JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spark, an up and coming nonprofit group supporting global women’s issues, seeks an enthusiastic and inspiring leader to take the organization to the next level.  Spark is an organization founded by a group of young professional San Francisco women seeking to engage their peers to raise money for and awareness about global women’s issues.  In just the two years since its inception, with a volunteer Board of Directors, Spark has raised money for women in Rwanda, Mexico, Bangladesh, Jordan, Kenya and San Francisco.  It has engaged over 1,000 young professionals through speaking events, film screenings, photo exhibits and fundraisers.  Spark has also connected with prominent local women leaders through its advisory board and has established solid partnerships with local organizations whose missions are similarly aligned. 

With this solid base of support, Spark is now ready to take advantage of its demonstrated potential as an organization.  Over the next two years, Spark seeks to engage even more young professionals by launching a global council of supporters, an annual speaker’s series, and providing more opportunities to highlight women’s stories of empowerment from around the world, thereby raising more funds to support their inspiring efforts.  The Executive Director position is a unique opportunity for someone with entrepreneurial spirit who is passionate about global women’s issues and excited about building an organization from the ground up.

Responsibilities

• Implement the organization’s strategic goals and policies set in partnership with the Board of Directors and consistent with the values and priorities of Spark. 

• Be the keeper of the culture, vision, and values of Spark through development of short and long-term goals for the organization and the field. 

• Develop and sustain a diverse funding base to support the organization’s program priorities and growth. Particular areas of focus include building Spark’s private donor base through expanding membership and major donor campaigns, as well as continuing the growth of foundation and corporation grants funding. 

• Position Spark as an effective, vital organization in the community and consistently promote our mission to relevant stakeholders. Responsibilities will include establishing and maintaining contacts with key individuals in the field, building collaborations and partnerships, as well as developing branding, positioning, messaging and communication strategies. 

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the organization, including financial accounting and reporting, program planning, membership coordination and board relations.

Qualifications: Candidates should have a deep understanding and passion for issues that affect women globally.  Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of nonprofit  or other leadership experience including a successful track record in fundraising and thinking strategically and to plan, implement, and evaluate new and existing programs focused on key priorities within organization mission, goals, and resources.  Candidates must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.· A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Masters degree preferred.

Salary: Initial compensation package will be basic, though it will include the potential for an annual performance bonus of up to 25% of salary.

How to Apply:  Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume by email to: Kathleen@sparksf.org.