Senior Director, National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:

Founded in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) is a small non-profit organization focused on eliminating disparities within the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. Our Leadership Institute has transformed the lives of young people across the country through our policy internships, scholarships, and fellowships program. Additionally, the Center for Policy Analysis and Research advances policy solutions aimed at providing equity, justice, and opportunity for the black community. Applicants may visit the web site at www.cbcfinc.org to view more information on CBCF programs and initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Inc (CBCF) is looking for a Senior Director of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice to join us in our mission to inform public policy, develop the next generation of policy leaders, and educate the public. Since 1976, the CBCF has recognized the importance of, and has taken pride in, eradicating racial disparities and racism in order to advance equity and opportunity for all to be the change we want to see. CBCF is seeking an experienced Senior Director with at least five years of management experience and public policy work. The National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI) is dedicated to the advancement of the human rights, education, and economic opportunities for the Black American community. The Initiative was created in response the movement that resulted from the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The NREI will provide scholarships for Black American students at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are pursuing a degree in a subject that can be used to fight for the equality and liberation of the global Black diaspora; it will place John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellows in the United States Congress and the CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR); host an ambassador task force that will help promote the Initiative’s work; and will advance racial equity and human rights through research, data, analysis, and public policy related to social justice, including criminal justice reform, education reform, and economic justice.

Reporting to the Vice President of the Center for Policy Analysis and Research, the NREI Senior Director will direct and manage the Initiative to ensure implementation of program objectives and initiatives, plan professional development seminars based on assessed needs of participants, and actively track and report ongoing successes while ensuring the program objectives are met. The Senior Director will collaborate as a thought partner to the Vice President, CPAR to identify funding and economic opportunities; and will play a key role in expanding CBCF’s mission and presence beyond the DMV area through community outreach, program development, grant funding, and collaborative innovation and engagement with stakeholders. They will assist with managing finances and generating revenue for the NREI. The incumbent will rely on past experiences and judgment to plan and accomplish goals, and must be a mature, professional leader with sound judgment and proven problem-solving skills and leadership ability.

The Senior Director will lead a committed team to drive the priorities of the NREI, by managing and coordinating with the John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellows to develop and maintain the NREI Social Justice Policy Database. In addition, the Senior Director will oversee the NREI Social Justice Scholarship, eligible for students at HBCUs who are majoring in fields related to social justice and have demonstrated exceptional levels of leadership, community service, and advocacy. Lastly, the Director will also work with the designated Social Justice Ambassadors to share the mission of the NREI widely, promote the social justice initiatives of the CBCF, and increase funding opportunities to support the NREI.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

1. Reports to: Vice President, CPAR
2. Directly Supervises: Social Justice Policy Fellows; NREI Program Manager

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Essential duties and responsibilities include:

Initiative Leadership and Management

1. Lead and direct the day-to-day development, implementation, and administration of the National Racial Equity Initiative for Social Justice (NREI). Provide oversight of all programs to ensure successful coordination and delivery of program services. Work with the team to develop and maintain the quality of the programs and compliance with requirements, procedures, and standards.
2. Work collaboratively with the Vice President, CPAR to maximize the NREI’s viability, visibility, and sustainability through its stellar fellowships, databases, ambassadorships, and scholarships that are consistent with CBCF’s goals and objectives. Lead the collaboration and engagement to develop the Task Force of Social Justice Ambassadors to further highlight NREI global impact.
3. Oversee the performance monitoring and evaluation and tracking and reporting for each program, including but not limited to NREI’s fellowship programs, Social Justice Policy Database, scholarship programs, and Social Justice Ambassadors. Provide data to showcase the outcome and impact on audience, the organization, and partnerships.
4. Ensure software functions are accurate and up to date, including website, fellowships, databases, scholarships, and Social Justice Ambassadors. Produce and maintain departmental operations manual and/or training manuals to facilitate business continuity and team cohesiveness.
5. Supervise and lead a team, demonstrating ongoing coaching, collaboration, and cross-training on program policies and procedures necessary to continually administer and execute program goals and objectives with equity, excellence, and impact.
6. Provide perspective and guidance to the NREI Program Manager in the management of multigenerational program participants, stakeholder cultivation/participation, and oversight to resolve everyday program issues.

