Job Description

AzAEYC Executive Director

This position is no longer open.

Overview:
The mission of the Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (AzAEYC) is to promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children. The Executive Director reports directly to the AzAEYC Executive Board and is accountable for ensuring the organization meets the strategic direction and mission according to the by-laws and policies. AzAEYC is a state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Executive Director Position Description:
The Executive Director provides leadership, administration, management, and supervision of AzAEYC’s programs and staff as necessary to achieve organization’s mission. General areas of responsibility include: administration, membership, advocacy, finance, technical assistance, and public relations. The Executive Director supports the work of the Governing Board, Executive Committee, and ad hoc committees as required.

Qualifications

• An associate, baccalaureate, or higher degree in public administration, business, human services, family studies, early childhood education, or closely related field from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
• Two years experience in human services, education, advocacy or closely related field.
• Demonstrated successful leadership in early childhood education, advocacy, nonprofit organization management or closely related field.
• Experience in fiscal management, staff supervision and program administration.
• Ability to work with diverse organizations.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Member of NAEYC and AzAEYC or willing to join.

Preferred Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

• Established record of funded grant awards or fund development.
• Ability to lead and organize a cohesive team of diverse constituents and members who live and work in the Phoenix metro area as well as throughout the state of Arizona, including remote areas. 
• Interest in cultivating and maintaining connections in community.
• The ability to serve as the spokesperson for the organization.
• Well-developed technology skills to include Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and social media.
• Demonstrated problem solving, research, and information management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to tactfully handle stressful situations, negotiate and resolve conflicts, maintain confidentiality and to respect and observe organizational protocol.
• Committed to the mission, vision, and values of NAEYC and AzAEYC and understands the Strategic Plan, and Strategic Objectives of the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AzAEYC Governing Board, Affiliate Chapters, SAZAEYC Board, and NAEYC Affiliate representative.
• Experience establishing relationships with organizational partners, volunteers, donors, community partners, independent contractors, and members from diverse backgrounds.
• Able to attend evening and weekend meetings and access to reliable transportation.

Executive Director: Key Responsibilities 

Administration- The Executive Director provides support and leadership to the Governing Board by assuming responsibilities and administrative tasks as designated by the Board. The position requires travel throughout the state, and must be able to make public presentations to a wide variety of audiences and constituencies.

Membership- A primary responsibility is to increase a diverse membership within the organization, and support the delivery of services to members. The Executive Director, along with the President, will lead the organization in maintaining a High Performing Inclusive Organization.

Advocacy- The position works collaboratively with AzAEYC Affiliate Chapters and the Southern Arizona Association for the Education of Young Children (SAZAEYC) to create one statewide voice for advocacy for the early childhood profession. The position collaborates with other community, state, and national partners in these efforts.

Finance- A critical role of the position is to ensure the financial stability of  the organization by overseeing current grants, contracts, and projects, and by seeking additional external funding. The Executive Director will lead the fundraising efforts to increase additional sources of revenue, including grants and contracts, to support the AzAEYC Strategic Plan.

Technical Assistance- This position supports the development and maintenance of the Az Toolkit, a shared resource platform developed and maintained for Arizona through a contract with CCA Global / CCA for Social Good and funded by a 3-year grant from the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust. The position leads a team within AzAEYC which meets bi-monthly on Google Hangouts, oversees:  marketing efforts for the site, securing sponsors, maintaining communication with users, attending monthly webinars with CCA for Social Good and serving as the primary point of contact for additional website development.  The position also supports the development of local shared services alliances, beginning in Maricopa County.

Public Relations- Facilitate effective external communications, information, and action between Governing Board members, organizations, policy makers, and the community. Represent AzAEYC on standing and ad hoc committees with partner organizations in the early childhood field. Maintain community understanding of and good will toward the Association.

Compensation: $30,000 annually (part-time)

Location: Greater Phoenix Area

Deadline: Application deadline is July 22, 2019

Contact: Melissa Busby, Board Past President of AzAEYC 

How to apply: Send an email to mbusby@azaeyc.org with your letter of application, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation.