Strategic Oversight

• Partners with the Board on the strategic visioning of the organization during a period significant growth and sustained impact.
• Serves as the face of the organization proactively positioning Thrive Scholars as the national leader in the college access and success space for high-achieving students of color from low-income communities.
• Provides strategic oversight of the organization ensuring it successfully achieves the key deliverables outlined in the strategic plan.
• Acts as a thought partner to the Board on all aspects of finance and operations, including program changes, future business strategy, and appropriate investments.
• Effectively stewards the human and fiscal resources of the organization in ways that achieve the organization’s goals while contributing to the immediate and long-term success.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Uniquely positions Thrive Scholars enhancing its overall reputation and visibility in order to grow and strengthen the community of supporters.
• Promotes Thrive Scholars values, programs, and contributions to educational excellence and economic mobility to garner support and interest from donors, community partners, corporations, and foundations.
• Plays an active role in the fundraising process by maintaining a personal portfolio of high-level donors as well as partners with the board and Chief Advancement Officer on major donor stewardship and funder relationships.
• Develops and implements public relations strategies that effectively communicate the critical role Thrive Scholars plays within the college access space.
• Fosters and cultivates positive relationships with industry partners, relevant professional groups, donors, volunteers, and Scholars.

Operational Oversight:

• Provides the necessary vision and strategy to effectively lead and engage staff to ensure operational excellence.
• Cultivates a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture that promotes excellence, innovation, and accountability.
• Thoughtfully engages with staff at all levels of the organization actively soliciting feedback, fostering transparency, and recognizing employee contributions.
• Ensures that the organization’s programs are of the highest quality, reach those in need, create positive impact, and fulfill Thrive Scholars’ mission and vision.
• Develops and institutes metrics for monitoring and evaluating the performance of programs and their contribution to scholar performance while addressing their ongoing needs.
• Promotes an organizational model aimed at delivering high-quality programs to scholars.

The successful candidate will possess many of the following skills and characteristics:

• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience along with extensive fundraising, operations, financial management, and long-range strategic planning skills.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required along with experience as a fair, respected leader, and skilled administrator with a proven ability to effectively manage resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.
• Superb leadership skill coupled with a strong business acumen and ability to effectively manage, lead, and supervise a talented, passionate, and dedicated team.
• Ability to effectively engage and partner with national and regional Boards of Directors.
• A strategic and creative visionary who welcomes new perspectives and innovative approaches.
• Demonstrated experience in leading people, providing professional development opportunities, and fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable environment.
• Strong, compelling communication skills along with a high degree of comfort engaging with major donors and organizational funders.
• Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion along with cultural competency regarding issues of multiculturalism.
• Collegial and collaborative leadership style with a commitment to open communication and consensus building.
• Ability to balance day-to-day operations with overarching strategy in order to anticipate the future needs and options for the organization.
• Strong collaborator with excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Proven track record of successful fiscal management and effective resource allocation.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.