[MN-at-Large] BLIND, Inc. is Hiring an Interim Executive Director

[David Andrews]

>
>The following comes from Ryan Strunk, Secretary of BLIND, Inc.
>
>Fellow Federationists,
>
>As we continue to build the structure of BLIND, 
>Inc. in preparation for restarting the program, 
>we are looking to hire an interim executive 
>director to help with long-term planning and day-to-day operations.
>
>Please read below for a description of the position.
>
>If you are interested in applying, you can 
>contact President Carla McQuillan at 
><mailto:boardchair at blindinc.org>boardchair at blindinc.org.
>
>Warmly,
>
>Ryan Strunk, Secretary
>Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, Inc.
>
>----------
>For 30 years, Blindness: Learning In New 
>Dimensions (BLIND, Inc.) has provided small 
>group instruction in the alternative techniques 
>of blindness. Our programs are based on a 
>positive attitude toward blindness and a belief 
>in the normality and competency of blind people. 
>We know that with proper training and 
>opportunity, blind people can live full, happy, 
>and successful lives. We work hard to create an 
>environment that promotes active learning and 
>collegiality where students can empower 
>themselves and pursue their dreams. We are one 
>of three training centers rooted in the 
>philosophy of the National Federation of the Blind.
>
>In December of 2023, the decision was made by 
>the board of directors to temporarily pause 
>services at BLIND Inc and re-envision the future 
>of the organization. We are seeking a motivated 
>candidate who thrives on building programs from 
>the ground up. The board of directors has an 
>outline of the vision of this organization but 
>it will be the responsibility of the Executive 
>Director to create the foundation of this new 
>training center along with defining it’s key differentiators.
>
>In the past the Executive Director would manage 
>an annual budget near $2 million and around 15 
>full-time and part time employees, along with 
>volunteers. We are looking for someone who is 
>driven by a challenge and excited to create a 
>supportive and resourceful staff around them. 
>This individual should be excited by the 
>opportunity to motivate people and able to 
>define and tell the story of BLIND Inc to a wide 
>range of audiences, from donors to perspective 
>students and everything in between. Initially 
>the Executive Director will be tasked to 
>identify and build a small, agile team to 
>provide targeted training both locally in 
>Minnesota, by traveling to the client’s 
>destination, or via remote learning platforms.
>
>
>Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
>
>
>
>
>
>Program Creation:
>
>
>
>    * Work with the board of directors to create 
> a new strategic plan and mission statement for the organization
>    * Identify key differentiators for the program
>    * Identify the most impactful starting 
> services while remaining budget conscious
>    * Create a position list of needed staff to execute the vision
>    * Determine whether the program will begin 
> offering remote and traveling services, or if 
> local training resources are desired
>
>a. If local services are preferred, identify the 
>location in Minnesota where the organization will conduct business
>
>
>Human Resources:
>
>
>
>    * Collaborate with HR to Identify priority 
> hires and recruit foundational staff
>    * Motivate and create a collaborative team environment
>    * Oversee a leadership team that sets clear 
> expectations and creates accountability through KPI metrics
>    * Work with HR expertise to ensure that 
> sound practices are followed and compliance is achieved and maintained
>    * Develop an effective and inspiring 
> management team, with delegation of 
> responsibilities, effective feedback systems, and succession planning
>    * Work with HR to create and maintain an 
> effective staff training and development system 
> which attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse complement of quality people
>
>
>Program administration and development:
>
>
>
>    * Identify service priorities and execute 
> the strategic plan to begin offering the 
> highest quality training services to clients
>    * Cultivate a strong transparent working 
> relationship with the Board of Directors
>    * Supervise recruitment of students from 
> Minnesota, other states, and internationally.
>    * Serve as one of the primary liaisons with 
> rehabilitation counselors, state agencies and other referral sources.
>    * Develop and enforce organizational policies.
>    * Collaborate with leadership to manage 
> student review, staffing, and progress report processes.
>    * Work with staff to negotiate, approve, and 
> implement contracts with state agencies.
>    * Maintain working knowledge of laws and 
> regulations governing nonprofits.
>    * Ensure the annual report for Blind Inc is completed on time
>    * Supervise program development, including course curricula.
>    * Maintain student confidentiality within the law.
