Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer (CSA)

Description

 About FirstLine Schools

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans.  FirstLine now operates four (Pre-K) K-8th grade schools.  Our mission is to create and inspire great open admissions public schools in New Orleans.

Our faculty is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth as teachers.  Our schools are led by leaders who hold themselves accountable for student achievement and teacher development.

Position Summary

FirstLine Schools is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to fill the role of Chief Strategy and Advancement Officer (CSA). This senior leadership position is instrumental in driving the organization's growth, impact, and strategic initiatives. The successful candidate will oversee key functional areas, including communications and marketing, development, and overall organizational strategy.

The CSA will directly manage network-level development and communications staff and will provide oversight of external relations, communications, and development. The CSA will report to the CEO and, as a member of the senior leadership team, contribute to the overall organizational health and mission of FirstLine Schools. While the CSA has direct reports, their work may often span across network-wide departments.  The ideal candidate for this position has a history of displaying a solid capacity for systems-level and strategic thinking, excessive consideration to detail, strong interpersonal skills in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and unequivocally comprehends the need for highly effective practices that move forward the academic and behavioral success within the schools for all scholars. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement comprehensive organizational strategies to advance FirstLine Schools' mission and goals.
• Collaborate with the executive team to align organizational strategies with the educational vision of the schools.
• Responsible for maintaining, revising, and leading the network’s Strategic Plans related to long-term organizational goals, potential school and regional expansion, and community impact 
• Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with district, state, foundation, and community organization members
• Advise the CEO and executive team on strategic issues
• Draft and project manage all aspects of charter applications 
• Provide oversight to the communications team by serving as a thought partner and visionary for external messaging, positioning, and branding 
• Review and approve internal and external communications pieces, statements, and posts  
• Promote FirstLine locally and nationally in partnership with the CEO; serve as spokesperson for the network, as needed.

Communications and Marketing:

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy to enhance the organization's visibility and brand
• Ensure consistent and effective communication across various channels, including digital platforms, traditional media, and community outreach
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy that aligns with the organization's goals and enhances its brand
• Lead the creation and implementation of targeted marketing campaigns to promote FirstLine Schools' initiatives, including student and teacher recruitment, and achievements
• Oversee the management of the organization's website, social media platforms, and other digital channels to ensure a consistent and compelling online presence
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement in communication and marketing efforts
• Collaborate with internal teams to create engaging content, including press releases, articles, and multimedia materials, to showcase the organization's impact and success stories
• Build and nurture relationships with media outlets, influencers, and community partners to amplify the organization's reach and positive influence
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, using data and metrics to inform decision-making and continuous improvement
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans to address potential challenges and protect the organization's reputation
• Collaborate with school leaders and educators to integrate marketing and branding efforts into the overall school communication plan
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in communications and marketing to drive innovation and relevance
• Supervise the FLS Director of Communication.

Development:

• Oversee fundraising efforts by developing and executing a strategic development plan working with the FLS Director of Development
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, and key stakeholders to secure funding for the organization's programs and initiatives
• Oversee the preparation of funding proposals, including competitive public and private grant applications
• Meet annual fundraising goals for FLS and ESYNOLA general operations and special projects
• Secure pledges for the following fiscal year’s operations
• Develop effective donor stewardship strategy and supervise the team in implementing it
• Oversee the management of public grant submissions for formula funding and required reporting
• Provide management and oversight on all FLS fundraising and donor cultivation events
• Supervise the FLS Director of Development 
• Develop relationships and strategic partnerships to maintain and grow funding for ESYNOLA, a FirstLine Signature Program, across all FirstLine school sites
• Work with key ESYNOLA supporters to promote and leverage resources for the program
• Partners with Friends of FirstLine to fundraise on behalf of FirstLine Schools

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters preferred
• Ten (10) years of professional fundraising, communications, and/or marketing experience required, preferably as a school leader in New Orleans
• Five (5) years of supervisory and/or team management experience required
• Excellent communication, writing, editing, presentation, and budgeting skills
• Excellent organizational skills to manage workload and multiple priorities
• Excellent influencing skills to interact effectively with all levels of the organization and the school network 
• Exceptional strategic, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Proven experience leading a team or organization with a strong ability to effectively coach, support and manage others
• Passion for improving opportunities for urban students and building a strong, mission-driven organization
• Strong analytical skills, ability to assess challenges and develop solutions at all levels (school, organization, city, state, etc.)
• Able to plan and oversee the delivery of a number of projects within a complex environment
• Commitment to designing systems of accountability and continuous improvement 
• Highly professional and able to handle confidential and complex situations with grace and flexibility
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including but not limited to evenings and weekends as needed

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Deep and demonstrative content knowledge of the diversity, equity, and inclusiveness research base and best practices for organizations striving to become more diverse, equitable, and inclusive required
• Results oriented, determined, skilled leader with a strong track record of managing change throughout a distributed system of entities and teams 
• A demonstrable commitment to pursuing equity 
• A strong track record of experience and results as a trusted member of an organization’s senior leadership team 
• Model the FirstLine Commitments:
  • We Keep Learning
  • We Work Together
  • We Are Helpful
  • We Are the Safekeepers of our Community
  • We Share Joy
  • We Show Results

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to perform all required job functions with reasonable accommodations, if necessary.

Chief Strategy & Advancement Officer reports to:  Chief Executive Officer