Stakeholder Engagement and Fund Development

1. Organize and oversee funding grants, opportunities, and events. Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders to produce and develop NREI social justice workshops, briefings, meetings, and leadership seminars to maximize educational opportunities, branding, and partnership potential.
2. Cultivate relationships and foster ongoing meaningful partnerships with Hill offices to facilitate the fellowship placement goals and objectives and enhanced educational opportunities. Attend meetings and prepare briefings as required.
3. Research and prepare grants to increase program funding and support for new initiatives. Manage necessary grant reporting and oversight to complete and comply with grant and funding requirements.
4. Draft budgets with accurate forecast of revenue and expenditures and monthly monitoring to facilitate sound financial and fiduciary oversight, while utilizing program tracking codes accordingly.
5. Work collaboratively across departments to advance the goals of the organization. Engage and brainstorm with colleagues to effectively inform decisions necessary to maintain a high-performance culture with a commitment to quality.

Team Development and Management

1. Manage and guide staff to promote customer service and executional excellence in support of the CBCF organization strategy. Ensure understanding and compliance to professional ethics, and jurisdictional and legal requirements throughout all program operations.
2. Coach staff on ways to leverage and build relationships with key stakeholder groups to advance the NREI’s mission. Provide leadership in development of inter/intra-team communication and cohesiveness to support continual organization growth.
3. Establish and monitor staff performance and develop yearly SMART goals with objectives and priorities aligned with the mission. Conduct performance reviews and administer salary adjustments accordingly. Recruit and retain high performance team members, empowering them to develop in performance and responsibility.

B. Additional Functions

1. Identify strategic partners to help further the mission of the NREI. Actively pursue opportunities to advance and promote programs and initiatives.
2. Represent NREI on important committees and task forces (internal/external) as assigned.
3. Prepare talking points and presentation reports as requested.
4. Manage staff, vendors, and consultants in connect with large scale events. Effectively manage and balance administrative responsibilities with capacity to deliver against organization goals and objectives.
5. Create an environment supportive of equal employment opportunity.
6. Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

C. Required Special Skills

1. Effectively communicate NREI deliverables to a variety of constituents and stakeholders across a variety of mediums (internal and external).
2. Strong familiarity with the federal legislative process and political environment.
3. Effectively negotiate contracts and proposals with consultants and vendors for the maximum benefit of the NREI.
4. Proven program and project management skills and experience in designing, managing and delivering high quality projects on time.
5. Demonstrate superb oral and written communication and presentation skills in a range of formats to include meetings, briefings, reports, media articles and blogs.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR ACCURACY/ACCOUNTABILITY

The Incumbent must communicate with stakeholders on a national and local level to positively influence the effectiveness of NREI in achieving its objectives. The Senior Director must follow and adhere to federal, state, and local ethics laws, as well as CBCF policies governing conduct, in addition to performing their duties in an ethical, professional, and objective manner. Failure to comply may result in penalties for CBCF and the Senior Director.

SPECIFICATIONS

1. Knowledge: Advanced degree in public policy, education administration, or related field is required. Alternatively, the candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in public policy or education administration with a minimum of seven years of proven relevant experience or related work. Must possess at least five years of supervisory experience in a senior leadership/management position with demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and direct teams and manage resources and budgets. Additionally, a minimum of five years of program management experience is required. Applicants with congressional work experience or intimate understanding of the landscape of Capitol Hill is highly preferred. Experience writing and managing grants is a plus.
2. Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have multigenerational management experience and related skills to oversee and engage a variety of stakeholders in various settings, while managing multiple programs or projects with attention to detail, excellent judgment, and creative solutions. Must be a mature, professional leader with sound judgment and problem-solving skills and leadership ability. Must demonstrate strategic and forward thinking with proven results-driven program development, implementation and project management success. Requires excellent interpersonal skills with experience forging varied relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and ability to leverage new partnerships. Excellent written and oral communications skills is a must. Must be flexible, adaptable, and available for evening and weekend events and/or off-hours responses as necessary. Experience with planning events or forums is a plus.
3. Computer and Technical Proficiencies: Highly proficient skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and overall aptitude for technology and cloud-based software are required. Experience with education or scholarship software is helpful.
4. Physical Requirements: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines, ability to work long hours, weekends and moderate travel. Must work well under pressure and be able to manage simultaneous priorities and deliverables.

CBCF is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits package including health, dental, vision, 403(b), paid vacation and sick time. Qualified applicants only must forward a cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three professional references, until position is filled, using CBCF’s online employment portal. No phone calls accepted.