Our Mission is to raise, manage and distribute funds for the development and support of facilities, community education and early intervention programs for adolescents and their families in Western New York suffering from alcohol and drug dependency/addiction.

Are you ready to help make a change?

Kids Escaping Drugs (Alcohol and Drug Dependency Foundation), a not for profit organization,

seeks an Executive Director, responsible for managing the affairs of the organization under the

general oversight of the Board of Directors. 

The incumbent will be responsible for:

·         The development and maintenance of effective working relationships among the association, its staff and administration. Providing leadership for association relations with community leaders, funding agencies, educators, local government, and civic and special interest groups.

·         Working with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director develops a written shared vision for the future of the organization. Builds understanding around the mission, and develops appropriate goals and strategies to advance the mission.

·         Ensures development, implementation and compliance with of Board Policies

·         Staffs the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee and provides staff support to other Board Committees, as needed.

·         Provides overall administration of the day to day affairs of the Organization.

·         Establish and implement financial development strategies in partnership with board members and appropriate staff.

·         Facilitates the adequate availability and development of personnel.

·         Provides leadership for all capital campaign, fundraiser and program development process including the establishment of priorities, a staffing plan, resource acquisition and allocation and evaluation processes to assure program quality and consider the diversity of the community and to meet Equal program opportunity guidelines.

·         Facilitates regular Board review and analysis of financial information, proposing appropriate action when indicated.

·         Facilitates the creation and implementation of annual budgets, goals and objectives.

·         Assures quality program development processes are in place. Provides leadership that result in appropriate program evaluation procedures and in quality program delivery.

·         Oversees all planning of present and future fundraisers and the implementation, of identifying resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach funders, submitting proposals and administrating fundraising records and documentation.

·         Assures the organization and its mission, programs, products and services are consistently presented in strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders.

·         Oversees the annual financial audit process.

·         Day-to-day management including compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.  Works with foundation and agency staff and delegates implementation as appropriate.

·         Participates in other Community Groups whether directly as a board member or indirectly to ensure long term community goals are attained.

·         Participates in Leadership development and Governance programs on a regular basis.

·         Works with local and national nonprofits on issues of mutual concerns.

Necessary qualifications:

The successful candidate must have a minimum of a Bachelors Degree (or fifteen years experience in lieu of a degree); a Master's degree is an asset.  A minimum of 5 years of related experience in senior leadership or funds development role, preferably in a non-profit organization.  Service on a non-profit board and experience in marketing and public relations is an asset.

·         Knowledge of fundraising in the areas of event planning, corporate sponsorship, individual giving and legacy giving or proven experience required

·         Knowledge of grant writing required, grant writing experience is preferred

·         Knowledge of board governance

·         Demonstrated ability to response decisively, accurately, confidently, and courteously to challenges and opportunities

·         Knowledge of federal and state legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including, employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, and health coverage required

·         Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization preferred

·         Knowledge of human resource management, project management, financial management and technology required

·         Excellent communication skills including group and one on one as well as public speaking and community advocacy required

·         Demonstrated ability in strategic planning and the ability to establish and communicate goals and objectives and to set meaningful and achievable plans-of-work required

·         Proficiency in the use of computers for Word processing, Spreadsheets, PowerPoint, Financial management, E-mail and Internet required.  MS Office proficiency required and Raiser Edge preferred.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following competencies:

§  Adaptability: A willingness to be flexible, versatile and tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

§  Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with the standards and aligns with the values of the organization. Maintains confidentiality.

§  Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships and credibility with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.  Influences and inspires others.

§  Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write clear, thorough and in a timely manner.  Be concise and communicate pertinent information to staff and the Board of Directors.

§  Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and create new opportunities.

§  Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

§  Leadership: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.  Builds a strong team and motivates to achieve results.  Portrays an executive disposition and is able to communicate vision. 

§  Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interest of the organization.  Ability to response decisively, accurately, confidently, and courteously to challenges and opportunities.

§  Organize:  Set priorities, develop a work schedule monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.

This is an opportunity to work with a great team of staff, board members and volunteers to help countless young people and their families. 

If you feel you possess the passion, leadership and competencies to help make a difference, apply by sending resume, along with salary history and desired salary to: Steve Reszka

                                    Board President

                                    stevereszka@roadrunner.com

Resumes submitted prior to 9/18/11 will be considered.

To learn more about our organization, visit Makeachangewny.org