>
>
>Fund Raising:
>
>
>
>    * Fundraising Strategy and Execution: 
> Develop and implement a comprehensive 
> fundraising strategy, leveraging diverse 
> sources such as individual donors, foundations, 
> corporations, and government agencies
>    * Resource and Donor Management: Identify 
> and manage external fundraising resources, 
> build strong donor relationships, and ensure 
> effective communication and engagement
>    * Grant Writing and Event Coordination: 
> Oversee grant proposals, compliance, and 
> reporting. Work with internal and external 
> resources to coordinate fundraising events to 
> maximize donor engagement and donations
>    * Financial Oversight and Budget Management: 
> Collaborate with the finance team to develop 
> and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring 
> alignment with overall financial goals
>    * Board and Partnership Engagement: Work 
> with the Board of Directors and establish 
> partnerships with local and national 
> organizations to support fundraising initiatives and strategic planning
>    * Marketing and Performance Reporting: 
> Oversee marketing and communication strategies 
> to enhance visibility, and monitor fundraising 
> effectiveness, providing regular progress reports to stakeholders
>
>
>Communications:
>
>
>
>    * Hire or consult with the best marketing 
> resources for the organization, to ensure Blind 
> Inc’s programs, activities, and goals are 
> publicized through applicable media
>    * Serve as one of the key advocates on staff 
> to represent the programs and point of view of 
> BLIND, Inc. to state agencies, organizations, 
> government bodies, donors and the general public
>    * Keep the board fully informed on the 
> condition of the organization and all important factors influencing it
>    * Establish a collaborative working 
> relationship with the leadership of Blind 
> Inc’s sister training centers in Colorado and Louisiana
>    * Build and maintain relationships with 
> BLIND, Inc. alumni and support networks
>
>
>Budget and Finance:
>
>
>
>    * Identify appropriate financial expertise 
> resources that fit the organization, either as 
> an internal staff leader or a consultant
>    * Work alongside Finance expertise to 
> develop and manage an annual budget that meets the needs of the organization
>    * Collaborate with Financial resources to 
> develop and maintain sound fiscal practices, 
> ensuring fiscal controls are in place
>    * Set financial revenue / expense priorities 
> and policies accurately to ensure the 
> organization is operating in a manner that 
> supports the needs of the program and staff
>
>
>Minimum Qualifications:
>
>
>
>    * Possession of a four-year college degree 
> or equivalent experience in providing 
> vocational rehabilitation services, 
> organizational leadership or startup development
>    * Management, supervisory, or leadership experience
>    * Seven years of professional experience in any field
>    * Ability to work effectively and 
> collaborate with diverse groups of people.
>    * Excellence in organizational management 
> skills with the ability to coach and motivate 
> staff, develop and manage a high-performing 
> team, and set and achieve strategic objectives
>    * Outstanding oral and written presentation 
> and communication skills, with the ability to 
> be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder, and fundraiser
>    * Proven track record of building programs 
> from the ground up resulting in successful organizations
>    * Reputation of achieving goals on time and on budget
>    * Willing to travel for relationship 
> development, recruiting, and professional development
>
>
>Preferred Qualifications:
>
>
>
>    * Experience working with blind people and 
> ability to be an effective role model for them
>    * Nonprofit, startup, or other Leadership 
> experience in rapidly growing organizations
>    * Expert fund raiser with great networking ability
>    * Demonstrated proficiency in the use of nonvisual techniques.
>
>
>Position Benefits:
>
>
>
>    * Medical benefits
>    * Competitive compensation
>    * Employer-contributed retirement program
>    * Paid holiday leave totaling 19 days annually on average
>    * Accrued additional paid leave based on hours worked
>
>All employees of BLIND, Inc. are required to 
>undergo staff training in order to ensure that 
>they are fully competent and understand the 
>experiences of students in training and build a 
>solid foundation in the beliefs of blind people. 
>This training requires use of learning shades 
>and travel with the long white cane.
>
>Interested applicants should submit a resume and 
>a 1-page writing sample describing what makes 
>the candidate unique for this position to 
><mailto:careers at blindinc.org>careers at blindinc.org. 
>Please be sure to include all materials as 
>incomplete applications will not be considered.
>
>Contact 
><mailto:boardchair at blindinc.org>boardchair at blindinc.org 
>with any questions regarding this position.
>
>Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions (BLIND) 
>Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. 
>Accordingly, all terms and conditions of 
>employment will be carried out without regard to 
>race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual 
>orientation, nationality, marital status, age, 
>or disability. For more detailed information 
>about our commitment to equal opportunity in 
>employment, or if you need accommodations during 
>the hiring process, please email a request to 
><mailto:boardchair at blindinc.org>boardchair at blindinc.org.
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