Special Assistant to CEO/Executive Director

OVERVIEW

Smart from the Start is a family support and community engagement organization that aims to promote the healthy development of children, youth, and families. Now in its 16th year, it is experiencing significant growth as it continues to make significant inroads in addressing the needs of the children and families we engage. The Smart from the Start program is seeking a thoughtful, dynamic, and energetic Special Assistant to the Executive Director to take charge of all special projects, assist with strategic relationships, and discover new opportunities that will enable Smart to grow to scale and promote significant, sustainable change for the communities, families and young children served. 

Smart has as its mission to:

• Expand and strengthen early learning opportunities for young children;
• Promote parents’ role as their children’s first teacher;
• Provide services and support to underserved families;
• Build neighborhood will, understanding, and capacity to support school readiness.

Smart is offering a comprehensive, coordinated set of services for parents, caregivers, and children to support school readiness. These include home visiting, parenting education and support, adult education, information and referrals to vital services, fun and educational programs for parents and caregivers together, and activities to support a community-wide focus on school readiness.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION:

The SA will support the Executive Director and staff team by:

• Planning and executing special events, fundraisers, and PR ventures;
• Researching and assisting with nurturing and maintaining relationships with funders, supporters, and partners;
• Assist with national expansion and new city pilot projects;
• Assist with developing and maintaining relationships with media outlets and public officials;
• Developing, creating, and disseminating PR materials, videos, newsletters, and annual reports;
• Researching and cultivating foundation, individual, government, and in-kind funding opportunities for Smart from the Start;
• Assisting the Executive Director in developing strategies to raise the profile and funding potential S2;
• Preparing and submitting reports as required by funders;
• Maintaining the website and social media accounts;
• Writing and distributing press releases;
• Other duties as deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree is required; a Master’s Degree is strongly preferred. The ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to raising the visibility and scope of the program. They will develop strategies to build on the resource development and expansion of the organization. S/he will work to create new relationships with those who can support the growth and promote the public image of Smart. Candidates with extensive experience in development and fundraising in the non-profit community or a related field and demonstrated success in securing funding for non-profit organizations are preferred. Driver’s license strongly preferred.

Candidates who desire to create sustainable change for culturally diverse children and families from economically disadvantaged communities will be carefully considered.

Applicants should also be able to develop strong working relationships with others, possess superb written and oral communication skills, and work independently and as part of a diverse team.

This position will report to the Smart from the Start Executive Director.

Hours: Part-time to Full-time; flexible hours.

Compensation: Starting salary is commensurate with experience

Equal Opportunity EmployerEqual Opportunity Employer