Above / During a recent luncheon, KidsMatter Executive Director Idalynn Wenhold accepted a $15,000 gift for the nonprofit organization from Mayor Steve Chirico, one of eight checks presented to the 2017 group of Mayor’s Charities. This week Wenhold announced her plan to retire in 2018. (PN Photo)
IdaLynn Wenhold, Executive Director of KidsMatter, has announced her intentions to retire in 2018.
Wenhold’s dedication to the Naperville nonprofit organization has resulted in endless successes to “Building resilient kids who say NO to destructive behaviors and YES to endless possibilities.”
Appointed as the organization’s first Executive in 2001, Wenhold has been a tireless advocate for bringing together community resources and support to empower young people, parents and families.
Together with her Board of Asset Trustees, subject matter experts and staff, Wenhold has based KidsMatter’s approach on key developmental assets that equip youth and families to manage debilitating stresses of everyday life and help them thrive. Through KidsMatter, Wenhold has developed dynamic school and community programs; practical education, resources and youth recognition as well as partnership with parents, educators, mental health, public safety professionals and community organizations.
KidsMatter serves as Coordinator of Naperville’s Collaborative Youth Team (CYT).
KidsMatter offers youth and family programs
Among the programs KidsMatter offers to youth and families are annual Youth Job and Volunteer Fairs, Youth Service Awards, Your Digital Footprint, Mental Health First Aid, Don’t Be an Accidental Drug Dealer prescription drug secure and disposal program, Drug Abuse Prevention and Anti-Bullying speakers, State of the Kids Survey of Causes of Youth Stress.
In the last three years, Wenhold and KidsMatter launched ParentsMatter Too, focused on combating local youth heroin use and empowering parents to practically and effectively challenge their children’s choices in relationship to at-risk behaviors. Most recently, efforts have surrounded youth suicide prevention.
Search begins for new KidsMatter Executive Director
A committee headed up by Board members and community leaders will conduct the search for the next Executive Director for KidsMatter.
“The organization is in very good shape, in terms of programs, finances and cooperative relationships,” says Josh McBroom, Board President. “Obviously no one can replace IdaLynn, who built a tremendous service to the community over the last seventeen years. We will be looking for someone with a passion for the success of youth and families, and who can build on the foundation and grow the relationships, programs and funding that will propel the work of KidsMatter into the future.”
Candidates can apply with a cover letter, resume and references to Mike Bumpus at mike@kidsmatter2us.org or call (630) 710-3561 by January 31, 2018.
News submitted for KidsMatter.
KidsMatter Executive Director Job Description
KidsMatter is a Naperville 501c-3 not-for-profit organization. Our mission is to build resilient kids who say “no” to destructive choices and “yes” to endless opportunities. KidsMatter equips youth and families with tools to manage the stress of everyday life through dynamic school and community programs, practical education, resources and youth recognition. We harness the power of partnership with parents, educators and an extensive network community resources to help kids and families thrive.
PURPOSE
The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of KidsMatter and reports to the Board of Asset Trustees. The Executive Director is an active but non-voting member of the board attending all Board meetings where he/she reports on the organization’s progress towards organizational objectives, financial status, and all other ongoing issues.
The Executive Director is charged with developing and maintaining strong working relationships with staff to implement policy and programs that drive consistent and timely progress toward the realization of KidsMatter’s mission, goals, and financial objectives.
The Executive Director is the interface between the Board and the KidsMatter staff and is the face of KidsMatter to the public. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership of KidsMatter including financial management, personnel management, program operations, fundraising, business and legal negotiations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
- Develops and presents a long-range three-year strategy to the Board designed to achieve the organization’s mission.
- Creates and implements the Board approved annual strategic plan.
- Sets priorities for the organization to ensure consistent and timely progress toward the achievement of the annual plan.
Fundraising
- Develops the annual fund development plan expanding local revenue generation and fundraising activities to support existing program operations.
- Uses external presence and relationships to garner new fundraising opportunities, specifically targeting corporate sponsors.
- Oversees fundraising planning and implementation which includes identifying financial resource requirements, researching funding sources, establishing strategies to approach donors, submitting proposals, and administrating fundraising records and documentation to maintain and increase KidsMatter’s revenue.
- Ensure that donors’ contributed funds are used according to donors’ guidelines and regulations.
- Nurtures relationships with current and prospective donors and volunteers.
Community and Public Relations
- Works collaboratively with the community to build trust, encourage community involvement, and develop best practices for healthy youth development.
- Assures the organization and its mission and programs are consistently presented in a positive way to relevant stakeholders.
- Manages the partnership with the Naperville Park District to ensure efficiency, facility support and marketing promotion of programs and events.
Program Delivery
- Manages the development and the day-to day operations of KidsMatter to ensure all asset-building programs and activities are being executed in a high quality and efficient way and achieve the desired outcomes.
Human Resource Management
- Effectively manages and develops the Staff of the organization according to KidsMatter’s Employee Handbook and Bylaws.
- Promotes active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work.
- Responsible for the recruitment and management of a volunteer organization
Finance and Administration
- Establishes and oversees all administrative policies and procedures and ensures compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
- Prepares and recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages organization’s resources within those budget guidelines.
REQUISITE BACKGROUND AND SKILLS
- Passion for children and the KidsMatter mission
- Bachelor’s degree in related field required
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive nonprofit management experience including regulations, financing and budget development
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Experience and knowledge of Naperville is a plus
- Proven ability to think strategically and programmatically
- Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication, and public speaking skills
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and direct professional staff and volunteers
- Working knowledge of grant writing
- Ability to build collaborative community partnerships
- Strong organizational skills including ability to meet deadlines, quickly establish priorities, thoroughness, timeliness, and attention to detail
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word and Excel).
- Understanding of, and belief in, the Developmental Asset framework
COMPENSATION
- Total compensation is competitive for a not-for-profit’s organization size and responsibilities
To apply for the position of Executive Director of KidsMatter, send a cover letter, resume and references to Mike Bumpus at mike@kidsmatter2us.org or call (630) 710-3561 by January 31, 2018.
