The Organization
Founded in 1867 as the George Peabody Education Fund, the Southern Education Foundation’s (SEF) mission is to advance equity and excellence in education for all students in the South, particularly low income students and students of color. SEF uses collaboration, advocacy and research to improve outcomes from early childhood to adulthood. Our core belief is that education is the vehicle by which all students get fair chances to develop their talents and contribute to the common good. Learn more about SEF here: http://www.southerneducation.org.
Position Overview
Position Summary:
In 2017, the Southern Education Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies will launch an exciting new initiative; the Racial Equity Leadership Network an intense cohort-style fellowship for leaders from school districts in the South committed to equity-centered systems change as a solution to addressing racial and economic disparities. We are currently seeking a full-time, mid-level director to lead the design, implementation and evaluation of this strategy.
Responsibilities:
The key duties of this position include but are not limited to:
- Provide content expertise and strategic input into the creation and evaluation of the network experience;
- Oversight and management of budget;
- Establish and maintain relationships with program participants and partners;
- Implement a multi-tiered recruitment and communications strategy for the initiative;
- Guide the design and implementation of an evaluation;
- Prepare oral and written reports to evaluate progress, demonstrate success and attract resources;
- Plan strategically for the sustainability of the initiative;
- Serve as a thought leader on issues of racial equity, education achievement and/or evaluation; and
- Perform administrative duties related to the program.
Required Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher. Experience designing and leading the implementation and evaluation of leadership development programs.
Experience and/or expertise with education issues across the educational pipeline (P-12) and in the southern United States. Understanding of public school systems and complexities of system reform. Experience and/or expertise with racial equity issues.
Capacities:
- Experience designing and implementing leadership development programs/initiatives;
- Commitment to and experience working towards educational equity in the South;
- Understanding of the complexities of educational leadership;
- Strategic thinker who keeps in mind the “big picture” while attending to immediate duties;
- Demonstrated ability to execute on tasks even in ambiguity;
- Extremely well organized and detail-oriented; creates systems for tracking and managing lots of details;
- Effective written and verbal communication skills;
- Handles relationship and partnerships with diverse constituents with respect and maturity;
- Embodies the values, beliefs, purpose and mission of the organization;
- Displays a positive attitude and desire to be creative and innovative; and
- Willingness and availability to travel regionally as much as 50 percent of the time.
Compensation: Excellent non-profit employee benefits and competitive salary commensurate with position and experience.