The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is seeking an Executive Director with a deep commitment to the Sikh American community and civil rights, advocacy and outreach. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors, communicate the vision and direction of SALDEF to and lead its full-time staff, numerous volunteers and interns, and seek out, identify, and nurture relationships with the organization’s donors and stakeholders.
The Executive Director is charged with implementing the organization’s strategic vision; overseeing SALDEF’s direct services, advocacy, and other programs; leading the annual fundraising process along with donor relations; overseeing internal operations in collaboration with the management team; meeting the organization’s financial goals and assuring fiscal integrity; providing leadership in community affairs and collaborative initiatives; and serving as a public voice for the organization. Finally, she/he will serve as an advocate on issues of civil rights related to Sikh Americans in the government, media, and the community. Among the primary areas of emphasis for the Executive Director will be:
Provide leadership on collaborative efforts in the all of SALDEF’s program areas
Assure the financial integrity of the organization and work closely with the Finance Committee to monitor financial achievement against financial goals
Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and its committees: advise and report on the status of the organization’s activities, particularly on issues of strategic importance; cultivate positive relationships between the Board and staff; and assure support for the operations and development of the Board
Identify new funding opportunities (national and local, private and public) through relationship-building
Provide support to the management team and staff, including assisting them in the development of performance goals, setting benchmarks, and conducting evaluations
Assess key needs of the organization such as facilities and technology infrastructure in partnership with the management team to promote highest levels of efficiency
Develop an annual budget in conjunction with key staff and the Board, including mapping out projected expenses and revenue sources
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Communication:
Communicate SALDEF vision and motivate SALDEF staff, volunteers and the community at large to implement this vision.
Identify and develop strategic partnerships for programs and funding.
Management:
Provide day-to-day management, training and supervision of staff and volunteers.
Ensure SALDEF is in compliance with all funders’ requirements and directives.
Prepare and submit necessary reports to funders, Board of Directors and other parties when necessary.
Encourage staff and volunteers to continue development in their careers while providing opportunities for staff to grow professionally.
Maintain a positive and strong organizational culture that helps attract and retain creative, competent, and committed staff.
Community Outreach, Partnership and Collaboration:
Establish and maintain strong relationships with other organizations, elected officials, corporate entities, other appropriate and relevant service providers.
Represent SALDEF at government and community meetings, and outreach events.
Partner with community organizations in order to design programs and provide necessary services for target population.
Board:
Work in partnership with Board Chair and Board committee chairs to develop funding priorities; cultivate strong relationships with all board members.
Revenue:
Ensure responsible, diversified, and growth-oriented stewardship of funds.
Identify and secure additional funding sources, including individual and corporate donors.
Oversee and manage all grant proposals, including grant writing.
Budgeting and Fiscal Oversight:
Oversee the creation of the annual agency budget, with input from Board and staff.
Manage revenues and expenses to meet budget targets.
Program Oversight:
Design and implement appropriate programs to meet SALDEF constituent’s needs.
Conduct periodic evaluations and report on each program’s effectiveness and performance.
Qualifications/Skills:
Required:
At least 5 years of relevant experience and 3 years of management experience, preferably in a non-profit setting.
Success raising funds from government, foundations, corporations, and individuals.
Demonstrated success in driving growth and change.
Strong listening skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, including public speaking skills.
Demonstrated skills in advocacy, coalition-building and media relations.
Excellent reputation for integrity and high ethical standards.
Proven background in fiscal management and budgeting.
Executive level experience that includes planning, budgeting, management, and experience serving and coordinating boards or committees.
Proven ability to work effectively with and provide leadership to multiple stakeholders.
Excellent computer skills, particularly with the Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to bring groups of people together around a shared goal.
Fundraising capabilities, particularly prior experience soliciting private foundations and in grant writing.
Experience developing and overseeing a budget of $300,000+.
Masters Degree or Bachelor’s degree plus commensurate experience.
Experience working in a highly regulated environment, which may include financial institutions, administrative, or government agencies.
Preferred:
Significant understanding of and experience in civil rights, legal and legislative advocacy, education and training, and public policy issues related to immigrant communities
Experience working with the Sikh American community.
Fluency in Punjabi language.
Experience providing or advocating for nonprofit organizations.
Experience working with elected officials.
Experience in program oversight and development.
Knowledge of outcome-based evaluation.
Salary/Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package.
To Apply
Send cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume as attached Word or PDF documents to careers@saldef.org with “Executive Director Search” in the subject line. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to the same email address. Review of resumes will begin immediately upon receipt.
Equal Opportunity Employer
SALDEF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Location
Washington, D.C.
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