Executive Director At Forward Through Ferguson

About This Organization
After the killing of Michael Brown, Jr. on Aug. 9, 2014, “Ferguson” became shorthand for racial strife and systemic racism in the United States. The Ferguson Commission, charged by Missouri Governor Jay Nixon to conduct a “thorough, wide-ranging and unflinching study of the social and economic conditions that impede progress, equality and safety in the St. Louis region,” delivered a report that asserted that the St. Louis region suffered from extreme racial inequity; that this inequity was at the root of many of the region’s troubles, including conflict between citizens and law enforcement; and called for change. The report, titled Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity, outlined 189 policy recommendations to address these disparities. In its final act, the Commission created Forward Through Ferguson to carry on its work.
Forward Through Ferguson (FTF) is a non-profit organization that is charting a path toward Racial Equity to ensure St. Louis has a more equitable future. At FTF, we work as a catalyst, connecting and challenging stakeholders across the region to shift policy and transform systems in alignment to the spirit of the Ferguson Commission report. We help organizations and institutions build the capacity they need to dismantle systemic racism. We serve people of color, who most experience inequity, through a systems approach that will strengthen the region for us all.
Our core principles:

• We are committed to Radical Collaboration
• We are committed to Radical Listening
• We are committed to Policy & Systems Change
• We will apply (and model) a Racial Equity Lens

About This Role
As the Executive Director of Forward Through Ferguson (FTF), you will lead the organization to its next phase of impact, moving from a growth phase to organizational sustainability. Your work will include strengthening internal infrastructure, cultivating strong regional and national partnerships, and advancing racial equity and strengthening policy momentum in the region. As the Executive Director, you will manage a growing staff team of 8. You will report to the Board Co-Chairs and be supported by a robust and growing Board of Directors who play active and hands-on roles in the organization’s development and growth.
What you are responsible for:
Center and Advance Racial Equity

• Earn the trust of and support the communities most impacted by disparities, seeking opportunities to center and amplify their voice, leadership, and influence.
• Ensure continued focus and attention on the Ferguson Commission Report, its Calls to Action, and FTF’s Action Strategies among local and state influencers.
• Foster radical collaboration between FTF and other organizations.
• Be a champion for FTF and Racial Equity thought leader in the St. Louis region and national networks.
• Strengthen FTF community governance structures and Action Strategies.
• Serve as a resource and trusted collaborator for government leaders, peer organizations, and the media around racial equity and codify a transparent organizational partnership structure for FTF.

Build Organizational Sustainability

• Support the development and sustainability of an endowment for the Racial Equity Fund (REF) seeking to raise approximately $10-15 million over the next 3-5 years
• Manage the current operating budget of $1.5M and drive the strategic relationships to achieve $1.5-2M annually, with support of the Resource Development team.
• Scale community-led granting process with a group of community and philanthropic stakeholder to continue REF granting resources to community partners to advance regional Racial Equity work.
• Grow and diversify a sustainable funding base that will include gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Lead big-picture fundraising and campaign efforts and engage and cultivate key stakeholders.
• Oversee resource development team to drive community-driven development, individual donors and earned revenue.

Advance Strategic and Policy Goals of the Organization

• Oversee development of key reports highlighting the Calls to Action - providing an analysis of challenges and success in implementation.
• In collaboration with the FTF Board of Directors, lead the completion and implementation of FTF’s strategic plan.
• Lead and support continued growth of FTF’s dynamic policy work, laying groundwork for key policy campaigns in alignment with Ferguson Report Calls to Action and FTF strategic goals.
• Communicate openly and regularly with the FTF Board of Directors and provide meaningful and relevant information about the effectiveness of FTF activities.

Cultivate Strong Organizational Culture and Dynamic, High-Performing Team

• Attract, hire, and develop a diverse and talented team, including senior leaders as the organization and team continue to grow.
• Ensure strong systems and policies exist to enable a safe, inclusive workplace where resources are used effectively and people thrive.
• Manage a high-performing team to reach ambitious goals that lead to advancement of our Action Strategies and align with our Principles and Values

Requirements
Who You Are
The strongest candidates for this role will be:
An Authentic Community Builder.

• You are an inspiring communicator and connector that develops networks and builds alliances.
• You are a radical listener with an openness to people and a commitment to hear what others are saying

A Systems Change Agent.

• You help people develop a shared understanding of complex problems to enable FTF and collaborating organizations to jointly develop solutions.
• You know how to identify and navigate internal and external politics and systems of power that impact the work and success of the organization.

A Developer of Organizational Sustainability.

• You develop and implement effective fundraising systems and strategies.
• You build, manage and retain a dynamic team based on organizational goals, budget, and staffing needs with a commitment to sustainability.
• You develop the capacity of others to realize their full potential

Self-Aware and Continuously Exploring Your Role in Dismantling Racism.

• You have a strong awareness and understanding of your racial identity and other social identities, cultural influences and how they impact the work.
• You apply a Racial Equity lens to all decisions and challenge others to be anti-racist leaders
• You evolve your and FTF’s accountability to racially oppressed communities.

A Creative Problem-Solver and Visionary.

• You position the organization for future success by identifying new opportunities.
• You proactively anticipate future consequences and strategically pivot as needed
• You develop and encourage new insights for organizational change.

Benefits
Location: (On-Site) St. Louis, Missouri
Salary: $130,000 - $135,000
Benefits: Include but not limited to: Flexible work schedules and collaborative workspaces, Employer paid health, dental, and vision insurance, Generous paid time off policy, Paid parental leave , 401k with employer match, Employee professional development budget, PSLF qualifying employer
Not sure if you should apply?
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all of the qualifications listed here. We value people of all races, genders (including gender identity or expression), sexual orientations, disabilities, citizenships, ages, religions, and national origins and who have different marital statuses, family caregiving responsibilities, lived experiences with the criminal justice systems, and genetic information.
Commitment to Diversity and Equal Opportunity Employment Policy
Forward Through Ferguson encourages individuals of all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic backgrounds to apply for this position. We are committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, as we want to engage all those who can contribute to this effort. Forward Through Ferguson is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. This job description reflects Forward Through Ferguson’s assignment of essential functions and qualifications of the role. Nothing in this herein restricts management’s right to assign, reassign, or eliminate duties and responsibilities to this role at any time.