EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

STRIVE is a national leader in workforce development solutions, empowering individuals to discover their best future selves through innovative, evidence-based career training and holistic, lifelong support. STRIVE partners with employers, funders and community organizations to close gaps in workforce needs and help local economies thrive. Founded in East Harlem, NY, in 1984, STRIVE has grown from its roots to now offer programs in locations across the country.

For more than 40 years, STRIVE has been a catalyst for economic change and prosperity in underserved communities. Our tuition-free skills and job readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching prepare students for careers in high-growth industries such as healthcare, construction and logistics. With a proven pathway to possible, 80% of STRIVE students graduate, 76% attain employment and 70% retain employment long-term.

Looking to the future, STRIVE has embarked on an ambitious ten-year growth plan to increase its impact in more locations nationwide, aiming to serve up to 10,000 individuals each year by 2033.

We meet individuals where they are, providing free programs tailored to adults 18 , including those impacted by the justice system. At STRIVE, there is always a path forward.

See why STRIVE has been the pathway to possible for more than 40 years in our 3-minute mission video.

POSITION SUMMARY

STRIVE seeks a dynamic, strategic, entrepreneurial leader who will be responsible for overseeing the launch and expansion of STRIVE to New Jersey, beginning operations in the Greater Newark region of northern New Jersey counties of Essex, Hudson and Union.

Supported by STRIVE's National Program Team, the Executive Director will join a network of STRIVE sites delivering our dynamic programs, including our flagship Career Path program and specialized justice-impacted programs, across the nation. To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment where the ability to manage multiple relationships and a range of small and large-scale projects at once is vital. The mandate for the STRIVE North Jersey Executive Director is to establish STRIVE as a preferred partner for middle skills jobs in the region and to expand the number of job seekers served.

The successful candidate will be outcomes focused, highly motivated, growth-oriented and experienced, who can work collaboratively with the CEO and the Executive Team to meet the organization's goals. They will have substantial experience in building and executing new programs, fundraising, management, operations, and a deep understanding of cultivating and managing finances from various revenue sources.

The founding Executive Director leads program execution, community engagement, partner cultivation and facility establishment to achieve success in our northern New Jersey location. They will provide vision and leadership, fiscal responsibility and sustainability, budget oversight, and program management. They will work with STRIVE's national Development team to execute our New Jersey fundraising strategy, building the local funder relationships and being an active partner in fulfilling their revenue goals.

They will lead and develop a team to execute and advance our evidence-driven training model in both our career path and reentry-focused programs. They will work in close partnership with our Chief Program Officer and the National Program & Impact team to implement our programs and ensure their continuing success. At STRIVE, we operate in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The Executive Director will have the opportunity to shape an innovative workforce development approach in Northern New Jersey, as well as further build and establish the STRIVE reputation throughout the New Jersey workforce development and justice-aligned community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership

• Develop and lead the implementation of STRIVE program(s) in New Jersey with the support of STRIVE's National Program Team.
• Ensure high-quality delivery of our career pathway training to new STRIVE students and alumni.
• Develop and implement new training initiatives in response to local demand.
• Cultivate a pipeline of employers in Northern New Jersey who are willing to invest in training design and implementation, and who will commit to hiring STRIVE graduates.
• Increase awareness of STRIVE's program to targeted communities.
• Expand enrollment in STRIVE's training.
• Develop strategic alliances with other local service providers, local and state education and human services agencies, community colleges, and other aligned organizations to expand STRIVE's implementation and presence.

Fundraising & Community Engagement

Team Leadership

Finance & Operations

Requirements

STRIVE offers a rich benefits package that includes :

Location : The role will be remote until temporary or permanent location is determined. Additionally, there will be approximately 5% travel requirements outside of New Jersey.

STRIVE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

STRIVE prides itself on the diversity of its workforce. STRIVE is committed to equal employment opportunity to all job applicants and employees without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, medical condition, disability, veteran or marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other unlawful criteria.

Salary Description

125,000 - 135,000

Salary : $500