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<blockquote type=cite class=cite cite=""><br>
The following comes from Ryan Strunk, Secretary of BLIND, Inc.<br><br>
Fellow Federationists,<br><br>
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.<br><br>
Please read below for a description of the position.<br><br>
If you are interested in applying, you can contact President Carla
McQuillan at
<a href="mailto:boardchair@blindinc.org">boardchair@blindinc.org</a>.<br>
<br>
Warmly,<br><br>
Ryan Strunk, Secretary<br>
Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, Inc.<br>
<hr>
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.<br><br>
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.<br><br>
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.<br><br>
<h2><b>Primary Duties and Responsibilities:</b></h2><br><br>
<br>
<h3><b>Program Creation:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Work with the board of directors to create a new strategic plan and
mission statement for the organization
<li>Identify key differentiators for the program
<li>Identify the most impactful starting services while remaining budget
conscious
<li>Create a position list of needed staff to execute the vision
<li>Determine whether the program will begin offering remote and
traveling services, or if local training resources are desired
</ol><br>
a. If local services are preferred, identify the location in Minnesota
where the organization will conduct business<br><br>
<h3><b>Human Resources:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Collaborate with HR to Identify priority hires and recruit
foundational staff
<li>Motivate and create a collaborative team environment
<li>Oversee a leadership team that sets clear expectations and creates
accountability through KPI metrics
<li>Work with HR expertise to ensure that sound practices are followed
and compliance is achieved and maintained
<li>Develop an effective and inspiring management team, with delegation
of responsibilities, effective feedback systems, and succession planning
<li>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
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Program administration and development:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Identify service priorities and execute the strategic plan to begin
offering the highest quality training services to clients
<li>Cultivate a strong transparent working relationship with the Board of
Directors
<li>Supervise recruitment of students from Minnesota, other states, and
internationally.
<li>Serve as one of the primary liaisons with rehabilitation counselors,
state agencies and other referral sources.
<li>Develop and enforce organizational policies.
<li>Collaborate with leadership to manage student review, staffing, and
progress report processes.
<li>Work with staff to negotiate, approve, and implement contracts with
state agencies.
<li>Maintain working knowledge of laws and regulations governing
nonprofits.
<li>Ensure the annual report for Blind Inc is completed on time
<li>Supervise program development, including course curricula.
<li>Maintain student confidentiality within the law.
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Fund Raising:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Fundraising Strategy and Execution: Develop and implement a
comprehensive fundraising strategy, leveraging diverse sources such as
individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government agencies
<li>Resource and Donor Management: Identify and manage external
fundraising resources, build strong donor relationships, and ensure
effective communication and engagement
<li>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
<li>Financial Oversight and Budget Management: Collaborate with the
finance team to develop and manage the fundraising budget, ensuring
alignment with overall financial goals
<li>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
<li>Marketing and Performance Reporting: Oversee marketing and
communication strategies to enhance visibility, and monitor fundraising
effectiveness, providing regular progress reports to stakeholders
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Communications:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>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
<li>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
<li>Keep the board fully informed on the condition of the organization
and all important factors influencing it
<li>Establish a collaborative working relationship with the leadership of
Blind Inc’s sister training centers in Colorado and Louisiana
<li>Build and maintain relationships with BLIND, Inc. alumni and support
networks
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Budget and Finance:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Identify appropriate financial expertise resources that fit the
organization, either as an internal staff leader or a consultant
<li>Work alongside Finance expertise to develop and manage an annual
budget that meets the needs of the organization
<li>Collaborate with Financial resources to develop and maintain sound
fiscal practices, ensuring fiscal controls are in place
<li>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
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Minimum Qualifications:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Possession of a four-year college degree or equivalent experience in
providing vocational rehabilitation services, organizational leadership
or startup development
<li>Management, supervisory, or leadership experience
<li>Seven years of professional experience in any field
<li>Ability to work effectively and collaborate with diverse groups of
people.
<li>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
<li>Outstanding oral and written presentation and communication skills,
with the ability to be an outgoing spokesperson, relationship builder,
and fundraiser
<li>Proven track record of building programs from the ground up resulting
in successful organizations
<li>Reputation of achieving goals on time and on budget
<li>Willing to travel for relationship development, recruiting, and
professional development
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Preferred Qualifications:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Experience working with blind people and ability to be an effective
role model for them
<li>Nonprofit, startup, or other Leadership experience in rapidly growing
organizations
<li>Expert fund raiser with great networking ability
<li>Demonstrated proficiency in the use of nonvisual techniques.
</ol><br>
<h3><b>Position Benefits:</b></h3><br><br>
<ol>
<li>Medical benefits
<li>Competitive compensation
<li>Employer-contributed retirement program
<li>Paid holiday leave totaling 19 days annually on average
<li>Accrued additional paid leave based on hours worked
</ol><br>
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.<br><br>
Interested applicants should submit a resume and a 1-page writing sample
describing what makes the candidate unique for this position to
<a href="mailto:careers@blindinc.org">careers@blindinc.org</a>. Please be
sure to include all materials as incomplete applications will not be
considered.<br><br>
Contact
<a href="mailto:boardchair@blindinc.org">boardchair@blindinc.org</a> with
any questions regarding this position.<br><br>
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
<a href="mailto:boardchair@blindinc.org">boardchair@blindinc.org</a>
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