Director Of Leadership And Engagement

Director of Leadership and Engagement

About the organization

Art with a Heart's mission is to enhance the lives of people in need through visual art. The organization views creative development and artistic expression as vital components of the human experience and works to address the equity gap in visual arts education and access by offering a variety of services, including engaging, educational, and interactive visual arts classes to underserved Baltimore-area children, youth and adults in schools, group homes, shelters, community centers, recreation centers, foster care agencies, senior facilities, and hospitals. Art with a Heart's goals also include using visual art for positive civic and economic change in its workforce development, public art, community service, and leadership development branches. The organization values collaboration, creative self-expression, consistency, and high levels of artistry in all its work.

About the Art of Leadership Program

The Art of Leadership (AOL) program is a 12-month teen leadership initiative that introduces participants to societal issues (including many that directly impact the Baltimore community) with the aim of developing leaders with knowledge and perspective to address these issues.Each AOL cohort is diverse (in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status and gender) and generally consists of 15 to 20, 10th and 11th grade Maryland public and independent school students.The AOL program introduces and reinforces leadership competencies that make participants better able to solve community problems and enhance their civic participation.Participants are challenged to leave their comfort zone and learn about each other to gain new appreciation for differing backgrounds and experiences.The AOL program introduces participants to issues related to public education, health care (including mental health), immigration, crime, poverty, and race, among others.

About the position

As our Director of Leadership and Engagement, reporting directly to AWAH’s Executive Director, you will oversee the administration, operation, and management of the AOL program.Build and maintain a vibrant network of alumni, family and community partners for the AOL program that cultivates donor relationships and continued interest in the program and the broader organization.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have the following professional qualifications and personal characteristics:

• Approachable leadership style with the ability to create a collaborative group environment. Excellent facilitation, community building, conflict resolution, and mentoring skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships and work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in a complex environment with multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with impeccable integrity and strong work ethic.
• Strong communications and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate difficult decisions.
• Technical skills should include proficiency with Microsoft suite, Google suite, Adobe creative suite and experience with or willingness to learn other software and systems necessary for the role.
• A self-starter who possesses critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A keen interest, genuine passion for, and deep personal commitment to AWAH's mission.
• Ability to remain focused, transparent, and tactful while exercising solid judgment, especially in high pressure situations.
• Five or more years of relevant work experience, with a bachelor's degree preferred.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

You will collaborate with the Executive Director on the following specific duties and responsibilities:

Operations and Management

• Manage relationships with AOL collaborators including, but not limited to, schools, community organizations, volunteers, and cultural institutions.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, AOL advisory board, AWAH board of directors, and AOL alumni, annually recruit each new cohort of AOL participants.
• Research best practices for program delivery, evaluation, and curriculum planning, by attending workshops and completing continuing education courses.
• Direct the development, implementation, and evaluation of AOL program and curriculum. Including annual program schedules and daily operating plans.
• Utilize quantitative and qualitative data, including feedback from students, volunteers, collaborators, and staff, to identify any gaps in performance and impact and develop and implement initiatives to assure improvement.

Administration

• In collaboration with the Officer Manager, manage tuition, invoicing, and parent outreach.
• Manage AOL program expenses, including payment for facilitators, presenters, and location providers.
• Prepare and submit an annual AOL program budget, manage effectively within this budget, and report accurately on progress made and challenges encountered.
• Adhere to fiscal management practices that operate within the approved budget, control operating expenses, ensure maximum resource utilization and help to ensure the organization remains in a positive financial position.

Build and Maintain the AOL Network

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to implement fundraising and marketing strategies that capitalize on the network of AOL alumni and families.