Description
<p><em>Our Purpose</em>: El Sistema Colorado (ESC) is part of a visionary world movement transforming the lives of children and their communities through music; a new model for social change. Our mission is to empower children by providing an intensive music program that teaches the importance of teamwork, promotes self-confidence, and instills the value of social responsibility.</p>
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<p><em>What We Do</em>: El Sistema Colorado uses ensemble music to transform the lives of low-income youth in the Denver metro area. We are unique in using music in a whole-child approach as a tool for school readiness, cognitive, emotional and social development, academic success and graduation, as well as positively impacting families and the surrounding neighborhoods.</p>
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<p>Low income children are typically denied the educational and developmental opportunities available through music, as their schools focus on “the basics” to raise test scores. Deprived of the joy and engagement opportunities that come from more enriching activities, at-risk youth feel less engaged in school and the achievement gap that separates them from their more privileged peers only grows.</p>
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<p>El Sistema Colorado (ESC) launched its first program in January 2012 at Garden Place Elementary in the Globeville neighborhood, serving 100 youth. We now also serve students at Swansea Elementary School and Bruce Randolph Middle & High Schools. Each school year, ESC provides in-school, afterschool and summer programming to more than 700 students from Early Childhood Education through 12th grade.</p>
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<p><em>Where We Are Going</em>: ESC has developed a strategic plan to expand and strengthen the organization and reach greater numbers of children. We are seeking an Executive Director to develop ESC into a powerful, leading-edge organization, and to then nurture it as it thrives.</p>
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Job Requirements
• Passion for the mission is uppermost, as is compassion and caring
• Being open-minded and trustworthy is essential
• The ability to balance visionary, big-picture thinking with a willingness to be “hands-on” with programs when needed
• A leader with a positive, motivational attitude who builds long-term relationships
• A proven fundraiser with a track record of success
• A skilled manager who motivates the team to deliver outstanding performance through a collaborative approach
• An excellent writer and speaker, comfortable in the role of public figure
• A strategic leader who applies persistence, determination and hard work to achieving goals
• A financially knowledgeable person who creates and utilizes budgets and financial reports to manage and plan
• Experience in communications and marketing
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus
• Experience in music is not required
Required Qualifications – To be considered, applicants must demonstrate:
➢ Previous experience as an Executive Director is highly preferred; 5 or more years of executive experience with a nonprofit is required
➢ Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required; post-graduate degree or equivalent experience desirable
➢ Deep knowledge, understanding and/or experience with nonprofits serving children and/or with K-12 educational institutions
➢ Fundraising experience is an absolute, with:
o Proven track record of achieving set revenue targets
o Demonstrated ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage new funders (foundations, corporate, government and individual donors)
o Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base
➢ Experience in working “in community” and building community partnerships
➢ Skilled at developing, implementing and managing strategic plans
➢ Proven ability to manage and lead change
What’s In It for You:
• The opportunity to use the sum of your life’s experience and knowledge to capitalize on the accomplishments of El Sistema Colorado and take it to the “next level”
• Leading an innovative nonprofit organization with a unique approach to social change
• Being inspired by the children and families we serve
• Working with a passionate, committed and talented staff
• A competitive salary that is consistent with similar-size organizations in the metro Denver area
To Apply: By Midnight, Thursday, December 31, 2015, please forward, via email, your cover letter (addressing how you meet “What we are looking for” and the required qualifications), resume, and salary requirements to our transition consultant, Christine Soto, at christinesoto@comcast.net. Please use “Executive Director El Sistema” in the email subject line. All application information must be received via email – no hard copies will be accepted. No phone calls, please.
El Sistema Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Every employee has the right to work in an environment free from all forms of discrimination. We welcome candidates of all abilities to apply.
For more information about our organization, go to www.elsistemacolorado.org
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El Sistema Colorado is a project of the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center (CNDC) and all employees are CNDC employees. CNDC is dedicated to equal employment opportunities in any term, condition, or privilege of employment. CNDC prohibits unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, creed, religion, sex, age 40 and over, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, gender expression or any other characteristic protected by state or local law. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc.