• Bachelors or Masters degree in human services, education, social work, non-profit management, or public administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required
• Minimum of eight years of senior-level experience leading complex non-profit organizations in the areas of education, family support, early intervention, and/or disabilities, or comparable/relevant field.
• A demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the issues faced by individuals with and/or families who have children with special needs.
• Extensive knowledge of family-centered care, family support, disabilities, special education and disability law.
• Fundraising and resource development experience is highly desirable.
  

Individuals with personal knowledge of disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, a written description of your philosophy of education, family-centered care, and leadership management, and three references by April 7, 2008, to:
Executive Search Committee
Vermont Family Network
PO Box 145
Williston, VT 05495
Or via email to vfn.edsearch@gmail.com

Vermont Family Network is a merged Organization of the Vermont Parent Information Center and Parent to Parent of Vermont 

• Bachelors or Masters degree in human services, education, social work, non-profit management, or public administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Minimum of eight years of senior-level experience leading complex non-profit organizations in the areas of education, family support, early intervention, and/or disabilities, or comparable/relevant field.
• Extensive knowledge of family-centered care, family support, disabilities, special education and disability law and issues faced by families who have children with special needs.
• Extensive experience and connections (local, state, national) in the area of fundraising and resource development including demonstrated success achieving significant annual financial goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communication

• Develop and participate in collaborative teaming at all levels
• Share information in clear, honest, humble and inspiring manner.
• Resolve conflicts effectively while demonstrating flexibility, empathy, humor and creativity.
• Request or seek out information as necessary

Organizational Management and Development

• Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, develop and implement the organization’s vision, mission, policy, and strategic plan.
• Continuously assess and improve infrastructure of the organization to better meet the needs of families, staff, and the community.
• Implement Board approved policies.

Personnel Management

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate senior management staff.
• Ensure fair, respectful and equitable employment policies and practices.
• Manage, develop, and inspire a leadership team and staff that works in an integrated yet entrepreneurial way to achieve major goals, using coaching, mentoring, and delegation.
• Create and maintain a healthy, respectful, and collaborative work environment.

Fiscal Management

• Oversee the development of the annual budget.
• Monitor organization income and expenditures.
• Oversee financial reporting, including federal and state grant reports.
• Oversee and participate in annual financial audit.
• Monitor implementation of accounting policies and procedures.
• Direct the preparation and management of annual budget and report to the Board for approval.
• Direct the process of budget control, prioritizing VFN’s needs and utilizing funds in the best interest of VFN.

Program/Resource Development, Management, Evaluation

• Oversee the writing of grants, effectively connecting programs to funding.
• Ensure fundraising activities and creatively generate other resources to meet and increase the organization’s annual budget for unrestricted revenue.
• Oversee and promote program development and effectiveness.
• Evaluate and maintain the effectiveness and impact of Vermont Family Network programs.
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate major trends in family support and advocacy.

Public Policy Development

• Maintain expertise in national, state, and local policies, practices, procedures, and systems that affect children and families.
• Analyze and share information about public policy, regulations, laws, precedents, and practices that affect the welfare of children and families.
• Advocate improvements in public policy, laws, and systems that are relevant to children and families.
• Serve as Vermont Family Network’s spokesperson regarding public policy issues.
• Directly participate in planning, policy, and legislative activities locally and nationally to promote family-centered policy and practices.

Community Relations

• Oversee the expansion of the organization’s visibility in educational, medical, and business communities across the state.
• Develop strategic and collaborative partnerships with leaders of local, state, and national agencies, organizations and legislative bodies around issues and opportunities of common interest.
• Represent the organization at public events.
• Serve as a speaker at conferences and other venues.
• Direct the management and communication of public relations and marketing activities.