Professional Staff Opening
Position Title: Assistant Regional Director
Reports To: Regional Director, Tri-State Office in Middletown, CT
Team: Resource Development
Job Location: Hudson River Valley area of New York State
Annual Salary: $44,098 - $47,474
Grade: 5
Status: Exempt; Non-Bargaining Unit
Deadline: May 2, 2008
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Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or veteran status in employment of the provision of services.
Primary Purpose:
This position assists the Regional Directors of the Tri-State and Upstate New York offices in accomplishing the fund raising and education goals of the resource development program of Church World Service, primarily in the Hudson River Valley of New York State, the City of New York and Long Island. Primary responsibilities include: planning, implementing and evaluating a variety of activities with a major emphasis on organizing community-based event fund raising activities, i.e. CROP Hunger Walks through volunteer networks. The position involves significant time recruiting and equipping volunteers to generate financial resources for, and increase awareness about the agency and its mission. Additional responsibilities include promoting the Tools & Blankets Program and CWS Kit Program; donor cultivation; educating about the issues of hunger and poverty and their related causes; interpreting the work of the agency to the general public; integrating advocacy into fund raising and inter-action with the media. Working out of an office in an area north of New York City in the Hudson River Valley area, frequent travel is required within the above designated area of the regions.
Essential Duties:
CROP Events:
- Consults leaders and meet with committees to plan and promote local CROP fund raising and education events, with particular focus on the CROP Hunger Walk.
- Recruit and equip volunteers to organize CROP events with emphasis on the role of the recruiter; and plan volunteer appreciation and follow-up as appropriate.
- Help committees to set goals and evaluate results.
- Work with and travel to see volunteers, clergy and agencies to increase participation and revenue of existing CROP events, motivate and facilitate volunteers in existing and new event communities. Revive lapsed events as time and energy allow.
- Evaluate and select potential communities to develop new CROP events.
- Interact with ministerial groups, local hunger agencies, congregations, schools, civic groups, etc., for event development and/or enhancement.
- Ensure that all materials and income for assigned events are accounted for in a timely and accurate manner.
Other Fund Raising :
- Interpret and promote the CWS Tools & Blankets Program and CWS Kit Program.
- Work to secure congregational grants for CWS program priorities.
- Work with other CWS staff and volunteers to develop new and innovative fund raising programs.
- In coordination with the regional director and development associate, cultivate major donors and encourage estate planning.
- Promote foundation and corporate giving, matching gifts, alternative giving and other donor-related initiatives, with special attention to Lutheran participation and Thrivent grants.
Promotional/Educational/Advocacy Activities:
- Interpret and promote CWS programs and related global issues through public speaking, writing opportunities and educational events.
- Encourage, prepare and/or lead educational experiences for event volunteers.
- Prepare and staff displays and pursue opportunities to speak at denominational and clergy gatherings, event committee meetings and other opportunities.
- Promote CWS educational and advocacy resources.
Communications:
- Assist in writing of regionally developed communications and national items when appropriate.
- Assist the Regional Director in developing and maintaining relationships with secular and denominational media contacts and prepare news releases as appropriate.
Administrative Duties :
- Communicate and consult, as necessary and required, with supervisor and other appropriate organization staff on personnel, programmatic, financial or other issues related to the regional program.
- Assist in the yearly evaluation, planning and budgeting process for the regional program.
- Prepare and submit to the Regional Director accurate and timely monthly expense statements.
- Participate in periodic performance appraisals.
Qualifications:
Education:
Undergraduate degree in related field or related experience.
Experience:
Minimum of three years of successful experience in planning and implementing community-based education and fund raising activities, preferably within a faith-based organization. Proven experience in working with volunteers to carry out successful events and other fund raising and program activities.
Competencies:
Communications: Demonstrate “transparency of information” by articulating program strategies, priorities, standards and expectations to volunteers and stakeholders. Communicate by example a personal commitment to CWS values. Assess the quality of communications relative to regional fund raising and education programs and recommend revisions. Represent CWS in varied forums, effectively interpreting its mission, values and programs and inspiring audiences to support its work. Understand the importance of good media relations and demonstrate comfort and confidence in communicating with media representatives, as assigned. Conduct dealings with local stakeholders with integrity and sensitivity, ensuring all relevant information is clearly communicated and documented.
Constituent Relationships: Manage relationships with stakeholders and work within their structure to identify programmatic linkages, implement services and activities, and coordinate resolutions to problems. Identify potential constituents with whom to build relationships within the context of CWS’s mission, values and policies. Resolve issues of concern to maintain effective constituent relationships.
Job Knowledge: Has a strengthened understanding of the faith-based nature of CWS and is able to articulate that nature to varied audiences. Knows “broad stroke” information about CWS programs and services and where to find more detailed information. Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Uses technology in varied, creative ways to support individual and program performance. Identify learning opportunities for self and others and take/ recommend action. Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight. Keep up to date with “best practices” and recommend procedures that balance business performance with CWS’s ministry and values. Model creative and effective use of technology.
Leadership: Communicate and model CWS’s mission, values and priorities to staff and stakeholders. Share changes in priorities with staff and stakeholders, providing guidance to assist them in responding effectively. Delegate work among staff and volunteers, holding them accountable for meeting deadlines. Instill pride in meeting work goals. Accept personal responsibility for the work performed by others. Facilitate the use of skills and resources within CWS. Enable and empower staff and/or volunteers to take initiative and be creative. Manage the implementation of assigned fund raising and program goals.
Problem Solving: Identify problems that undermine the effectiveness of a program. Identify and recommend workable solutions for program-wide problems, considering the costs, benefits and potential consequences to CWS. Enable others to learn from the problem-solving experience by involving them in examining and resolving problems, ensuring solutions are appropriate to the scope of the problem.
Program Planning and Management: In collaboration with the Regional Director, implement and evaluate fund raising and program activities, establishing budget, implementation steps and time frames. Assure staff and volunteers understand their roles in supporting goals. Contribute to the development of standards and expectations for performing activities and assure the quality of work produced. Participate in gathering and analyzing information from internal and external stakeholders. Make time-sensitive, independent decisions affecting outcomes of program activities. Build consensus with colleagues, stakeholders and management in support of new initiatives. Successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously
Resource Building and Stewardship: Participate in planning budget needed for program activities. Manage relationships with partners to assure continued support. Develop opportunities to build support for CWS among new partners. Manage staff, volunteers and systems to make sure resources are used effectively. Promote CWS’s mission, programs and services and inspire people to support them. Interpret CWS’s policies on stewardship and accountability for its resources to the public.
Teamwork: Contribute program expertise to the work performed by the team. Promote effective interactions among team members and facilitate group discussion. Establish clear expectations regarding team work assignments and assist staff in balancing priorities. Network with other teams to discuss activities and make decisions on goals and activities that may intersect. Negotiate issues that cause conflicts within the team to support effective team functioning. Evaluate team results and individual team member performance, identifying needs and providing opportunities for improvement or enhancing team skills. Produce reports detailing results achieved. Provide critical insight and feedback to teams to enhance performance and results.
Other Skills:
Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheet and database applications; experience in Microsoft Office applications preferred. Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the region to convene or attend meetings.