Education is a human right.

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1 Job Announcement Executive Director Education is a human right.

2 Who we are. Seattle Education Access (SEA) provides higher education advocacy and opportunity to young people struggling to overcome poverty and adversity throughout King County. SEA is the only college access organization in Washington State and one of few in the US that serves students who did not successfully complete high school or did not transition directly to college. Our goals are to: Provide the personal attention, mentorship, technical assistance, and moral support that lowincome young people need to navigate the complex systems of higher education and financial aid. Connect low-income young people with information and resources, and support them in creating an individualized plan to meet their higher education goals. Advocate for and with low-income young people, and empower them to develop their own voices as they pursue their higher education. Provide financial resources that help low-income young people access higher education and meet their basic needs while in school. SEA began in 2002 as a small group of volunteers and fewer than a dozen students. In 2019, SEA will serve over 1,000 low-income students; 77% of SEA students are people of color, 75% are the first in their family to attend college, and 51% have experienced homelessness. SEA is a growing, thriving organization; in the past 5 years, SEA has grown from 3 FTE staff members to 20, who work at partner sites throughout King County. Our FY 2019 budget is $2 million, raised through contracts (59%), foundations (25%), individuals (10%), and corporations (6%). Over the next 5 years, SEA is committed to: Values-driven, intentional growth as SEA expands in staff size and geographic region to serve lowincome young people in our community who most need our services. Prioritizing the quality of support through the evaluation and ongoing improvement of our levels of support, development of mentorship opportunities for students, and expansion of resources. Building revenue and community support through values-based and mission-driven growth of grants and contracts, as well as diversification and expansion of individual and corporate giving. Creating opportunities to influence and inform policy-making that will increase student voice in advocacy efforts, advocate for issues that impact our students access to higher education, and further SEA s mission and goals.

3 Position Description Executive Director The Executive Director is the key management leader of Seattle Education Access and is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, financial stability, and strategic plan of the organization. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. Key Responsibilities 1) Mission & Strategy: Works with board and staff to ensure the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach. Implements SEA s current strategic plan ( ) to ensure SEA can grow to serve more students and successfully fulfill its mission into the future while adhering to organizational values. Conveys a vision of SEA s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers, and donors. Establishes and maintains relationships with various partner organizations throughout the region and utilize those relationships to strategically enhance SEA s mission. Responsible for the enhancement of SEA s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations. Leads SEA in a manner that supports and guides the organization s mission and values as defined by the Board of Directors. 2) Board Management & Recruitment: Works with SEA Board of Directors to fulfill the organization mission, goals, and values. Recruits and stewards SEA s Board members Effectively communicates with the Board and provides timely and accurate information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions. Reports to and works closely with the Board to seek their involvement in policy decisions, fundraising, and to increase the overall visibility of SEA. 3) Long-Term Financial Stability: Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. Responsible for: The fiscal integrity of SEA; includes submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization. Fiscal management that anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position. Fundraising and developing contracts and other resources necessary to support SEA s mission.

4 Key Responsibilities, Continued 4) Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the operations of the organization are appropriate. Responsible for: Hires, supervises, and retains competent, qualified staff. SEA s Program Department is headed by co-program Directors while administrative functions are headed by the Development & Finance Director. Enhances staff support, professional development, and training to promote happy, healthy, passionate, and evolving employees. Effective administration of SEA operations, including establishing employment, administrative, and financial policies and procedures for all functions and for the day-to-day operation of SEA. Reviews, approves, and signs all notes, contracts, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization. Serves as SEA s primary spokesperson to the organization s constituents, the media, and the general public. 5) Advocacy: Facilitate student advocacy efforts and SEA s own advocacy efforts at the state and local levels. Oversees and facilitates SEA student advocacy efforts, primarily through the Student Advisory Board and Lobby Day efforts. Leads SEA s advocacy goals, including communication with lobbyist, increasing connections with lawmaker and participating on policy-making decisions. Required Qualifications A bachelor s degree or equivalent experience 7+ years of senior nonprofit management experience Transparent and high integrity leadership Demonstrated ability to oversee, collaborate with, and motivate a staff of 15+ FTE, including remote staff A shared passion for SEA s mission and values, including a commitment to racial and social justice Authentic commitment to serving SEA students with a compassion that is rooted in a profound respect for their courage in the face of trauma and hardship, human dignity, academic potential, unique gifts and dreams, and their right, as young adults, to self-determination and free expression Budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking ability Ability to interface and engage diverse volunteer and donor groups Ability to work nights & weekends as needed A personal cell phone that can be used for work Desired Qualifications Knowledge of higher education systems, high school reengagement sites, and low-income youth-serving organizations in King, Snohomish, and/or Pierce Counties Experience working in or with education systems, particularly with non-traditional students Experience managing organizational growth, including creating systems that will grow with an organization Ability to work independently and creatively Skills to collaborate with and motivate board members and other volunteers Valid Washington State Driver s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle

5 Benefits + Compensation The compensation range for this position is $95,000 to $125,000 annually, depending on the experience and qualifications of the candidate. SEA provides health, vision, and dental coverage; generous vacation and holiday paid leave; employer sponsored short-term disability; and a technology allowance. Application Process Interested applicants should submit the following materials to apply@. Please write "Executive Director" in the subject line. Cover letter describing your qualifications, your interest in the position, and how you will be able to help SEA realize its mission, goals, and values. Current résumé. Writing sample. Timeline A first review of applications begins on Monday, February 18, All interested individuals should submit their materials by Sunday, February 17, 2019 at 5pm to be considered in the initial pool of applicants. Only complete applications will be considered. No phone calls, please. Please note that candidates being considered for the position will be contacted directly. Employment Practice Seattle Education Access is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications are considered without regard to race, age, sex, color, creed, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, mental or physical handicap, sexual orientation (heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality and expression of gender identity) or any other classification protected by law. Seattle Education Access encourages candidates with background similar to our students to apply. We encourage people of color and residents of the communities we serve to apply.