Worcester Interfaith Seeks New Executive Director

Executive Director

Worcester Interfaith

POSITION OVERVIEW

Worcester Interfaith (WI) is a dynamic, engaged, justice-seeking organization well-positioned to step into a new future. Over the past 3 years, WI has pursued equity in Worcester’s public education system, elections, voting redistricting, housing, policing, and COVID-19 response. Following a robust strategic planning process (2017), WI has strengthened its position as an authentically faith-rooted, faith-driven, community-connected, multi-racial, and racially just entity committed to building grassroots power compelling community change. Now we are seeking a new Executive Director to guide WI into a new season of growth and action.

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW 

Founded in 1993, WI is a multi-issue, multi-racial, broad based community organization, comprising over 30 dues-paying institutions that reflect the religious, racial, ethnic, and geographic diversity of the city. WI has built bridges between congregational and community leaders across religious, socio-economic, racial, and ethnic boundaries to strengthen and enhance equity in the areas of employment, neighborhood improvement, public safety, education, voting, and youth development drawing attention to the disproportionate ways in which these issues affect people of color, low-income, minority and newcomer residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for the organization’s vision, growth, staffing, funding, and campaign development in execution of its mission. 

• Sustain and deepen an organizational culture based on strong relationships and a deep moral vision that translates into public and community power.
• Develop knowledge of key issues, challenges, history, and political environment of Worcester and Worcester County, developing a power structure analysis of  political, economic, and religious structures.
• Ensure strong and effective communication of WI’s mission and work across social media platforms
• Demonstrate accountability to the Board of Directors in achieving missional goals while working within established board policy
• Identify, develop, and work with congregations and other groups to act as organizers: building teams, understanding the story of their people, developing tools for analysis, strategy, and voter education/engagement in mobilizing each community.
• Build respectful, mutual partnerships with clergy and denominational leaders from all faith traditions, and leaders with mission compatible community-based groups. 
• Increase outreach to and engagement with diverse congregations and congregations of color. 
• Facilitate participation of members in statewide initiatives.
• Facilitate city-wide coalitions, building power with each member and steering entities forward.
• Collaborate with affiliates of our statewide network; Massachusetts Communities Action Network (MCAN), Faith in Action (national partner).
• Manage and oversee the organization’s finances and lead fund development efforts
• Act as Chief of Staff with primary responsibility for hiring, supervision, mentoring, developing a healthy staff culture with open, honest communication.
• Foster a culture of shared planning, training, and accountability with the board, conduct an annual evaluation to identify strengths and areas for growth.
• Pursue one’s own leadership development and spiritual formation, taking advantage of opportunities provided by MCAN and Faith in Action. 
•  Work independently.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• 5 years community organizing experience 
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Supervisory and/or mentorship experience
• Experience and expertise leading coalitions, groups and/or teams
• Proficiency in a non-English language predominantly spoken in Worcester, preferably Spanish
• Cultural competence in one or more of Worcester’s immigrant communities and communities of color while exhibiting cultural sensitivity across all communities
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including writing press releases, grants, public speaking, and listening 
• Knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Spanish language proficiency
• Management experience in nonprofit, public policy, or social service environment 
• 3 years of operations experience, including administrative and financial management
• Knowledge of the history, politics, and culture of Worcester 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Maintain a deep appreciation for the role of faith in society, awareness and knowledge of different faith traditions
• Demonstrate commitment to social justice and the mission of WI
• Demonstrate a high level of comfort working in a multi-racial, multi-faith environment.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, strength of character, personal integrity, broad mindedness, positive attitude, and sense of humor
• Demonstrate high degree of professionalism, excellent time-management, and ability to move multiple projects forward simultaneously
• Proven success implementing major projects from start to finish

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time salaried position with benefits. Salary range $75,000 to $90,000; final salary will be based on experience and qualifications. The job includes regular evening hours and some weekend work. WI offers a flexible work schedule. 

TO APPLY

Please submit the following documents to employment@worcester-interfaith.org

1. An electronic file of your resume (preferably in PDF format).
2. Contact information for three people who can speak of your organizing work.
3. A letter stating what makes you the ideal candidate for this position and why you want to lead WI. Please limit this to one page. 
4. An example of your organizing work, highlighting your communications skills.

Applications will be received until the position is filled.

Worcester Interfaith provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Worcester Interfaith complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Worcester Interfaith is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, national origin, disability or handicap, or veteran status.