What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at California Youth Connection?

WHO WE ARE

California Youth Connection (CYC)'s mission is to develop leaders from among the population of current or former system-involved youth, to empower each other and their communities to transform the foster care system through legislative, policy, and practice change. Since our founding in 1988 by a small group of foster youth, CYC has established a unique model for youth to build leadership skills and forge supportive relationships while advocating for child welfare reforms that directly impact their lives. Today, CYC is a highly-regarded advocacy group with more than 200 members in chapters across California. Our work has resulted in the passage of dozens of new laws that have profoundly improved the lives of the 60,000 children and youth in California's foster care system.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CYC is seeking an inspiring leader and foster youth champion to serve as Executive Director (ED) and usher the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. The ED also serves as CYC's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Joining an organization with strong financial and programmatic footing, the ED will empower and support CYC's statewide youth leaders, dedicated professional staff, and engaged board of directors. Working hand-in-hand with youth membership, the ED will play a guiding role in articulating and implementing the vision for the organization as it continues to evolve and profoundly impact the foster care system in California and beyond.

Specifically, the ED will :

Co-create and facilitate a strategic vision for CYC's direction in partnership with youth, staff, and board.
Uphold the integrity of youth leadership and create the conditions for youth to play a front-and-center role in setting CYC's policy and legislative priorities.
Create a culture of collaboration between and among CYC staff and youth members, maintaining the Youth / Adult Partnerships that have been CYC's primary source of strength since its inception.
Be a visible and engaged presence across within CYC by attending regional and state-wide meetings and events, ensuring 2-way communications and feedback loops, supporting youth leaders in their professional development, and helping to prepare members to assume leadership positions within the organization's member-based structures (such as the Statewide Membership Council) and in their communities.
Oversee a staff of approximately 24 members supported by an annual operating budget of just over $2 million, create and model a positive and healthy work environment, encourage open communications and collaboration, and support people to do their best work. Directly supervise CYC's Chief Operating Officer and collaborate closely with senior management, empowering direct reports to lead in their area of expertise.
In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer, ensure a coordinated approach to core program activities, inclusive of state and local advocacy, youth development and leadership, trainings and conferences, and outreach and communications. Amplify and support youth in shaping and implementing an advocacy agenda.
In partnership with the Chief Operating Officer and other senior-level staff, take ownership of annual fundraising goals and strategies sufficient to support current programming, and work to increase fundraising to support organizational growth and expansion. Broaden and deepen relationships with existing institutional and individual funders and cultivate a pipeline of new supporters. Engage the board of directors in fundraising.
In partnership with the Director of Finance and members of the board's Finance Committee, oversee the financial management of the organization, inclusive of creating and managing an annual budget, ensuring financial controls are in place, completing annual audits and tax filings in conjunction with contracted independent auditors, and setting financial priorities.
Serve as a non-voting member of and partner with a board of directors comprised of up to 19 members, participating in quarterly board meetings and monthly subcommittee meetings, and providing the board with quarterly and annual financial and operational reports. Work to identify and help recruit new board members whose talents, interests, and commitment will help to further CYC's mission.
Serve as a persuasive and well-informed representative for CYC, forging and maintaining relationships with state agencies, advocacy groups, peer organizations, and media outlets. Lift up the work of CYC youth as experts and leaders in all external interactions.
Above all, operate with a relentless commitment to youth leadership, self-efficacy, and a drive to support youth in making meaningful and lasting change within the foster care system.

WHO YOU ARE

A champion for child welfare with lived and / or professional experience with systems-involved youth. You bring first-hand experience, knowledge, and a demonstrated commitment to improve child welfare and youth-serving You are knowledgeable about political advocacy, activism, and community organizing, and are passionate about mobilizing groups to create meaningful change.

An adaptive and collaborative leader who creates an environment where others can lead. You exercise influence strategically, ensure that goals and objectives are clear, and tap into the power of a group's collective genius. In times when an executive decision is needed, you incorporate multiple perspectives and ensure others are heard.

A catalyst for racial and social justice equity. You possess cultural sensitivity and humility, with an understanding of systemic and institutionalized racism within the child welfare landscape. You are self-reflective about your own growth and learning, relative privilege, and positional power.

An effective communicator who conveys information clearly and inspires trust. You are able to connect and communicate with a range of stakeholders (e.g., youth, staff, board, volunteers, donors, community members.) You articulate the organization's vision and programs to make a compelling, inspirational case for financial and / or programmatic support.

A thoughtful relationship builder and communicator who develops rapport easily and inspires trust. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building lasting relationships both internally and externally. You demonstrate deep listening and an understanding of others' perspectives in all interpersonal interactions.

A capable people manager who leverages individuals' strengths and promotes teamwork. You have experience recruiting and hiring talent, building strong teams, and coaching and mentoring direct and indirect reports for high performance and accountability. You use conflict as an opportunity for leadership and support team members in collaborative problem-solving.

A well-rounded executive-level leader with a track record in leading effective organizations. You bring at least 10 years of direct and / or transferable leadership experience in strategic planning, operations, fiscal management, and program oversight. You are familiar with nonprofit fund development and willing and able to play an active role in fundraising.

A passionate believer in CYC's mission and values. You care deeply about positive youth development and youth's potential to lead. You thrive in an organization that values transparency, accountability, integrity, self-awareness, teamwork, and collaboration.

These additional skills, knowledge, and experience are strongly preferred but not required :

Knowledge and experience with the California child welfare landscape

Experience leading and / or participating in political advocacy, activism, and community organizing

Experience at a statewide and / or multi-chapter organization

Experience with major gift fundraising experience from institutions and individuals

Advanced degree in social work, counseling, public administration / policy, or a related field

Prior experience with CYC (e.g., as a youth member, staff member, volunteer, or community partner)

HOURS AND LOCATION

Hours are Monday-Friday, with frequent evening and weekend meetings. CYC is an entirely remote organization, so candidates for this position must be based anywhere in California, with a strong preference for those located in the Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, or San Diego areas. Frequent statewide and some national travel is required.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary for this position is $150,000. Full compensation includes a generous benefits package with paid health benefits (medical, dental, vision, chiropractic), vacation and sick leave, (12) paid holidays (including (2) floating holidays), life insurance, and an employer contribution to the CYC retirement plan.

Salary : $150,000

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