Title:              Executive Director

Reports to:   Code Savvy Board of Directors

Status:          Employee (Full-Time), Twin Cities, MN

Company Profile:

Code Savvy is dedicated to ensuring the next generation of computer science professionals is representative of the billions of users of tomorrow’s innovative technologies. We’re on a mission to empower all youth and educators with the knowledge, skills and support to create with technology, all while working to interrupt and counteract the existing gender, racial, and socioeconomic gaps in computing. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for hands-on, equitable computer science learning experiences that inspire all learners to transform the future for good. Our programs include the Byte-Sized Challenge teaching students to create a solution to a community need using the micro:bit, Technovation Girls Minnesota where teams of girls build tech to solve a problem in their community, Code Explorers offering a free and friendly environment for students to explore computer science with industry mentors, Educator Professional Development for teachers looking to gain computer science and technology experience to bring back to their students, and more! 

We want to further our goal of reaching even more underserved and underrepresented youth by continuing to inspire and provide resources to teachers, holding events for students, and creating more opportunities for non-English speaking learners. We are looking for our next Executive Director to lead the charge!

Position Summary:

The Executive Director will effectively lead the Code Savvy organization with a focus on mission advancement, board development, and strategic program growth by providing advocacy for our organization, raising funds, building relationships and increasing brand awareness. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit executive leadership and fundraising, a passion for STEM education and equity, and a commitment to serving underserved and underrepresented communities.

Responsibilities: 

Administration & Infrastructure Refinement – to optimize organizational operations 

  • Develop and oversee standard administrative protocols 
  • Establish channels of communication and management to facilitate efficient and effective utilization of staff and volunteers. 
  • Oversee all financial affairs including grant and sponsorship administration, expense management and budget planning

Advocacy & Promotion – to increase brand awareness and public engagement 

  • Recruit leaders to advance the mission of the organization 
  • Empower and energize volunteers, board members, alumni, partnering organizations, and funders to promote the organization
  • Amplify communication—from web presence to external relations to create a stronger brand identity. 
  • Network to build brand awareness and identify prospective partners, allies, and advocates

Leadership & Management – to steward sustainable growth 

  • Ensure programmatic excellence through rigorous program evaluation 
  • Foster board involvement in fulfilling strategic direction 
  • Lead, coach, and retain support staff, and contractors
  • Evaluate programs to measure successes that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents. 
  • Develop a five-year strategic plan for growth and sustainability
  • Develop and execute an annual tactical plan 

Fundraising – to maximize channels of financial support 

  • Develop annual budget and coordinated fundraising strategic plan 
  • Prospect, cultivate, and steward foundations, corporate sponsors, stakeholders and funders 
  • Develop a comprehensive annual appeal program to cultivate individual donors for general operating support 
  • Identify, prepare, and submit grant applications and funding proposals 
  • Leverage external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities

Required Qualifications & Experience:

  • Nonprofit leadership – executive, board and/or staff management, recruitment, training 
  • Fund development expertise; track record of increasing engagement and commitment of donors, grant applications and funding proposals, CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) a plus 
  • Operational oversight of professional staff including fiscal acumen 
  • Exceptional communication and relationship building skills 
  • Growth mindset for strategic planning and program innovation
  • Deep understanding of STEM/STEAM fields, either through personal experience or previous work with STEM-focused organizations

Preferred Qualifications & Experience:

  • Experience in the education sector, such as teaching, administration, or educational products/services
  •  Understanding of the unique challenges faced by underserved and underrepresented communities in STEM
  • Experience working with youth-based organizations 

Attributes:

  • Conviction – A strong belief in the promise and purpose of the organization toward promoting equitable education and increasing access for traditionally underrepresented students in the computer science field
  • Authenticity – Ability to admit failure, share mistakes, and understand the role mistakes make in becoming a more effective and productive organization
  • Great storyteller – Ability to share Code Savvy’s mission, invoke engagement, and compel others to take action
  • Bold – Ability to make the tough calls, come up with new ideas, and try new things
  • Team Builder – Can bring a diverse group together, communicate vision, and work towards a common goal 

Application Process: 

  • Submit a cover letter that highlights your relevant experience, why you are interested in this role, along with your resume, and email to: jobs@codesavvy.org
  • Our team will review applications and if we believe your qualifications would make a great fit, we will contact you to schedule an informational interview.
  • This is a full-time, salaried position ($110-120K).
  • Although this position is remote, in-person attendance at engagements within the Twin Cities and surrounding areas is required. Please note that relocation assistance is not provided.

Code Savvy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.