RPC Social Impact Center Executive Director - Positively Partners

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

WHO WE ARE

The Roxbury Presbyterian Church Social Impact Center (SIC) was founded in 2000 with a mission to create and implement educational and economic development programs to strengthen the Roxbury community. Since 2014, SIC has focused on addressing the impact of trauma on the community, working to create safe, nurturing environments for holistic healing and therapeutic hope, empowering individuals, families, and communities to thrive. As the 501c3 partner to Roxbury Presbyterian Church, our community-led programs are committed to being welcoming to all.

At the core of our work lies the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing, a clinically-supported, peer-led approach to address post-traumatic healing in urban neighborhoods. Named after a promising young church member tragically lost to a random shooting in 2010, this spiritually-inspired initiative has been a beacon of hope since 2014.

"Can We Talk…™, Community Sharing on Trauma and Healing," was the first initiative of the Cory Johnson Program and remains its foundational offering. This program provides a safe space for people to share their stories of trauma, loss, grief, and hope. During each “Can We Talk…™ (CWT), artists-in-residence share creative offerings of poetry and music, and a counselor and Community Companions are available to offer support. CWT is a place for sharing, listening, witnessing, and accompanying, where participants experience and foster individual and community healing.

In addition to CWT, the Cory Johnson Program offers other trauma support programming, including the Support Group for Mothers who have lost children; the Men’s Trauma Recovery Support Group; the youth program, The Exchange, and Reimagining Our Stories, in which participants gather to share their stories through art & writing.

The Cory Johnson Program has grown tremendously since it launched in 2014. “Can We Talk…™ has been replicated in settings around Boston and in other states. In 2022, SIC was recognized by the Cummings Foundation Grantee and in that same year, the Liz Walker Legacy Campaign raised over $3 million to support nationwide replication of “Can We Talk…™

SIC has an annual budget of $2 million dollars and 18 full and part-time employees. Visit here to learn more about us.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Since 2012, SIC has been led by the esteemed Rev. Liz Walker. As of 2024, Reverend Walker moves into the newly established role of Founding Director of the Cory Johnson Program and “Can We Talk…,™” and will focus her efforts on seeding “Can We Talk…,™” replication sites on a national level and publishing a book about the program’s history and impact.

As the SIC embarks on its next chapter, we seek a dynamic and compassionate Executive Director to shepherd our journey.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be a dedicated, engaging staff manager and organization builder. They will be responsible for the overall strategic and operational leadership of the organization and will directly manage the Leadership Team including the Director of Replication and Trauma Informed Services, Director of Operations, Director of the Cory Johnson Program, and the Director of Community Healing Services.

You will be successful in this role if you are a heart-centered and results-driven leader looking to guide an organization through complex change and growth.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As Executive Director, you will be responsible for the following threads of work:

Organizational Strategy and Execution

• Develop and execute RPC SIC’s strategic priorities and monitor progress toward goals

• Evaluate operational needs and work with the Board and staff to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness

• Support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build Board involvement with strategic direction for both ongoing operations as well as for broader expansion

• Support and foster a culture that embraces teamwork, transparency, communication and mentorship for staff

Fundraising and Partnership Development

In collaboration with Rev. Liz Walker:

• Enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to cultivate and expand fundraising skills under the guidance and mentorship of Rev. Walker

• Cultivate and steward key relationships with community partners and funders to reach organizational growth and sustainability goals

• Provide funders and partners with data, reports, and information to feel confident that contributions are being deployed in a cost-effective and results-driven manner

Systems Development and Implementation

In collaboration with the Director of Operations:

• Conduct assessments of current organizational processes, structures, and systems and identify areas for improvement and efficiency gains

• Provide training and resources to support staff through change management

People Management

• Create a positive and empathetic culture that supports a healthy and supportive team

• Implement performance management systems to assess and recognize employee contributions

• Provide regular feedback and coaching to support professional development and career growth

QUALIFICATIONS

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

• Progressive senior-level leadership experience with a track record of successfully leading and managing an initiative or organization

• A management style that combines respectful collaboration with disciplined productivity; the respect and team orientation to effectively support staff and the continued growth and direction of the organization

• Self-motivated and inspirational problem solver with maturity and tact to collaborate effectively with colleagues, Board Members, external partners and team members

• Excellent strategic, analytical, and problem solving skills with the ability to overcome challenges through the development of thoughtful and creative solutions

• Exceptional oral and written communication, networking and public engagement skills

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND LOCATION

The salary for this position will be in the range of $125,000 - $150,000 annually. This role is based at SIC’s office in Roxbury. Staff currently work a hybrid schedule and are onsite Tuesday and Thursdays.

RPC Social Impact Center offers a benefits package to all full-time employees as of their first day of employment, including:

• Three weeks of vacation, plus two paid weeks off (1) the last week in August and (2) the week between Christmas and New Years

• 80 hours sick time/year

• $800 stipend for medical expenses/month

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are encouraged to promptly submit their application through our online portal. All applicants will receive a response to their application within two weeks of submission. Please email mcoleman@positivelypartners.org with questions or for support submitting your application.

TIMELINE AND HIRING PROCESS

We will review and respond to all applications received. While subject to change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect two interviews with Positively Partners, an interview with members of the Search Committee (representatives of the Board and staff) and for finalists, an interview day with Board members and staff, including a robust and holistic reference check process. Expected start date is summer 2024.

RPC SIC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the best qualified personnel in a manner that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, veteran/reserve and any other status or characteristic protected by law.

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