Above / Since KidsMatter was founded in 2001, hundreds of local high school teens have been recognized by the Naperville Mayor and City Council for their community service via opportunities promoted during KidsMatter Volunteer Fairs. (PN File Photo by Jo 2018)
The KidsMatter Executive Board has announced the opening for the Executive Director position. A job search is beginning immediately.
KidsMatter is a prevention-based organization focusing on the over-all health and development of kids beginning with their social, emotional and academic well-being.
The nonprofit organization located in Naperville serves approximately 250,000 youth and their families throughout DuPage and Will Counties.
“Thanks to solid leadership, our nonprofit organization is in good shape, in terms of programs, finances and cooperative relationships,” said Board President Laura Bokar. “Over the past 20 years, our executive directors have built a valued service in the community, responding to ever-changing needs of our youth. We will be looking for someone with a passion for the success of youth and families. That individual will have opportunities to build on our strong foundation and grow the relationships, programs and funding that will continue to drive KidsMatter initiatives in our schools and the community.”
Individuals interested in joining a highly-functioning team with a goal to have kids succeed in life are encouraged to visit www.kidsmatter2us.org for an overview of KidsMatter. Candidates are welcomed to apply with a cover letter, resume and references to Immediate Past President Kristen Refness at kristen.refness@eehealth.org by April 23, 2021.
Phone interviews will be arranged by the Selection Committee to keep the process moving forward.
For more information, call KidsMatter at (630) 864-3974.
KidsMatter Purpose and Executive Director
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.
JOB DESCRIPTION
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 the size and responsibilities of a nonprofit organization.
To apply for the position, kindly send a cover letter, resume and references to Immediate Past President Kristen Refness at kristen.refness@eehealth.org by April 23, 2021.
Click here to the notice and download on the KidsMatter website.
