Job Description

Smart Start of Mecklenburg County (Smart Start or SSMC) is a Charlotte-based non-profit that funds local programs for children ages birth to five and their families. The organization is a catalyst for improving the lives of the 85,000+ young children in our community, with a focus on health, family, early education, and literacy. We mobilize resources and forge partnerships to support evidence-based policies, practices, and programs to ensure all children enter kindergarten healthy and ready to succeed.

Smart Start has a budget of over $30 million comprised of funding from the state of North Carolina, Mecklenburg County, and private donations and grants. SSMC funds approximately 25 programs annually serving over 25,000 young children and their families and administers Mecklenburg County's MECK Pre-K program, which provides free Pre-K to children in the community. SSMC also operates programs and campaigns internally, including Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Guiding Parents to Services, Ready4K, and The Basics Mecklenburg. The organization is also the leader in research, data, convening and collaborating on issues related to children 0-5 in the Greater Charlotte area.

Position Summary

The CEO must be a motivational leader, effective communicator, strategic problem solver, and community-oriented collaborator. A seasoned nonprofit professional with strong experience working with a Board of Directors and fundraising activities, the CEO will represent the organization, serving as an accessible, encouraging partner in the community, identifying and leveraging opportunities, and leading fundraising and advocacy efforts. The CEO will value authenticity, partnership, collaboration, and equity, while building an engaging and inclusive culture through exceptional relationship skills, open integrity, and clear strategic vision. The CEO is responsible for the overall management of SSMC finances, programs, community engagement, and personnel. This position reports directly to the Board of Directors and will adhere to all policies and procedures of SSMC and the NC Partnership for Children.

Position Type: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Board of Directors

Direct Reports: Chief Administrative Officer; Chief Strategy Officer; Chief Early Education Officer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities;

Community Information and Involvement

• Lead as official spokesperson for the organization and respected subject matter expert on issues related to children ages 0-5 in Mecklenburg County
• Collaborate with nonprofit and business leaders to identify and advance effective solutions to address early childhood challenges
• Collaborate closely with Mecklenburg County staff and County Manager on major early childhood initiatives including, but not limited to the advancement of MECK Pre-K and Universal Pre-K in Mecklenburg County
• Serve as co-chair for Mecklenburg County's NC Pre-K Committee

Board and CEO Relations

• Assist Board Officers with their duties, providing tools necessary to serve the organization
• Assist Board Committees with their charge, ensuring staff representation in each area
• Keep the Board informed of the operations of the organization and provide recommendations on matters that require board action
• Develop administrative procedures necessary to implement Board policies
• Work with Board members to identify, cultivate, and onboard new members

Fundraising and Advocacy

• Serve as the lead fundraiser for the organization with support from senior staff
• Ensure an annual development plan for the organization is in place, implemented, and monitored
• Elevate the organization's fundraising platform in the community by attending and speaking at appropriate events and meetings
• Advocate for the organization and issues relating to children ages 0-5 at the local and state levels

Leadership, Personnel, and Program Support

• Lead, manage and coach a team of 40+ staff members, including direct and indirect reports
• Recruit and retain talent to manage the organization
• Provide opportunities for growth and professional development for staff
• Create a culture of collaboration and mutual respect throughout the organization
• With assistance from senior leadership, ensure that a strategic plan is in place and progress is routinely made and tracked
• Ensure thorough monitoring and evaluation of funded programs is regularly performed
• Work with key partners, including Mecklenburg County and North Carolina Partnership for Children, to ensure program requirements are maintained

Education and Experience Required for Position

• A Master's Degree is required; Business Administration or Public Administration, Education, Human Services, or related field is preferred; additional professional certification preferred
• A minimum of 10 years of leadership experience to include setting a strategic vision and oversight of staff and finances; nonprofit preferred
• Five years of experience working with a nonprofit board preferred
• Five years of experience in fundraising that includes individuals, corporations, and grants preferred
• A record of successful people, project, and budget management; will have the ability to deliver results by working with and through others both on the internal team and in the community;
• Compelling leadership and presence; a dynamic relationship builder who can represent SSMC to a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and audiences; a team builder with a contagious enthusiasm for the mission, goals, and programs
• Previous early childhood knowledge and experience preferred
• Previous public speaking and advocacy work preferred
• The Covid-19 vaccination is required as a condition of employment

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time exempt position, with a high degree of flexibility, including remote work opportunities. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Location & Travel

This position is based in Charlotte, NC with a minor amount of travel. Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

No calls, emails, or visits please. For immediate consideration, please formally apply online and provide a resume and cover letter.

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Application Deadline March 13, 2023.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this job classification. They are not to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities of people so assigned. Smart Start will engage in an interactive process with employees requesting medical or religious accommodations.

The Agency's policy is to provide equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and privileges of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability or veteran status.

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