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 About The Open Access Organization 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. Position Overview 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. Key Responsibilities 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 sponsorships 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 on organizational progress, challenges, and opportunities, and engaging in strategic discussions to ensure effective governance. Volunteer and Fellow Support: Provide mentorship and support to fellows, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their professional development, including the Alumni Board. Community Outreach and Advocacy Public Relations and Representation: Serve as the public face of the Open Access Fellowship, speaking at events, conferences, and community forums to advocate for diversity in community development finance. Media and Communications: Oversee the development of marketing materials, press releases, social media campaigns, and other communications strategies to raise awareness about the fellowship’s mission and impact. Industry Advocacy: Advocate for systemic changes in the community development finance industry to promote more diverse representation and inclusion at all levels. Qualifications Required Skills and Experience Nonprofit Leadership: At least 5–7 years of experience in senior management or executive roles within the nonprofit sector, with a strong understanding of organizational leadership, program development, and fundraising. Community Development Expertise: A deep understanding of the community development finance industry, its stakeholders, and its challenges, particularly with respect to diversity and inclusion. Financial Acumen: Experience managing budgets, grants, and financial resources in a nonprofit setting, with a proven ability to secure funding and manage organizational finances effectively. Stakeholder Engagement: Strong relationship-building skills with a variety of stakeholders, including financial institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders. Excellent Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with experience speaking to diverse audiences and advocating for important causes. Preferred Skills and Experience Experience in Community Development Finance: Experience working within or alongside the CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) sector or similar industries. Grant Writing Experience: Proven ability to write compelling grant proposals and secure funding from a variety of sources. Program Evaluation: Experience developing and implementing methods for measuring the success and impact of nonprofit programs and initiatives. Personal Attributes Visionary: Able to see the big picture while paying attention to the details, ensuring the fellowship stays true to its mission while adapting to the changing needs of the community and industry. Collaborative: Strong team player who values input from diverse perspectives and works well with others to achieve common goals. Resilient: Ability to navigate challenges and setbacks while maintaining a focus on long-term goals and mission-driven work. Inspirational: A passionate leader who inspires others with a commitment to creating opportunities for minority communities within the community development finance sector. Compensation Commensurate with experience up to $100,000 with discretionary bonus opportunity [up to 20%]. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position via LinkedIn. The Open Access Fellowship is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Questions: Please feel free to email: jobs@open-access.us if you have any questions. #J-18808-Ljbffr