Executive Director, Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN)

Executive Director

Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN)

DESCRIPTION OF ORGANIZATION

Ulster Immigrant Defense Network is a Kingston, NY-based service organization whose mission is to provide a network of safety and support to immigrants. Founded in 2017, UIDN has built up a corps of over 200 volunteers as well as a part-time professional staff of two case workers and a fundraiser. Our program priorities include a weekly food and household goods pantry, legal services, financial assistance with rent and utility payments, transportation to key appointments, and educational initiatives. We aim to foster the financial and social independence of our immigrant neighbors and collaborate with local and state-wide allies on immigration policy and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

UIDN is seeking a full-time Executive Director with energy, experience in nonprofit or volunteer organizations and a commitment to our mission. Equally important is a shared vision of ensuring UIDN’s sustainability and expansion as a direct-service provider and immigrant rights advocate that must be nimble in response to local, state, or federal policy changes affecting the lives of those we serve. Working with our Board and staff, our Executive Director will help lead us in finalizing a three-year strategic plan. The Executive Director will bring a solid foundation in program management and fundraising as well as significant personal experience with volunteerism.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Vision and Execution

• In partnership with the Board and staff, finalize the development of a three -year strategic plan aligned with UIDN’s mission, and systematically implement the goals of the plan

Program Oversight

On a regular basis:

• Provide guidance and support to volunteer coordinators for all UIDN programs
• Help recruit volunteers
• Provide guidance and support to caseworkers
• Troubleshoot problems and facilitate solutions with all coordinators of service programs;
• Initiate new programs in line with developing needs and strategic plan, while working closely with new program coordinators
• Working with Coordinator of Volunteers to orient and assist new program coordinators

Fundraising

Working with our Development Director to:

• Maintain and further develop existing relationships with funders, government agencies and donors;
• Cultivate new funders including foundations, local government, and business
• Track and generate performance and budgets for ongoing grant activities
• Manage deliverables responsive to grant requirements and deadlines
• Host funder site visits

Fiscal Management

• Coordinating with UIDN’s Treasurer and Development Director, oversee the financial health of the organization, ensuring that budgeting, forecasting and cash flow analyses inform financial decision-making and enable UIDN to achieve ongoing financial viability and operational efficiency.

Board Relations and Development

• Work with Board to monitor direction of programming, policies, annual budgets, fundraising,
• Ensure compliance with all 501(c) (3) requirements
• Maintain and report relevant data and trends
• Activate the Board on key initiatives by keeping them apprised of organizational needs and strategic direction
• Serve as primary liaison between Board and staff
• Report monthly to Board of Directors

Partnerships and Linkages

• Nurture coalitions with other nonprofit organizations working in the interests of immigrants, as well as educate and advocate with local government agencies on how to better serve the immigrant community
• Create and support partnerships not only on the provision of services for clients, but for the provision of in kind and financial resources

Community Leadership

• Represent organization at public hearings, forums, meetings with elected officials, funders, and other policymakers
• Oversee direction of all publicity and media development

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Promote equitable and effective working environment
• Cultivate and maintain an environment of trust and openness
• Oversee annual staff performance evaluations
• Help coach the team to success and manage performance as required

Direct Reports

• Caseworkers
• Development Director
• Independent Contractors as needed

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or:
  • a strong record of leading an organization or department with similar budget and staff numbers.
  • Coursework or certificate in nonprofit management.

Prior Work Experience

• Minimum three years of professional work experience in progressively responsible leadership roles that would serve to benefit UIDN’s mission, such as
  • volunteer organization, direct client services, fundraising

Fundraising/Grant Writing

• Demonstrated success in fundraising strategies across major donors, individual contributors, grant applications, special events, etc.

Public Speaking and Interpersonal skills

• Meeting facilitation
• Ability to publicly represent UIDN and the importance of its mission with clarity and passion

Cultural Competency

• Be able to relate and/or serve the immigrant clients and other local and regional allies and stakeholders.
• Bilingual: English/Spanish

People with lived immigrant experience encouraged to apply.

Salary $110,00-$130,00. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, paid vacation and personal days