Co-Executive Director- Programs

Black Swan Academy is a non-profit organization in Washington, DC committed to creating a pipeline of Black youth leaders who are committed to transforming self, as well as their communities. We have a proven track record of raising awareness around social issues disproportionately harming Black youth and advocating for the elimination of structural and institutional barriers such as inequitable school funding, punitive school discipline policies and practices and police in schools, as well as insufficient student mental health staffing. The work we do is directed by BSA’s middle and high school youth members and a growing base of young people and adult allies that learn, unlearn, gain skills and practice them to move issue-based campaigns forward. 

Reporting to and working with the Board of Directors, the Co-Executive Director - Programming co-directs the organization by providing direction and leadership toward achieving the organization’s philosophy, mission, strategy, goals, and objectives of programming. This is a full-time, hybrid position based in Washington, D.C.. 

DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

STRATEGIC VISION, DIRECTION SETTING AND LEADERSHIP 

• Ensures Black Swan Academy is achieving its mission and commitment to youth-led social change
• Engages align staff and board members in developing and stewarding a clear vision, strategic plan and organization strategies that meet the moment
• Supports the Co-Executive Director - Operations in ensuring the financial health of the organization and resource development to sustain its mission
• In partnership with the Co-Executive Director - Operations, the Co-Executive Director-Programming will lead the leadership team and create a pipeline of Black youth leaders committed to transforming themselves and their communities.
• Evaluates  organizational metrics to assess progress,opportunities and needs in order to make appropriate shifts in resources and/or work. 
• Centers local community members and local culture in the organization’s work and vision. 

BOARD AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS 

• Engages with the Board Chair and Board of Directors to enable the fulfillment of organizational governance for growth and sustainability.
• Communicates effectively with the Board by providing timely and accurate information necessary for the Board to make informed decisions.
• Support operation and administration of the Board by advising and informing members, interfacing between Board and staff, and implementing the plans and policies authorized by the Board. 
• Co-develops and recommends yearly budgets for Board approval and effectively manages the organization’s resources within those budget guidelines and according to current laws and regulations. 

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT 

• Facilitates the process of the development of annual work plans and quarterly reviews
• Works with Co Executive Director-Operations to set strategic goals and objectives for programs.
• Maintains and utilizes a working knowledge of local and national political and policy terrain and how the organization should best navigate it strategically.
• Serves as an effective spokesperson that builds respect and profile for the organization. Represents the organization well to its constituencies, including clients/members/patrons, other nonprofits, government agencies, elected officials, funders, and the general public.
• Fosters long-term and strategic relationships with community partners and organizations. 
• Promotes  the Black Youth Agenda and other campaigns impacting Black youth.
• Oversees strategic coalition building
• Strategizes and directs the work of advocacy initiatives and program development.
• Ensures the delivery of high-quality program initiatives while managing current and future growth.
• Serves as the primary spokesperson for Black Swan Academy, Inc. with community leaders and the media.
• Guides Black Swan Academy in responding to emerging issues impacting Black youth in Washington, DC.
• Oversees design, delivery, and quality of programs and services.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT 

• Manages Program & Advocacy staff. Direct reports are the Advocacy & Organizing Manager, Middle School Program Manager and High School Program Manager.
• Builds a culture of staff-centered care and belonging which attracts and retains staff and encourages them to bring their authentic selves to work.
• Supports and motivates the staff; facilitates cross-department collaboration and strengthens internal communications with staff throughout the organization.
• Support Co-Executive Director- Operations managers engage with teams to ensure job descriptions are developed, up-to-date, and that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place and followed.
• Supports staff development and education to build a skilled, knowledgeable, and diverse workforce capable of attaining short and long-term organizational goals and objectives. 
• Ensures all organizational policies and procedures follow federal, state, and local laws and regulations.                                

DESIRED  SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills
• Familiar with sound grants management practices.
• Experience in working with a governing body. 
• Experience working with private and/or public funding.
• Proven budget and financial management experience
• Demonstrated leadership in coalition building.
• Experience effectively managing staff and organizational resources.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse groups.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Three to five years experience developing Black youth leadership 
• Demonstrated leadership ability in program implementation.
• Demonstrated commitment to systemic change, youth leadership, and racial justice. 
• Demonstrated deep understanding of the issues and concerns of Black youth.
• Interest in collaborative leadership structures and operating in a co-director environment
• Knowledge of Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite.

Compensation:

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$100,000. We offer four weeks paid vacation time, two weeks paid sick leave and a generous amount additional paid leave for holidays, birthdays and respite days. Further benefits will be discussed upon hiring.