Summary
Description
WHO WE ARE:
IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education is a non-profit 501(c)(3) dedicated to creating inclusive higher education opportunities for students with intellectual disability (ID). Our mission is to create inclusive college opportunities in Colorado for students with intellectual disability to foster academic growth, social development, greater independence, and career advancement.
As a result of IN!’s work, Colorado students with intellectual disability in Colorado have the option to attend college, a choice that did not exist a short time ago. We are invested in ensuring that college access continues to be possible for more and more students with ID in our state. When you join IN!, you are part of a mission-driven organization working to make sure college opportunities exist for students with intellectual disability. We are dedicated, inspired, and compassionate. We love what we do!
JOB SUMMARY:
The Executive Director is the key management leader of IN! Colorado Initiative for Inclusive Higher Education (“IN!”), d.b.a IN! Pathways to Inclusive Higher Education. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration, staff, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. Other key duties include fundraising and financial management, marketing, development of education partners, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Board Governance and Collaboration: Work with the Board to fulfill the organization’s mission.
- Responsible for reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors to seek their involvement in policy decisions and fundraising and to increase the overall visibility of IN!’s mission throughout the state.
- Responsible for leading IN! in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
- Responsible for communicating effectively with the Board and providing, in a timely and accurate manner, all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.
2) Financial Performance and Viability: Develop resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization. Financial resources include individual giving, foundation and community support, legislative funding as approved, and other opportunities as they arise.
- Responsible for the development, planning, execution, and management of the annual budget.
- Responsible for fundraising to meet the organization’s development goals. Fundraising includes but is not limited to individual and corporate donor solicitation, grant and foundation requests, and fundraising events.
- Responsible for the fiscal integrity of IN! and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position, including submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget, monthly financial statements to accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization, and a summary of monthly fundraising activity.
3) Organization Mission and Strategy: Work with the Board and staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, and the development of university partners.
- Responsible for strategic planning of IN!’s programs to ensure that IN! can successfully fulfill its mission in the future. Ensure annual review of Strategic Plan and implementation efforts.
- Responsible for enhancing IN!’s reputation at the local, state, and national levels by being active and visible in the community and working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.
- Responsible for serving as the primary spokesperson to the organization’s constituents, partners, the media, and the public.
4) Organization Operations: Oversees and implements appropriate resources to ensure that the organization’s operations are successful.
- Responsible for the ongoing development and support of university partners and inclusive higher education advocates throughout Colorado, including but not limited to leading the Colorado Inclusive Higher Education Consortium (CIHEC).
- Oversight of key programs, including Education and Outreach, Program Evaluation, and Expansion.
- Responsible for the hiring, retention, and oversight of competent, qualified staff and volunteers.
5) Additional Tasks Include:
- Oversee Board and committee meetings.
- Oversee marketing and other communications efforts.
- Review and approve contracts for services.
- Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- Three or more years of fundraising experience, including strategies and donor relations, unique to the nonprofit sector.
- Experience providing supervision and performance management, including the ability to oversee, collaborate with, and engage diverse staff, donor groups, and other partners.
- Financial skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
- Transparent and high-integrity leadership.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong personal values of and commitment to inclusion, equity, and diversity.
- Must reside in Colorado, provide a valid driver’s license, and pass a state background check.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience as an Executive Director or senior role in a non-profit.
- Experience with individuals with disabilities and/or student services within higher education.
- Adaptable and facile in learning new information and skills.
- Geographic location: in or around the Denver Metro area OR willingness to travel at their own expense to the Denver area at least monthly.
- Strong organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and task facilitation.
- Skills to effectively collaborate with and develop Board members and community partners.
- Ability to convey a vision of IN’s strategic future to funders, university partners, community partners, and Board members.
DIVERSITY & EQUITY:
As an inclusive organization, IN! welcomes people from all backgrounds and walks of life. IN! is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants and offers appropriate accommodations to make all required job tasks more accessible.
IN! shall not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, physical or intellectual/developmental disability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, employee hiring and employment practices; selection and management of volunteers, vendors and contractors; membership recruitment; provision of services; and dealings with the general public.
Benefits
WORK ENVIRONMENT & TEAM CULTURE:
IN! hires exceptional professionals to perform a wide variety of essential functions that contribute to the organization's success. It is IN!’s intent to provide its employees the freedom they require to balance the responsibilities of both their work and home lives, thereby maximizing their value to the organization. Characteristics of IN!’s work environment and team culture include:
- Collaborative, passionate, and inclusive.
- Emphasis on work-life balance.
- Flexible, remote work schedule (with some in-person meetings and events).
BENEFITS:
- Monthly healthcare stipend.
- Unlimited paid leave.
- Monthly cell phone stipend.
- Computer/technology for home office.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- 12 paid holidays and the day off for your birthday (go celebrate you!).
- Flexible, remote work schedule.
- Opportunity to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Targeted professional onboarding in your first 60 days and ongoing access to required professional development.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume by email to info@inclusivehighered.org by January 15, 2025. In their cover letter, applicants are encouraged to share why this role is of specific interest and any relevant career experience that makes them an exceptionally qualified candidate.
Upon submission, applicants will be contacted to schedule an initial phone screening. Top candidates will then be contacted following January 15th to schedule interviews.
