History and Background
The Town of Little Compton is an historical coastal community located in the southeastern corner of Rhode Island. The year round population of 3,600 blossoms to nearly 7,000 during the spring and summer months when seasonal residents return and weekly vacationers all enjoy the rural landscape, picturesque shoreline, and the atmosphere of this traditional New England community. The Little Compton Community Center (LCCC) was founded by a group of residents seeking local activities and resources for their families. When the Town considered tearing down the former Grange building in the center of town, these ambitious volunteers banded together to save the building and create a community center. Incorporated as a private 501 3 (c) corporation, active fundraising and support from key donors eventually established a healthy endowment. The building was renovated and, in 1997 opened its doors with two part-time staff and a co-founder volunteer executive director. The Community Center has been fully subsidized by its membership, corporate donors, community group membership dues, program fees and grant funds.
The Community Center quickly became a popular town-center hub for activities, social events, services and programs for children, teens, adults and seniors. The After-School programs, Youth Activities Committee (YAC), Senior Meals, and Theater productions are among the center’s year-round activities. Summer Camp and seasonal events like the Summer Art Show, the Golf Tournament, and Fall Fest, are well attended by area residents and seasonal visitors.
Overview of Programs and Services
The Little Compton Community Center has become a central hub of activities and programs for the local community providing a variety of quality programs that attract people of all ages, year-round.
The Senior Meal Program has served hot, healthy meals to local seniors for over 10 years, providing seniors opportunities to socialize and participate in community activities.
The After School Club is a program dedicated to the care and well being of elementary school children (ages 5-12 years) providing a safe and healthy program for children in the community from 2:45 to 6:00 p.m.
Youth Activities and Community (YAC) is a program for 7th, 8th and 9th graders as well as high school teens. Activities include homework help, after school snacks and camaraderie. Teens engage in planning their activities including monthly dances, movie nights, ski trips, special events and community service projects throughout the year.
The Theater Arts program of high quality productions provides an artistic outlet for thespians of all ages.
The Circle of Friends program creates a stimulating social and learning environment for those with developmental challenges.
Summer Camp programming for children ages 5 – 14 attracts local and seasonal residents to the LCCC. Summer Camp activities include sports (soccer, basketball, tennis, baseball, swimming and Tae Kwon Do); theater, arts, crafts and a Science Camp.
The Community Center hosts popular fundraising events that attract locals, summer residents and visitors including a signature Summer Art Show, Fall Fest and an annual Golf Tournament.The Community Center facility is available to rent for meetings and social functions. Facilities include a kitchen, dining hall, tables and chairs, restrooms, P.A. system and theater with stage.
Member organizations of the Community Center are invited to hold their meetings and events in the building, and the Center's quarterly newsletter, distributed to all postal customers in Little Compton, includes a listing of these meetings and events. Member groups range from garden clubs to local political committees to Boy Scouts to yoga practitioners.
Position Description
An experienced non profit manager with a hands-on role leading a small but very active community center. In addition to effective interpersonal, relationship-building, administrative and staff management skills, the Executive Director will write grants, and collaborate with the board and staff on fundraising, program development & evaluation and financial management.
Specific Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years experience in non profit management working with a volunteer board in a small community based organization; proven effective organizational and administrative management skills
• Bachelors Degree or equivalent gained from experience and independent study
• Grant-writing, fundraising and financial management skills and experience. Ability to inspire, guide and oversee implementation of plans and processes
• Competence with office technology (i.e. MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc) and ability to work with a membership data base.
• An understanding of small communities and experience with broadly diverse constituents from the very wealthy to the working class; from many generations local to recent arrivals;, from year-round residents to seasonal visitors; and from young children and teens to elderly seniors.
• Astute communication skills; ability to listen, engage and achieve a healthy balance between diverse needs and attitudes of staff, board, volunteers and community stakeholders
•Boundless enthusiasm and energy; a passion for the work and a model of professionalism in a small town setting
•Proven relationship builder with ability to make effective connections with diverse constituents and stakeholders
•Creative with innovative ideas and a track record of successful results
• Diplomacy and sensitivity that comes with truly understanding the character of small towns
Executive Director Priorities
The Board engaged in a process and identified the following priorities the Executive Director will focus on immediately and throughout the first year.
Expand and Strengthen Community Relations
Establish and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders Help to reposition the Center as a community resource for all Develop partnership opportunities with other organizations and individuals in the community
Build Awareness and Excitement
Raise the profile of LCCC within the community - create excitement and “buzz”
Grant-writing and Fundraising
Collaborate with the Board to increase fundraising opportunities and financial support as well as reconnect with major donors Obtain additional and more significant (sized) grants
Effective, Collaborative Management
Maintain internal stability and continue to develop a cohesive team of competent staff Balance resources to budget Collaborate with Staff to develop effective work plans and implement strategic goals
Program and Financial Management
Evaluate programs to retain current quality and reveal insights for continuous improvement Consider and explore new program and/or operational ideas consistent with the mission Improve and strengthen financial reporting processes
Board Relations
Help the board expand opportunities for advisors, volunteers and others to get more involved in meaningful ways. Collaborate with board and staff to clarify and maintain appropriateroles, responsibilities, processes and boundaries
Ideal Executive Director Profile:
In addition to skills and experience, the following describe the personal and professional qualities most desired in the Executive Director. Can inspire and motivate. Enjoys leading, managing and achieving results. Is well organized, models professionalism, integrity and hard work. Is good at setting goals, providing direction, coaching and developing staff skills. Is willing to make tough decisions, address issues and take appropriate action. Has excellent writing and general presentation skills; an ability to engage individuals and present to groups of all ages and backgrounds. Works well in small communities, expanding and nurturing relationships with all stakeholders. Genuinely cares about people. Has a reputation for being dependable, compassionate, trustworthy and honest; is easy to talk to; builds rapport well; and is an attentive listener. Establishes a workplace culture that fosters results, mutual accountability and opportunities for growth. Demonstrates good goal setting and planning. Knows how to use reward and recognition effectively. Is sensitive to workloads and signs of burn-out. Demonstrates and is supportive of a healthy work-life balance for all. Is someone people like working for and with. Uses a positive sense of humor to lift morale or ease tension. Creates team spirit with inclusion, open dialogue, celebrating milestones, recognizing others. Can be flexible, positive and resilient in the face of conflict, changing circumstances, shifting priorities and conflicting interests. Has new or unique ideas; can see underlying or hidden problems or patterns; looks beyond the obvious; asks good questions and can organize and evaluate information to apply the best approach. Demonstrates passion for, commitment and dedication to the work and mission of the LCCC.
Application Information
The executive search is being conducted by Third Sector New England’s Executive Transitions Program with Transition Consultant Patricia Duarte.
To apply visit: http://www.tsne.org/employment/ED_LCCC.
Only online applications will be accepted
Please include cover letter, resume and salary requirements with submission.
Inquiries regarding this search may be directed to Patricia Duarte at pduarte@decisioninsightinc.com
Resumes will be accepted until February 17, 2010
Little Compton Community Center is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.
