Minds Matter Colorado - Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ABOUT MINDS MATTER COLORADO

Since 2004, Minds Matter Colorado (MMCO) has connected driven and determined students from low-income backgrounds with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Our three-year program, beginning in the tenth grade, provides wrap-around services, including mentoring with dedicated volunteers, one-on-one college and career coaching, weekly college readiness, career exploration, and life skills curriculum, enrollment in pre-collegiate summer programs at top-tier postsecondary institutions, guaranteed acceptance into college through strategic higher education partnerships, and scholarship support.

For 20 years, 100% of MMCO seniors have gained admission to a 4-year college or university with scholarships to pay for it. Bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, MMCO empowers high-achieving high school students from low-income households to thrive at the college of their choice, graduate with purpose, and launch fulfilling careers that enable upward economic mobility.

POSITION OVERVIEW ( SEE CANDIDATE PROFILE) 

The Executive Director (ED) will spearhead a vibrant $1.1 million organization known for its successful college and career advancement model. Building on two decades of accomplishments, the ED will partner with the Board of Directors and various stakeholders (including educational partners, community leaders, etc.) to define the future direction of Minds Matter Colorado and amplify its impact on students and the community. Reporting to the MMCO Board, the ED will actively engage with local stakeholders, collaborate with other Minds Matter chapters, and work alongside the National team to enhance the program's effectiveness throughout Colorado. Overseeing a team of four dedicated staff members and 160+ committed volunteers and mentors, the ED will provide strategic and operational leadership alongside the Board of Directors. As an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, the ED will personify the organization's values by prioritizing maintaining the organization’s health, securing sustainable funding, and driving program growth. Strong communication skills and the ability to network effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential to succeed in this role.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 Organizational Strategy & Execution

• Demonstrate a powerful belief in and passion for Minds Matter Colorado’s mission.
• Execute Minds Matter Colorado’s existing strategic plan to guide the organization’s work for the following 3-5 years and monitor progress toward goals.
• Lead an organization dedicated to helping students expand their aspirations and achieve college success, firmly believing in the transformative power of higher education.
• Manage human resources and financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, benefits administration, and employee relations.
• Assess operational requirements and collaborate with the Board to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Work closely with other Minds Matter chapters and align to directives from Minds Matter National to collaborate on long-term organizational priorities and strategy.

Team Leadership and Management

• Oversee Minds Matter Colorado’s efforts to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and student voice in all decision-making, organizational practices, and culture.
• Foster a transparent and compassionate culture that emphasizes both high support and high accountability to achieve ambitious goals, encouraging staff to bring their whole selves to work and engage in productive, open discussions.
• Design a scalable staffing structure and hire for new positions as the organization grows.

Fundraising and Board Leadership

• Cultivate, steward, and develop new and existing relationships with community partners and funders to reach organizational growth and sustainability goals.
• Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial support from various sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build Board engagement with strategic direction for effective operations, impactful programming, resource development, and community partnerships.
• Work closely with the Board to recruit, develop, support, and retain highly engaged Board members who are to bring adequate resources to the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Progressive senior-level leadership experience leading, managing, and growing a performance and outcomes-based department, organization, or enterprise, preferably within the educational, nonprofit, or philanthropic sectors.
• Exceptional oral and written communication and public engagement skills, including adapting style and approach to diverse constituencies and needs.
• Thrives in a lean, fast-paced, highly collaborative, and entrepreneurial environment; has the integrity, wisdom, persistence, and humor necessary to address the practicalities of a dynamic organization.
• Self-motivated problem solver with maturity and tact to collaborate effectively with colleagues, Board Members, external partners, and team members.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Dedicated to active and ongoing learning, understanding one’s identity, power, and privilege, and acknowledging the intersectional identities of students, staff, volunteers, and the Board.
• Employs strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills to overcome challenges by developing equity-based and creative solutions.
• A proven track record and passion for fundraising with a commitment to maintaining current funders, a zest for cultivating new donors, an ability to generate new revenue streams, and a history of taking organizations to the next level of sustained philanthropic support.
• Preferred
  • Experience working with driven and determined students from low-income families.
  • Experience in education, training, curriculum, programming, or a related area, preferably in the college and career success field.
  • Experience managing budgets and forecasting financial performance.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Executive Director role offers a competitive base salary of $138,000 accompanied by an excellent benefits package. This includes a flexible work schedule with unlimited PTO, comprehensive healthcare insurance, and a monthly contribution to a retirement plan with up to 4% matching. This position is based in the Denver Metro Area and follows a hybrid work model, allowing for work-from-home flexibility for someone based in the Denver Metro area.

Minds Matter Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.

Envision Consulting was retained by Minds Matter Colorado to search for their incoming Executive Director.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.