Junior Achievement USA (JAUSA) is the nations premier youth-serving organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Our programs, in the core content areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy ignite the spark in young people to experience and realize the opportunities and realities of work and life in the 21st century.

As an affiliate of JAUSA, Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County (JAGFC) provides hands on, immersive learning for young people across 21 communities. In 2023, we served more than 11,000 students at 47 schools in partnership with 625 volunteers. Our programming is delivered by volunteers and educators and with support from a variety of committed business, community partners and schools.

THE OPPORTUNITY

JAGFC seeks a visionary, strategic, and relationship-driven leader to serve as President. Joining an organization with strong programmatic and financial footing, the President will galvanize a talented 12-member team, engaged 25-member Board of Directors, and a strong community of volunteers and donors. With oversight of both internal and external functions, the President will play a highly visible role in elevating JAGFCs profile across the region and state, expanding our funder base, and ensuring the sustainability of JAGFC for years to come. Specifically, the President will:

• Develop and execute a strategic vision that drives growth, innovation, and sustainability. In close collaboration with the Board of Directors and senior staff, set short- and long-term strategic priorities to guide the organizations direction. Translate strategic vision into clear goals, metrics, and work plans. Ensure that priorities align with JAUSAs overall strategy, as well as respond to unique opportunities in the local region.
• Oversee a robust fundraising effort that diversifies funding sources and builds a broad base of support. In partnership with the Director of Development and development team, enact a plan to engage a mix of individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Serve as Fundraiser-in-Chief in deepening relationships with existing donors and cultivating and stewarding new supporters who are aligned with JAGFCs values and mission.
• Ensure the financial and operational well-being of the organization. Lead the creation and management of the annual budget and ensure that resources are allocated and stewarded appropriately. Work with the Finance Committee and external auditors to maintain compliance with required reporting and regulations. Make sure that staff are equipped with the systems, processes, and procedures needed to perform their jobs. Lead and motivate a team of professionals working across programs, development, and operations.
• Foster a work environment where people feel valued and respected and that uplifts diversity, inclusion, creativity, and collaboration. Set and manage to high standards for performance and accountability. Directly supervise director-level staff and support them in leading their respective functional areas and teams.
• Build, energize, and sustain an effective Board of Directors of business and community leaders. Leverage the time and talents of an active board in overall organizational governance and strategic planning. Ensure that board members have clear roles and committee work (e.g., finance, development.) In partnership with the Director of Development, activate, coach, and support board members in fundraising activities.
• Serve as a knowledgeable, positive, and collaborative ambassador for JAGFC. Keep a pulse on the regional, state, and national education landscape and seize opportunities to elevate JAGFCs brand and presence across the region. Build and maintain relationships with key constituent groups (e.g., school and community partners, students, volunteers, government officials, corporate partners, and donors) and seek out opportunities to deepen levels of engagement. Maintain a positive relationship with JAUSA and leverage the national brand in external relations.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE

The President role calls for candidates who possess the following experiences, competencies, and personal qualities:

• A champion for JAGFCs mission and values. You are inspired to join an organization that prepares young people to succeed in a global economy. You thrive on a collaborative and diverse team that operates with passion, honesty, integrity, and excellence and above all believes in the boundless potential of young people. A personal to the communities served by JAGFC is a plus.
• A nonprofit leader with success in growing organizations. You bring 15+ years of professional experience, with 5+ in a senior leadership role, with demonstrated experience in fundraising, strategic planning, board relations, resource management, and/or other nonprofit functions, ideally during a time of growth and change.
• A visionary thinker with the ability to implement tactically. You hold the "big picture" and have a proven ability to translate an organization's vision into tangible activities and goals. You look to the external landscape and include the voices of key stakeholders in crafting a vision.
• A thoughtful relationship builder who develops rapport easily and fosters long-term connections. You have a warm, energetic, and authentic personality that translates to building trusting relationships with a range of stakeholders. You lead with empathy and communicate ideas clearly and in ways that inspire others to action.
• An enthusiastic fundraiser with the ability to grow a donor base. You bring demonstrated experience with a range of fundraising activities, inclusive of individual giving, institutional giving, and corporate sponsorships. You are a willing front-line fundraiser and enjoy all aspects of donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• A capable administrator with sound business acumen. You bring know-how in building and managing budgets and standard operational procedures. You understand the interplay between finance, operations, and program and balance resources in a fiscally responsible manner. You are well-organized, resourceful, and process-oriented.
• A collaborative people manager who leverages others strengths and promotes teamwork. You have experience in recruiting and hiring talent, building strong teams, and motivating others to high performance and accountability. You have worked effectively with boards of directors and volunteers.
• A creative problem solver who exercises good judgement. You are open to testing new ideas and taking calculated risks to drive impact and enhance results. You practice self-awareness, discretion, and the ability to stay focused in a dynamic environment. You weigh multiple options and perspectives in order to make informed decisions.