Savannah Executive Director

Savannah Executive Director

Summary: We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director to establish and grow our new site in Savannah, Georgia. The Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s site operations, fundraising, and community engagement efforts to ensure the fulfillment of our mission. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and the ability to build a site from the ground up. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be native to or have strong ties to the greater Savannah area.

About esp

esp exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better! Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Georgia, esp now operates three locations across the state of Georgia to provide year-round programming, summer camp, and family support to nearly 1,000 families and growing. We are excited for Savannah, Georgia to be our fourth operational location to continue to meet the needs of families of all abilities across the region. To learn more, visit espyouandme.org 

Our Values

• Infused with Joyful Hospitality
• Innovating Possibilities
• Activating the Abilities of All
• Fascinated with Fun
• Compassion, Freely Given
• Connecting the Unconnected
• Persevering, Together

Top Five Responsibilities

1. Lead fundraising and development initiatives for the site.
2. Lead and manage a small team, including hiring and training new team members.
3. Ensure quality program implementation and adherence to esp program standards.
4. Manage overall site operations, including leading the local Advisory Board.
5. Engage with the community to spread awareness of the site.

Detailed Responsibilities

• Fundraising and Development
  • Lead fundraising efforts, including individual donor cultivation, corporate sponsorships, and other opportunities for support.
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to support the growth and sustainability of the Savannah site.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and partners.
  • Partner with the local Advisory Board to cultivate leads, new relationships, and steward opportunities on behalf of the organization.
• Team Leadership and Management
  • Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Savannah site.
  • In the first year, recruit and hire the first two additional staff for the Savannah site: a Program Coordinator and Development Coordinator.
  • Build a team culture of accountability, innovation, and celebration in growing a new site.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure effective management of the site.
• Program Development and Implementation
  • Oversee the development and delivery of high-quality programs and services that align with the organization’s mission.
  • Ensure programs are responsive to the needs of people with disabilities and their families.
  • Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to enhance impact.
  • Ensure alignment of quality expectations between site programs and overall organizational vision.
• Site Operations and Board Development
  • Develop and manage the site’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.
  • Oversee daily operations and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.
  • Ensure effective resource allocation to support the organization’s mission and goals.
  • Work closely with the local Advisory Board to support the strategic direction of the site and operational oversight.
  • Assist in the recruitment, training, and development of Advisory Board members.
  • Ensure effective communication and collaboration between the Advisory Board and staff.
• Community Engagement
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization and the needs for programming for people with disabilities and their families.
  • Foster strong relationships with community organizations and other stakeholders.
  • Promote the organization’s mission and programs through public speaking, media engagement, and community outreach.
  • Grow awareness of esp Savannah in the region by attending networking events, engaging in the community, and spreading awareness to new donors and community members

Key Competencies

• Leadership
• Fundraising
• Communication
• Entrepreneurial
• Strategy
• Problem Solver
• Relationship Building
• Nonprofit Operational Acumen
• Flexibility
• Passion

Job Expectations

• The Executive Director will primarily be in-person and on-site. Remote options may be available within the confines of site and program needs.
• esp programs can take place in both the early morning and evening, as well as on weekends. The Executive Director will have the expectation to attend key programs as needed to build relationships with donors, community members, and to support their staff.
• The Executive Director may travel up to 15% of time, primarily to Athens, Georgia for organization-wide training and events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with a proven track record of successful fundraising and program development.
• A native or someone with strong ties to the greater Savannah area strongly preferred.
• Experience in establishing and growing new sites or initiatives.
• Strong understanding of the needs and challenges faced by people with disabilities and their families.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial reporting.
• Passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Job Environment

• Role requires moving equipment weighing up to 30 pounds
• Role requires remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time
• Role requires performing duties outside, potentially in hot or cold weather
• Must be able to complete tasks in a noisy environment
• Must be able to adhere to process protocol
• Must be able to apply established protocols in a timely manner, with little direction
• Must be able to discern and maintain confidential information

Job Details

• Salary: Commensurate with experience
• FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried, Full-Time
• Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Supplemental, 401k matching after one-year, generous PTO policy
• Immediate Supervisor: Chief Operating Officer
• Supervises: To be hired ― Program Coordinator, Development Coordinator
• Location: Savannah, Georgia / In-Person

Qualified applicants please send a cover letter and resume to HR@espyouandme.org with the subject line “Savannah Executive Director.”

Applications close September 16, 2024 at 11:59 PM

esp provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

esp is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. As part of this commitment, esp will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact contact esp’s People Team at hr@espyouandme.org