Description

Executive Director – Position Overview
The Executive Director fills the role of the organizational leader, articulating a compelling vision and working in partnership with the Board of Directors, and developing the strategies and tactics to achieve it. The Executive Director is the public face of the organization and takes every opportunity to express the organization’s values and advocate for Sarasota’s public libraries. Reporting directly to the Board Chair, the Executive Director plans, organizes, promotes, implements, and evaluates all Foundation fundraising activities.  Additionally, the Executive Director is accountable for operationally and financially managing the organization in a sound, ethical and sustainable manner. The Executive Director holds full management accountability for the staff and makes human resource recommendations as needed.  The Executive Director exercises these duties and responsibilities in a way that reflects and contributes to the organization's commitment to excellence and integrity throughout all aspects of its operation. 
Fund Development: 
1.    Works with the Board to develop and implement comprehensive short- and long-term fundraising strategies, including fundraising campaigns and events, donor gift solicitation, grant solicitation, endowments, and planned giving opportunities. 
2.    Evaluates and reports all fundraising activities and solicitation programs to the Board and appropriate committees. 
3.    Assists the Board in cultivating and maintaining communications with current and potential donors. 
4.    Routinely demonstrates the capability to comfortably and personally secure major gifts of $10,000 or above.  Partners with the Board to maintain relationships with current donors to ensure their satisfaction and their ongoing commitment to the Foundation.
5.    Develop and lead donor cultivation and donor recognition events, to focus on engagement and stewardship. 

Annual Author Luncheon: 

1.    Leads the annual planning for the luncheon, which contributes nearly 2/3 of the annual fundraising budget, coordinating with board members as needed.  This includes securing the speaker and venue (negotiating and signing contracts); overseeing all content and materials development; developing marketing/promotion strategy; securing matching gift, promoting and acknowledging all sponsorships and donations; facilitating board member and event task force work with donors; creating and developing the event “mission moment” video; overseeing and approving all vendor contracts and ensuring payment; developing an annual budget; and emceeing the event.
2.    Leverages current staff and volunteers to organize and coordinate all event logistics, from invitations, working with the venue, catering, event onsite support, etc. 

Financial and Operations:

1.    Partners with the Treasurer and the Finance Committee in developing, implementing, and monitoring sound financial strategies, controls and budgets. 
2.    Develops and recommends the annual budget.
3.    Assist Treasurer by drafting all agendas for the Finance Committee and participating in all meetings to help the committee fully understand the Foundation’s finances.
4.    Identifies financial concerns and gaps and escalates them to the Treasurer as needed.
5.    Works 1-1 with the contracted bookkeeper in ensuring accurate, effective and efficient financial transactions take place and are fully compliant. This includes restricted and unrestricted agreements; donor software; gift agreements; and grants from the Foundation in its individual capacity and as a fiscal agent for grants given to the Sarasota County Library System. It also includes overseeing an annual audit of the Foundation’s accounting.
6.    Oversees all filings needed to comply with federal, state, and local regulations. 
7.    Oversees the accurate and timely legal, financial, and insurance records and documents of the Foundation. 
8.    Manages the activities of independent contractors and staff including ensuring accuracy of deposits with the bookkeeper and input into QuickBooks, input into donor software and acknowledgements to donors. 
9.    Oversees the development and implementation of all technology-related systems, monitoring for effectiveness, continuous improvement and security.
10.    Manage the leased office space, adhering to lease requirements and escalating any concerns to the landlord.
Communications and Advocacy: 

1.    Partners strategically with the Board and the Sarasota County Library System Director to ensure positive working relationships. This includes working hand in hand with the Director on issues related to advocacy, local government, donor work and complementary marketing/promotions/events, and capital projects.
2.    Identify the need for emerging communication strategies and recommend same to the Board and the Library System Director.
3.    Develop the plan and implement all agreed upon communication programs.  This includes overseeing and developing the PR strategy.
4.    Together with the Foundation board members, serves as a representative of the Foundation at various civic and community functions and ceremonies.  
5.    Stewards ongoing giving by formally and personally acknowledging funding support and supporters via public announcement or written communication in a timely fashion.
6.    Oversee and direct the development of all marketing materials and social media, working with appropriate staff (including contractors). 
7.    Develop and oversee contracts and deliverables with marketing/design companies on retainer.  

Board of Directors:  

1.    Works closely with the Governance Committee and the board in the cultivation and recruitment of potential new board members. 
2.    With the Governance Committee, oversees the orientation and training of new 
board members and ongoing education of the Board of Directors. 
3.    Oversees all communications with the Board of Directors, including monthly 
reports from staff and Committee Chairs. 
4.    Along with staff, develops materials for Board meetings such as the agenda in collaboration 
with Board Leadership, minutes, committee agendas, board manual, etc.
5.    Collaborates with the Board leadership in the assignment of Board Committees and the execution of Board business as necessary. 
6.    Partners with the Board in the development and ongoing upkeep of the Foundation’s strategic plans and action plans. 

Human Resources:

1.    Responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating all staff.
2.    Effectively manages the organization, including contracted services.
3.    Leads, coaches, develops, and retains a high-performance team in the implementation of the mission, vision, and organizational goals.
4.    Provides the Board with meaningful recommendations regarding staff performance, training, compensation, benefits and additional resource needs. 
5.    Develops and implements policies, compensation and benefit plans, based upon the Board’s direction. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Experience/Training: 

1.    7-10 years of fundraising experience with a strong understanding of best practices, policies and procedures, grant writing, moves management, donor software and major gift solicitation. 
2.    Experience developing and leading donor-related events of all sizes, from small events to large-scale ones including hundreds of invitees, significant dollar goals, etc. 
3.    Passion for libraries and a general knowledge of library processes, policies, and procedures and collections, and/or the willingness to learn the same.  
4.    Knowledge of the public relations and marketing functions for promoting a not-for-profit organization and the public institution of the Sarasota County Library System.
5.    Knowledge of how to navigate the various government and political entities to the advantage of the Foundation. 
6.    Proficient in all computer systems, software and technology relevant to the organization. Computer literacy skills are necessary, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
7.    Strong and demonstrated capability in oral and written communications and presentations. 
8.    Demonstrated skills and behaviors working with boards and understanding board governance, either through a senior fundraising role, or as an executive director. 
9.    A solid knowledge of budgeting and financial management.
10.    Ability to work flexible hours, including some evening and weekends, meetings, receptions, and fundraising functions, and travel throughout Sarasota County.  
11.    Must demonstrate resourcefulness in maximizing existing resources, as well as the ability to inspire and articulate the need for their expansion, when appropriate.
12.    This individual will have an innate ability to inspire, lead, listen, and organize people into action.

Preferred Education and Experience: 

1.    Graduation from an accredited college or university (bachelor’s degree preferred); and, or commensurate experience.
2.    Prior executive director experience. 
3.    Equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary.
4.    CFRE