Join Our Staff

Summer Search Seattle currently has a position available for:

Associate Director

associate director

JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Director is a senior leader within the Summer Search Seattle office. He/she will run internal operations as well as oversee program and direct development strategy in partnership with the Executive Director. This person will foster a learning environment, support each staff member in their professional development, ensure quality programming for all students and help meet the goals of the five year strategic plan around growth and fundraising.

REPORTING

Reports to Executive Director; 5 direct reports

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Program and Operations
Program Management and Quality

• Contributes to the organization by managing High School and Post-Secondary program elements and local program quality, and ensuring that program staff  work to advance the organization’s mission and goals and to achieve short, mid and long-term outcomes for students.

Staff development and management

• Manages hiring, training, evaluation and professional development of all staff. Includes, providing consistent and clear performance standards and supporting staff to meet them.

Oversee execution of outreach plan

• Works with Executive Director, Outreach Director and referral partners to ensure the site is serving the students and schools identified as a priority in the strategic plan.

Data management

• Uses data to oversee and support progress in all key program areas, including high school, outreach, college, bridge and alumni programming in order to ensure target outcomes for students are met.
• Ensures data is tracked accurately in a timely manner by the program staff for staff evaluation and organizational learning.

Building relationships with all key Summer Search constituencies

• Communicates Summer Search’s mission and vision to a variety of constituents including board of directors, donors, referral partners, staff, students and alumni, summer programs and community partners.

Administrative/Operations

• Oversees local office administrative operations, including office management, petty cash, organization structure and systems.
• Partners with ED on budgeting, tracking and reporting finances.

Fundraising

Strategy building and donor cultivation

• Creates and leads overall development strategy for contributed revenue from individuals, corporations and businesses, including major donor cultivation and solicitation, fundraising events and annual fund activities.
• Creates a development plan and gets buy-in of local board members.
• Develops and expands major donor program, with the goal of broadening the donor base through prospect identification and cultivation, and donor recognition and stewardship.

Internal management and board support

• Establishes a positive, collaborative working relationship with Executive Director, National Development Director, board members, and volunteers to assure the most effective use of talents, resources, and ideas and instill sound fundraising practices.
• Guides and supports the Board, Board Development Committee and related committees and task forces in cultivation and solicitation efforts.

Team leadership

• Provides leadership, oversight and direction for all aspects of the development department, including monitoring of department and project budgets; and annual planning and evaluation of development efforts and systems.
• Liaises/collaborates with contract grant writer around grant process and foundation relationships.

 QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership

• An individual whose understanding of and passion for the Summer Search mission engenders the confidence of staff and board members, informs his or her decision-making, and inspires donors and other external constituencies.
• A strategic thinker who anticipates needs, recognizes unexplored opportunities, and brings creativity to problem solving.
• A compelling and charismatic person who leads through influence and collaboration rather than by solely exercising power of office.
• One who combines executive presence with warmth, empathy, and sensitivity to the needs and motivations of other.

Experience

• At least five years of experience managing programs and leading fundraising efforts in the nonprofit field.
• Demonstrated ability hiring, managing, motivating, and evaluating talented and experienced staff members.
• Background creating and executing long- and short-term plans, collaborating with board members, and budgeting.

Skills and Knowledge

• Broad and deep knowledge of the general principles of nonprofit fundraising and the myriad components that comprise a successful program, including annual, capital, major, corporate, and foundation giving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills that allow one to speak and write compellingly about the value and outcomes of Summer Search.
• Skilled in time management, prioritizing and delegation.
• An energetic, outgoing, and optimistic team player whose “can-do” attitude motivates others.
• A driven, focused, and results-oriented professional.
• One who displays grace under pressure and is flexible in response to unexpected challenges and shifting priorities.
• Bachelor’s degree.

OUR BENEFITS

Summer Search is committed to creating an environment that is supportive of learning, growth and staff development. Our investment in staff includes: 

• Individual, local, regional and national training
• Developing leaders from within the organization
• Weekly individual meetings with your supervisor focused on professional and personal growth
• Culture that supports staff well-being and holistic self-care
• Local and national events to build strong relationships and connection to the national organization as a whole
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, dental, vision, FSA, life and disability insurance
• 401 (K) and Employer Match
• Generous paid sick days, holidays, and vacation package, including a paid winter break

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to Summer Search, please attach your resume with a cover letter that speaks to why you are applying to Summer Search. Include in your letter your track record of performance, your desire to learn, and your ability to overcome challenges. Send your application to Deidre McCormack Martin at dmccormack@summersearch.org and indicate Associate Director – Seattle on the subject line.  Please note that we are unable to acknowledge every application we receive.  Please, no telephone inquiries.