Gainesville Thrives:
Executive Director
Who We Are
Gainesville Thrives promotes literacy, tutoring and mentoring by informing the community of needs and opportunities. As we provide these valuable volunteer connections, we also provide literacy resources and host events with educational value for children and families.
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Position Overview
Gainesville Thrives is seeking an executive director to oversee the organization’s development and to encourage the faith-based community and others to serve in local education initiatives. The director will be responsible for leading the organization with the advice and consent of the board. Current emphases are to expand enrollment and fundraising for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, serving children ages 0 to 4. The position is for an average of 25 hours per week (50 weeks/year) at $20/hour and some benefits with an opportunity to grow.
Responsibilities
Organizational Management:
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Communicate with board members to further organizational objectives
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Recruit, retain, and direct a team of volunteers
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Direct and implement the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (www.gainesvillethrives.org/dpil) in the selected Gainesville zip codes of greatest need
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Develop programming to engage the faith-based community in educational initiatives
Finances and Strategic Planning:
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Fundraise to further the organization’s stability and growth, to include expansion of the director’s hours/benefits and additional staff, as needed
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Create and oversee the meeting of short and long-term goals to further organizational objectives, including evaluation
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Manage the organization’s finances and donations in coordination with the treasurer
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Develop a strategy to provide organizational stability
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Public Relations:
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Connect Gainesville’s community members to resources that promote educational initiatives
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Interface regularly with leaders of other community educational organizations and initiatives (e.g.— Kids Count, The Bridge of Vineyard, Alachua County Public Schools, WIC, ELC (Early Learning Coalition), UF Lastinger Center for Learning, United Way’s Campaign for Grade Level Reading, BOOST etc.)
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Employ a strong social media presence, which may be done by recruiting and retaining a group of effective volunteers
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Communicate with various media to spread the mission of Gainesville Thrives
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Professional Qualifications
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Prefer 3-5+ years of professional experience working in a 501c3 environment
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A bachelor’s degree
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Grant-writing experience a plus, but can be learned through the organization
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Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
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Sign an affirmation of Christian faith (Apostle’s Creed)
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Knowledge of Gainesville and the area’s faith communities
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Personal Qualities
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Collaborative, team-focused management style
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Ability to think and plan strategically and evaluate programs and objectives
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Passion for educational development in Gainesville
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Highly organized
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Positive attitude; winsome and engaging personality
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To Apply
Please send a cover letter, a resume, and three references to contact@gainesvillethrives.org by Feb. 25, 2022. Background checks will be required of applicants under consideration. Contact Elizabeth Gadsby, elizabeth@gainesvillethrives.org, with any questions about the position.