We are conducting the search to find the next Executive Director of
The Boston Workers Alliance, and invite you to help us spread the word
about this opportunity as widely as possible.
Established in 2005 and currently in growth mode, The Boston Workers
Alliance (BWA) is a grassroots member-led organization of under- and
unemployed workers, united to end the crisis of joblessness in
Boston’s urban communities of color. Through cooperation, political
awareness, organizing and the development of its members as social
change agents, BWA fervently challenges the political and economic
structures that oppose full civic participation and the potential to
live well. BWA has established itself as a dynamic member-driven
initiative against racism, CORI system (Criminal Order Record
Information) discrimination and the crisis of joblessness in
Boston's communities of color. BWA drives economic development
projects and grassroots campaigns to win job opportunities for urban
workers with barriers to employment.
After seven successful years as Executive Director and Founder of the
Boston Workers Alliance, Aaron Tanaka will officially step down after
a successor is selected. This is an exciting opportunity for a
progressive, experienced leader with a heart for social and economic
justice, organizing and community empowerment to build on the
foundation that Aaron has laid and to affect individual and system change.
Would you please take a few minutes to circulate information on this
position to those throughout your networks who should be made aware of
this opportunity? For the complete position profile and application
guidelines, please visit
<http://www.tsne.org/jobs/bwa>
*The Opportunity*
Established in 2005, The Boston Workers Alliance (BWA) is a 501(c)3
grassroots member-led organization of under- and unemployed workers,
united to end the crisis of joblessness in Boston’s urban communities
of color. Through cooperation, political awareness, organizing and the
development of its members as social change agents, BWA fervently
challenges the political and economic structures that oppose full
civic participation and the potential to live well.
After seven successful years as Executive Director and Founder of the
Boston Workers Alliance, Aaron Tanaka will officially step down after
a successor is selected. BWA is seeking a progressive, experienced
leader with a heart for social and economic justice, organizing and
community empowerment to succeed Aaron.
BWA has established itself as a dynamic member-driven initiative
against racism, CORI system (Criminal Order Record Information)
discrimination and the crisis of joblessness in Boston's communities
of color. BWA drives economic development projects and grassroots
campaigns to win job opportunities for urban workers with barriers to
employment.
Currently in growth mode, BWA operates through four core program areas
including: (1) member organizing, (2) direct services, (3) cooperative
economic development, and (4) campaigns and coalition building. Over
85% of BWA’s members are African American, and the majority (70%) are
adults between the ages of 25-50.
*The Ideal Candidate*
The new executive director must be a mission-driven leader/organizer
able to engage and work with the board, staff, membership and
stakeholders to achieve the agency's goals and objectives. The work
and membership base of the Boston Workers Alliance necessitates the
need for an executive director with a fervent approach to social and
economic justice work and a desire to affect individual and systematic
change. The ideal candidate will have the following professional
background and personal characteristics:
*Professional Requirements*
· At least five years of demonstrated leadership and management
experience, including supervision of professional and administrative staff
· Bachelor’s degree required; advanced course work or graduate
degree a plus
· Evidenced commitment and belief in BWA’s mission and purpose
· Compassion and connection to the plight of disenfranchised
communities of color and individuals served by the organization
· Understanding and personal experience with political, social,
and economic issues of the community served
· Cultural competence (familiarity, experience with and racial
sensitivity of people of color)
· Knowledge and senior level experience in organizing and
campaigning around social and economic justice issues
· Knowledge and experience in business development or social
entrepreneurship
· Evidenced track record in human capital/talent development and
leadership
· Knowledge of financial management (budget development,
payroll, financial reporting, familiarity using accounting software)
· Resource development and fundraising ability (donor
cultivation, grant writing, development planning)
· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally
and in writing and with political savvy (negotiating, campaigning,
advocating) with stakeholders, donors and general public
· Organization skills – can set priorities, develop work plans
and evaluate performance against agency strategic priorities, goals
and objectives, and anticipated community impact
· Networking, alliance and collaboration building skills
· Technologically proficient (email, social media, cloud
document sharing, etc.)
*Personal Characteristics and Leadership Attributes*
Personality and presence to inspire, lead and guide the creativity of
board, staff and other stakeholders
Social and emotional intelligence (to deal with passionate membership,
various perspectives and loyalties and multiple issues of constituency)
Ability to communicate, translate, interpret and execute a vision and
solicit others to embrace and achieve it
Ability to sustain relationships and communicate effectively with a
broad range of people and organizations
Ability to behave ethically and ensure ethical behavior and business
practices of others according to agency written policy, values and
beliefs; and that of its funders and key stakeholders
Ability to lead and to remain flexible and innovative in a constantly
changing environment
*Application*
Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.
This search is being conducted by Third Sector New England's Executive
Transitions Program with Transition Consultant Roosevelt Smith. All
submissions are confidential. To apply, please visit
<http://www.tsne.org/jobs/bwa>
Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to
apply as soon as possible, with a final deadline of September 14, 2012.
The Boston Workers Alliance is an Equal Employment Opportunity
employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.