Executive Director

The Organization

At a Glance: Through four citywide initiatives – Chess, Debate, Drama, and Scrabble – ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships helps more than 5,000 youth each year discover passions and make lasting friendships. Founded in 2002 by noted educator Marciene Mattleman to raise awareness of the dangers of the after school hours for unsupervised youth, ASAP has established itself as a leader in Philadelphia’s Out-of-School Time (OST) sector. Supported by strategic partnerships with city agencies, community organizations and a broad network of stakeholders, ASAP has served more than 100,000 school-aged youth since its inception.

Our Approach: At ASAP, we believe that every young person deserves access to experiences that challenge their minds, inspire their creativity, and foster their growth. Each year, we coordinate more than 300 after-school and summer programs, partnering with over 200 schools, libraries, and community organizations to create safe, enriching spaces where youth thrive.

ASAP’s work is distinguished by its commitment to fostering excellence and collaboration through signature initiatives in Chess, Debate, Drama, and Scrabble. These programs go beyond the classroom to create pathways for young people to compete in citywide, state, and national tournaments. As the only organization in Philadelphia that facilitates these critical opportunities, ASAP ensures:

• Engaging Caring Adults: Recruiting, training, and supporting dedicated club leaders to guide and inspire participating youth.
• Coordinated Competitions: Organizing citywide tournaments and events that bring youth together to showcase their talents.
• Pathways to Excellence: Raising funds and providing logistical support to help local teams represent Philadelphia at state and national events.
• Leadership Development: Equipping students with skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and strategic problem-solving.

ASAP bridges gaps in access and opportunity, ensuring that all students can participate and excel. Whether in a classroom, on a debate stage, or at a national chess tournament, ASAP is there to empower Philadelphia’s youth to compete and succeed.

The Role

ASAP seeks an Executive Director (ED) with extensive executive leadership experience, preferably with a background in out-of-school time programming and/or youth development, and a proven track record in fundraising and building partnerships. ASAP’s Executive Director is responsible for the development and implementation of the organization’s strategy, mission, vision, operations, fiscal management and funding development for a $1.3M annual budget, and overall organizational development. The ED serves as the public face of the organization and leads a team of 12 employees.

Reporting directly to ASAP’s Board of Directors, the Executive Director is a champion for the organization’s staff and a leader in supporting the organization’s board to deepen ASAP’s impact.

Key Competencies

Strategic Planning & Vision

• Establish and implement annual and strategic operating plans, organizational goals, objectives, and programs to fulfill ASAP’s mission; and
• Model visionary leadership to ASAP staff, club leaders, and volunteers to deepen commitment to ASAP’s mission.

Leadership & Advocacy

• Seek new ways to raise ASAP’s profile as a leading voice for the importance of out-of-school time programs;
• Have a commitment to the youth of Philadelphia;
• Identify, hire, train, and supervise senior staff, including: developing and implementation staff retention and development strategies, conducting annual performance reviews for direct reports; and building internal leadership;
• Leverage the ASAP Board of Directors’ capabilities and deepen board engagement;
• Ensure that ASAP's organizational culture and programming practices are rooted in principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This includes fostering an inclusive workplace environment, addressing systemic barriers to access and participation, and implementing strategies that reflect the diverse identities and needs of the youth and communities we serve.

Development & Financial Management

• Lead financial planning to ensure sustainability and alignment of resources (this includes revenue, staff, systems, etc) with ASAP’s mission and strategic goals;
• Work with Financial Coordinator and accounting firm to conduct annual financial audit, including the creation of annual audited financial statements and 990;
• Work with the Director of Development & Communications and development team to develop and achieve annual revenue goals and increase the proportion of unrestricted funding to ensure financial flexibility and sustainability;
• Source and develop earned-revenue opportunities and contracts;
• Steward strong relationships with ASAP’s major donors through regular email updates, event

invitations, and planned site visits; and

• In concert with the Director of Development & Communications, prepare annual reports;

quarterly newsletters; monthly e-newsletters; draft press releases; and develop media relations.

Programming

• Serve as a resource for the Director of Programs and program team members as they build partnerships;
• Work with the Director of Programs to evaluate and improve programs;
• Support the organizing of more than 80 ASAP events and competitions annually, as

needed; and

• Organize staff meetings to discuss outreach strategies, assign work groups for special initiatives and review progress toward organizational goals.

Who should apply?

• Experience serving in a leadership position. Executive leadership experience is preferred;
• Knowledge of Philadelphia communities, schools, elected officials and educational leaders;
• Experience with urban education, out-of-school time programming, or youth development organizations is preferred;
• Strong knowledge of nonprofit accounting practices;
• Bachelor degree or at least fifteen years of senior leadership experience; and
• Alignment with ASAP’s core values and demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Logistics

Location: ASAP’s office is located in center city Philadelphia. While ASAP has a hybrid office culture, where staff are able to work remotely up to two days per week (or more with advance notice), the Executive Director is encouraged to work in-office as frequently as they can in order to be available for staff members. Staff also work onsite, visiting clubs at schools and community locations and organizing events at cultural institutions and other community venues.

Position Reports To: ASAP Board of Directors, working most closely with ASAP’s Board Chair

Compensation & Benefits: Annual salary is in the range of $105,000 - $115,000 and will be determined based on the candidate's strength of qualifications and relevant experience. Employment at ASAP comes with a generous benefits package, including paid time off, subsidized health and dental insurance, long term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, and free enrollment in the company’s 401K plan. Employees are expected to work occasional evenings and weekends when programs demand. Employees will also be supplied with a company laptop and cell phone for remote work.

• Effective September 7, 2021, all ASAP employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and up to date on booster shots as recommended by the CDC. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for those with medical or religious exemptions as required by law.

ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships is an equal opportunity employer. As we endeavor to be the leading out-of-school time partner in Philadelphia, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve and the values we hold dear. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, age, disability, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law.

ASAP’s top priority in any hiring process is to find candidates who best fit our needs and reflect our values. We encourage applicants with less traditional backgrounds and experiences to apply.