strategies are effectively implemented across all segments of the organization. The ED will be intimately involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as responsible for developing and achieving goals related to the current strategic plan; maintaining a strong presence in the community to increase promotion and awareness of available programming, while engaging in fundraising and development efforts to ensure the sustainability and strategic growth of the organization.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vision and Leadership

● Work with staff and the Board to ensure long-term growth and sustainability strategies in line with the organization’s vision and community needs.

Development & Relationship Building

● Cultivate existing, and innovate new, earned income revenue streams through business development opportunities and implementation.

● Lead the staff and Board to implement a plan for raising and diversifying funds in line with the organization’s mission and strategic vision.

● Oversee grant making process including research, proposal writing and submission, foundation and donor cultivation and grants management.

● Establish marketing, branding and development strategies that will ensure consistency throughout the organization and enhance revenue from funders.

Internal Operations

● Deliver high-quality services while managing current and future growth.

● Implement the performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance on an on-going basis and conducting annual performance reviews.

Financial Management & Governance

● Oversee the financial status of the organization including developing long and short range financial plans and budgets, monitoring the budget, monitoring monthly cash flow of organization, and ensuring sound financial controls are in place.

Program Development

● Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs, services, and earned revenue streams of the organization to maintain or improve quality.

● Work closely with the Program Administrator to increase efficiencies and consistency throughout the organization by developing and implementing standardized programs, services, and curricula.

Required Skills and Competencies:

● Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and manage effectively, including financial and personnel management.

● Experience with strategic planning execution and implementation.

● Experience managing multiple deliverables and priorities against deadlines.

● Ability to build meaningful relationships and communicate effectively across a broad array of stakeholders, including clients, community members, legislators, board, and staff.

● Effective at public speaking.

● Experience in business development, fundraising, and grant writing.

Preferred Skills and Competencies:

● 3-5 years management experience in training, workforce development, business administration, non-profit agency operation, or related field.

● Experience working for or serving on a nonprofit board.

● Comprehensive knowledge of the workforce training and youth services ecosystem.

● Passion for service

● Familiarity with the Natchitoches community

Ben Johnson Educational Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to seeking qualified persons without regard to race, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, sexual orientation, age, disability, military, veteran status or any other protected status or classification under federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $52,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person
• Office
• School

Work Location: In person