Executive Director

Overview

Job Description:
Executive Director

Position Title
:
Executive Director

Reports to
:
Board of Directors

Location
:
Hybrid, In-person 3 Days Per Week: 6 Atlantic St, Newark, NJ 07102

Employment Type
:
Contract

The Open Access organization is a nonprofit initiative created to increase the representation of Black and Latinx professionals within the Community Development Finance (CDF) industry. Launched in Fall 2021 by Jeff Monge of Monge Capital and Gina Nisbeth of 9th & Clinton, the initiative focuses on improving diversity within community development organizations that work to support under-resourced and historically disenfranchised communities across the U.S. The organization has a board of directors that help oversee budgets, audit, and provides capacity to the Executive Director.

Our objective is to create more pathways for minority professionals in various sectors of community development finance, such as accounting, legal, finance, consultancy, and development. Through immersive fellowship programs, mentorship, and leadership training, we are dedicated to fostering the next generation of diverse leaders in the industry.

The Executive Director (ED) is a visionary leader responsible for overseeing the strategic direction, operations, managing strategic partnerships, and overall success of the Open Access organization. As the key representative of the organization, the ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, donors, alumni board, industry partners, and other stakeholders to execute the mission and vision of the fellowship. The ED will also ensure that the fellowship effectively advances its goals of increasing diversity representation and preparing Black, Latinx, and other underrepresented professionals for leadership roles in community development finance.

This role requires a dynamic leader with extensive experience in nonprofit management, community development, and a strong commitment to advancing people from all backgrounds within the sector.

• Strategic Leadership and Vision
  • Set Organizational Strategy
    :
    Lead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan to meet its mission, objectives, and goals.
  • Champion Diversity and Inclusion
    :
    Ensure that a cultural lens is employed through which all initiatives are evaluated.
  • Innovative Programming
    :
    Oversee the creation and management of the fellowship’s programs, ensuring they effectively provide opportunities and pathways for minority professionals to enter and succeed in the community development finance sector.

• Operations and Program Management
  • Program Oversight
    :
    Direct the day-to-day operations of the fellowship program, ensuring its high-quality execution, sustainability, and growth.
  • Curriculum Development
    :
    Collaborate with industry experts to refine the fellowship curriculum and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of the community development finance industry.
  • Partnership Development
    :
    Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies, to secure fellowship placements, funding, and other resources.

• Fundraising and Financial Management
  • Resource Development
    :
    Lead fundraising efforts to secure philanthropic support, grants, and sponsor ships from a variety of sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
  • Financial Oversight
    :
    Manage the organization’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources, long-term financial sustainability, and alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Grant Writing and Reporting
    :
    Oversee the preparation of grant proposals and ensure the timely and accurate submission of financial and programmatic reports to funders and stakeholders.

• Leadership and Staff Management
  • Staff Leadership
    :
    Provide leadership and mentorship to the organization’s staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment that empowers employees to contribute to the mission of the fellowship.
  • Board Engagement
    :
    Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates…