This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and visionary individual to lead the Horizons
program at Ashley Hall (AH) in Charleston, SC. The Executive Director will set the strategic vision for Horizons at AH's work, build and lead a high-performing team of two year round employees and a summer staff of over 30, and engage with a wide array of stakeholders (students, families, teachers, board members, alumni, donors, and national and local partners). Horizons at AH is a part of Ashley Hall School and, as such, the program benefits from the resources (physical, human, financial, community) that exist at AH. This critical role reports to the AH Head of School, in partnership with the Horizons at AH Board Chair. The Executive Director is uniquely positioned to advance the organization's mission of transforming the lives of underserved children and youth through year-round academic and enrichment programs to inspire learning, encourage success, and close the opportunity gap.
About the Organization
Horizons at Ashley Hall is a community-centered education program serving 135 students from the Charleston area. Horizons builds long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning. The main component of Horizons is a six-week summer program located on the campus of Ashley Hall, where students participate in academic, cultural, and recreational enrichment activities. The six-week program is supplemented by a growing school-year program, where students participate in after school tutoring, community service, and cultural and celebratory events. Horizons at Ashley Hall operates a proven model and is part of an affiliated network with over 70 Horizons sites serving students across the country.
Qualifications/Skills
Relevant experience, including demonstrated success in leadership roles, ideally in a nonprofit setting, preferably in an organization with a focus on education, out-of-school time programming, or youth
Strong project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to set and meet deadlines with competing priorities
Experience setting strategic vision and bringing vision to fruition through clear and actionable planning and execution
Strong people management skills, with the ability to build high-performing teams, create strong and positive team culture, and coach and develop skills in others
Proven track record in successful fundraising and donor relations, including grant writing experience
The ability to develop and manage budgets
Competent in G-suite, Google docs, sheets, slides, etc
Major Responsibilities
Program Management and Administration
Provides clear vision and direction to maintain and improve current programs and services
Ensures development of Instructional plan
Strategically focuses Horizons resources to yield the greatest impact to students
Develops and maintains effective working collaborations with stakeholders
Oversees evaluation in conjunction with Horizons National
Communicates regularly with Horizons parents and students
Interviews, hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates staff and teachers
Maintains a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse top quality staff
Oversees the process for recruiting, scheduling, and training volunteers
Oversees year round program for Ashley Hall upper school student interns (HATs) volunteering with Horizons program
Oversees the process for recruiting, selecting, and enrolling students
Works with Ashley Hall Operations team to support the process of Horizons daily food service and bus transportation
Works with Ashley Hall's Director of Operations and Horizons Aquatics Director to support the Horizons swimming process, communicating with swim instructors regarding any issues with the pools
Ensures compliance with all state licensing requirements
Completes all required state reports and all reports due to Horizons National
Develops and oversees the year-round Saturday academy and family support
Coordinates with teachers special/seasonal event for the students
Establishes and maintains adequate fiscal systems and controls
Oversees all operational, business, and fiscal matters, including accounting and insurance in coordination with Ashley Hall CFO and business office
Budget
Works with Horizons Board Chair or Treasurer and members of the Governance Committee to develop annual budget and to manage monthly expenses
Manages resources within the budget and oversees that Horizons operates within budget guidelines
Fundraising
Oversees the Director of Development and Marketing on the following responsibilities:
Develops and implements a fundraising strategy with the Director of Development and Marketing
Identifies and solicits prospective funding sources across diverse channels
Writes grants and reports to foundations and other sources of funding
Maintains up-to-date donor database and tracking system
Oversees recording and acknowledgment of all gifts in a timely manner and sends all necessary tax information to donors
Stewards relationships with donors
Stays informed about trends in foundation and corporate fundraising, governmental law, and regulations applicable to fundraising
Enlists the board's assistance in building a volunteer base
Plans and creates solicitation schedule and strategy in tandem with Ashley Hall's Institutional Advancement team
Meet monthly with Ashley Hall's Institutional Advancement team to provide updates on fundraising results
Board Support
Attends all meetings of the Horizons at Ashley Hall Board, in ex-officio capacity
Works with the Horizons at AH Board of Directors in developing/expanding new programs, consults regularly with the board on significant operational and programmatic matters
Serves as liaison between staff and Horizons at AH Board
Helps to develop, execute and update the Strategic Plan
Works with the Horizons at AH Board to identify and develop strategies to expand donor base and increase fundraising income
Assists the Horizons at AH Board in identifying and cultivating prospective board and committee members
Meets regularly with Horizons at AH board chair to maintain strong communications and report on individual committee progress
Attends and actively contributes to all committee meetings
Provides administrative support to the Horizons at AH board and its committees
Attends all full Horizons at AH board meetings and provides the necessary reports and updates in advance so all Horizons at AH board members can review in preparation for discussion
Public/Community Relations
Oversees the Director of Development and Marketing on the following responsibilities:
Promotes community awareness of Horizons at Ashley Hall by serving as spokesperson
Coordinates media relations with Ashley Hall's Marketing and Communications department
Coordinates visitor days during the Summer Program and Saturday academies
Works with Ashley Hall's Marketing and Communications department and designated Horizons at AH board representative in preparation of brochures, reports, newsletters and other marketing materials to showcase the program
Establishes sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups and organizations that can support Horizons at AH program and participants
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
The Executive Director position is a .75 FTE salaried position with medical and dental benefits; life and
disability insurance; 403(b); PTO time; professional development support; and access to the tuition remission policy for children of Ashley Hall employees enrolled at the School. The salary range is dependent on relevant qualifications and experience.
The Executive Director is expected to work a mix of on-site and remote hours. Attendance at the Horizons National Annual Conference is expected.
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should send a resume that showcases their skills and experiences, as well as a compelling cover letter describing their interest and how their qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of Horizons at AH.
All cover letters and resumes should be sent as ONE PDF DOCUMENT titled "Last Name Cover
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH in the Subject Line. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.
Ashley Hall is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information.