Executive Director Job Description
The National Organization of State Associations for Children (NOSAC) represents the nation’s largest network of community-based organizations serving children and families in the child welfare system. NOSAC is hiring its first Executive Director to support essential operations and guide the organization into a new phase of influence and impact. With input and strategic direction from the Executive Committee and members of NOSAC, the Executive Director is responsible for leading efforts to advance public policies that improve outcomes for children and families and to strengthen the network of community-based child welfare organizations that serve them by leveraging the collective voice of NOSAC associations and their members. The Executive Director will also support the growth and professional development of NOSAC member associations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Direction
- Contribute to the strategic leadership and direction for NOSAC, serving as a thought leader in understanding the concerns and trends of the industry and positioning NOSAC within those trends
- Provide information and recommendations to the NOSAC member associations about opportunities for the future growth and impact of NOSAC
- Support NOSAC efforts to re-establish itself as a legal entity distinct from the fiscal agent
Public Policy
- Oversee the development of an annual public policy agenda in conjunction with the NOSAC Public Policy Committee, including an annual review of the NOSAC Guiding Principles
- Organize NOSAC member advocacy/lobbying activities related to the top policy priorities of the Public Policy Committee, including mobilization of NOSAC member associations and their member organizations as needed in support of the NOSAC Public Policy Agenda
- Present the Public Policy Agenda to and serve as our representative in Washington, D.C., with policy makers and stakeholder groups
- Cultivate relationships with relevant national policy and stakeholder groups including but not limited to: Association of Children’s Residential and Community Services, Casey Family Programs, Child Welfare League of America, Children’s Defense Fund, National Association for Behavioral Healthcare, National Association for Children’s Behavioral Health, National Network for Youth, and Social Current, among others
- Organize occasional days of in-person meetings for NOSAC member associations in Washington, D.C.
- Explore, as revenue permits, hiring a contract lobbyist to support advocacy efforts with Congress and the Executive Branch of the federal government
Professional Development
- Support NOSAC as a source of information and best practices for its member associations, including developing, collecting, and disseminating best practices in association management and advocacy strategies
- In conjunction with the Professional Development Committee, plan educational programs and speakers for NOSAC virtual and in-person meetings
- Serve as a resource for NOSAC member associations as needed
- Deliver customer service and problem solving for NOSAC member associations as needed
- Oversee the administration, analysis, and distribution of the annual NOSAC salary survey
Essential Operations
- Provide administrative and logistics support for NOSAC committees, including the Public Policy Committee, the Professional Development Committee, and the Executive Committee, as well as any other ad hoc committees established by the NOSAC Executive Committee.
- Pursue relevant corporate sponsorships or memberships to support the activities and operations of NOSAC and to offer opportunities to NOSAC member associations that support their missions and members
- Supervise the Operations Assistant at the fiscal agent for the purposes of NOSAC business, including coordinating logistics of all official NOSAC meetings: Executive Committee, virtual all-member meetings, and the semi-annual in-person meetings, in conjunction with the Operations Assistant at the Michigan Federation
- Collaborate with NOSAC Treasurer and Operations Assistant at the fiscal agent to manage and report on NOSAC finances
- Pursue other revenue opportunities as appropriate, such as grants and strategic partnerships, to support the mission and goals of NOSAC
- Assist the Treasurer with the development of an annual budget for approval by the NOSAC member associations
Qualifications
- 7-10 years of experience in the field of child welfare or youth services with increasing levels of responsibility preferred
- Experience in lobbying and advocacy and/or working in public administration of human service programs preferred; knowledge of the legislative process required
- Master’s degree in social work, public policy, human services, public administration, or related field preferred
- Strong leadership and organizational skills
- Excellent speaking, writing, and editing skills
- Experience leading a team of professionals and ability to manage a coalition
- Commitment to the mission, vision, values, and beliefs of the organization
- Proficiency in Word and common communications and management tools such as Zoom, Mail Chimp, Slack, etc.
- Self-motivated with an ability to work independently required
Location and Schedule
This position is primarily a remote work position, although the Executive Director will be expected to travel to Washington, D.C., and to semi-annual NOSAC meetings several times a year. The position offers a flexible working schedule, recognizing that the NOSAC Executive Director will be responding to member associations across several time zones.
Compensation
Salary range between $110,000 – $120,000, with competitive benefits
Reporting Structure
The NOSAC Executive Director will report to the Executive Committee, which will make all hiring, termination, and compensation decisions, as well as conducting the Executive Director’s annual performance evaluation. The Michigan Federation for Children and Families serves as the fiscal agent for NOSAC.
Target Start Date
August 1, 2023
Application requirements
A resume, cover letter, and three references are required.