Executive Director, Providence After School Alliance

Providence After School Alliance

Seeks an Executive Director

About the Organization

Established in 2004 by former Mayor David Cicilline and more than 100 community-based afterschool leaders, youth, and educators, PASA is a citywide alliance that provides high-quality, safe, and enriching out-of-school-time learning opportunities at no cost to youth and families. PASA’s mission is to close persistent opportunity gaps for Providence youth in grades 6–12.

PASA convenes and sustains more than 50 community-based and public-sector partners working together to advance student success. Its work is guided by a nationally recognized continuous quality improvement framework, demonstrating what a coordinated, innovative, system-level afterschool intermediary can achieve. PASA proudly serves as a national model.

Through this ecosystem, PASA directly coordinates access to high-quality arts, sports, STEM, and career-connected afterschool programs for more than 16,000 middle and high school students across six Providence public schools. PASA leverages a blend of public and private funding to expand and stabilize the local afterschool field; it offers training and professional development for partners, assesses program impact, and reinvests in Providence’s youth development community.

PASA is governed by an engaged and dynamic board of 12 professionals, chaired by the Mayor of Providence. The organization employs 12 full-time staff and additional part-time field educators, who describe the work environment as inviting, trusting, accommodating, and fast-paced. PASA operates with an annual budget of $2.2 million, primarily funded through government grants. For more information about PASA, visit http://mypasa.org.

The Opportunity

PASA is an organization built and dependent on thriving partnerships. The Executive Director will guide the growth of the organization by continually evolving, cultivating and creating new long-term alliances and funding sources throughout Providence and with national partners. The next leader is responsible for all aspects of nonprofit mission alignment, organizational growth, and oversight. Key upcoming responsibilities include:

Fundraising/Development: Raise a diverse mix of public and private funds. Manage current and new funding relationships and consider a revenue-generating consultancy role that PASA could play nationally.

Partnership Development: Work with all stakeholders, current and future, to enlist and sustain them as critical partners to achieve common goals and to build PASA’s effectiveness as an alliance. To do this, deeply engage public and private entities including the City of Providence Mayor’s Office, the Providence Public School District, the Rhode Island Department of Education and other governmental offices, and educational for-profit and non-profit entities and leaders.

Mission Clarity: Align PASA’s value to provider needs and further clarify the essential intermediary role PASA can play.

Convener and Thought Leadership: Connect programming partners and other organizations that serve Providence youth. Engage other providers - especially leaders of color - in meaningful, collaborative ways, complementing the RI Afterschool Network’s statewide activities.

Innovation: Help shape and inspire relevant programming by staying on top of local needs and national trends and models, and engaging the stakeholder community in ways PASA can serve their needs. More deeply engage partners and funders for services at the elementary and middle school levels.

Modernize Operations: Continue the assessment of operational efficiencies and office space, and implement necessary enhancements.

Staff Development: Provide opportunities to grow and advance staff by increasing enjoyment, satisfaction, and sense of purpose in programs for students, staff and providers.

Communication:Build a relationship management and communications strategy with partners and stakeholders, as well as strong and consistent internal communication.

Executive Leadership Experience & Qualifications

• • Fundraising & Resource Development: Proven ability to secure public and private funding, cultivate donors, and build strategic partnerships.
  • Senior Leadership Experience: Demonstrated executive or senior-level leadership experience in youth development, out-of-school time programs, or education, preferably in diverse, low-income urban settings. Nonprofit leadership experience strongly preferred.
  • Public Sector Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work productively with public agencies and navigate complex governmental systems.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Strong record of building and leveraging relationships with government officials, nonprofit and business leaders, funders, and community stakeholders.
  • Operational Leadership: Experience leading efficient, streamlined organizations and managing consultants, contractors, and cross-sector partners. Technological competence commensurate with building and maintaining new operational systems and innovations.
  • People & Culture Leadership: Experience fostering transparent, collaborative workplace cultures that value teamwork, inclusivity, and shared decision-making. Adept at building trust across sectors.
  • Financial & Business Acumen: Strong skills in financial management, budgeting, grant management, and business planning.
  • Nonprofit Governance: Experience working effectively with a board of directors.
  • Program Innovation: Entrepreneurial and creative leader with experience initiating, scaling, and improving programs and projects.
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree a plus.

Core Leadership Qualities & Competencies

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Ability to deeply internalize organizational values and authentically represent them while advancing and expanding programs; inspires commitment and momentum around mission and vision.
• Systems Thinking: Strategic, big-picture thinker who understands interconnected systems and aligns strategy, operations, and outcomes; able to anticipate trends, embrace innovation, and pursue new opportunities.
• Equity-Centered Leadership: Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and racial and social justice, with leadership practices that respect individual dignity and difference.
• Team Leadership: Proven ability to motivate, support, and develop staff teams. Brings humility, approachability, and a sense of humor to leadership.
• Exceptional Communication: Excellent oral, written, and listening skills; compelling public speaker with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a salary range of $140,000 - $150,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

PASA offers the following benefits package:

• 75% of the cost of the employees plan with Blue Cross and Blue Shield and reimbursement up to $500 in medical deductible costs.
• Delta Dental of Rhode Island dental benefits, paid in on a pre-tax dollar basis.
• Flexible Spending Section 125 plan to offset health and child care costs.
• Two weeks accrued paid vacation upon completion of a three-month probationary period.
• Ten paid sick days annually and one personal day.
• Sick and Safe Leave (PSSL).

PASA is an equal opportunity employer and fully committed to a culturally diverse staff to better serve our youth and community. People of color, women, LGBTQ candidates, and people of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describe how your qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of the PASA. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A background check will be required for finalists. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Upload required documents to:https://eostransitions.applicantpool.com/jobs/.

This executive search is being conducted by Eos Transition Partners consultant, Nancy Jackson. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to Nancy Jackson (njackson@eostransitions.com).