NC REAL Executive Director Position Profile
Executive Director Position Profile
Summary
North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (“NC REAL”) is a 501©(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to develop entrepreneurial talent and foster the creation of sustainable enterprises throughout North Carolina, with special emphasis on rural communities.
NC REAL’s vision is that communities across North Carolina will have a healthy, vibrant economy in which small business and successful entrepreneurial activity plays a vital role, where people develop the skills they need for productive participation, and where all people with business interests and aspirations have access to high quality entrepreneurship education.
NC REAL was founded in 1986. In the twenty-four years since its creation, over 20,000 entrepreneurs have received intensive training and more than 500 North Carolina high school, post-secondary, and community-based organization educators and administrators have participated in NC REAL’s professional development seminars and week-long Institutes.
NC REAL’s Executive Director has recently been named Director of Business Development for the North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center after leading the organization through two years of successful growth and service. NC REAL’s board of directors is seeking a passionate, experienced individual for the position of Executive Director. This Profile contains a description of NC REAL and its programs, as well as the qualities and competencies desired in a new Executive Director, and the leadership opportunities that this position presents to the successful candidate.
Core Programming
Since its inception in 1986, NC REAL has worked closely with North Carolina’s Community College system to deliver its services and curriculum to the state’s 100 counties. Along with locally-based economic development organizations, the state’s extensive Community College system has been the primary source of enrollment and outcomes for NC REAL. In 2010 a total of 96 courses served 1,648 adult participants in community colleges and community based organizations. The majority of funding has come from the North Carolina General Assembly, through the Community College system.
In addition to programs for adults and post-secondary students, NC REAL serves over 35 high schools across the state, and in recent years it has placed a growing emphasis on providing its core REAL Entrepreneurship curriculum for even younger students through such channels as youth camps, elementary and middle school programs.
More detailed information on all its core programs, as well as on current initiatives, can be found at NC REAL’s website, www.ncreal.org.
Governance, Staffing and Finances
NC REAL is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization, governed by an independent board of directors who represent a diversity of backgrounds in business, education and government.
The organization’s four-member staff is made up of talented professionals whose commitment to their work, to thoughtful planning, and to effective collaboration with both private-sector and government enterprises have created a strong, sustainable organization.
The current annual operating budget is approximately $700,000. A significant portion of current annual revenues comes from the North Carolina General Assembly and from several of the state’s largest private foundations.
NC REAL’s board and staff are committed to creating new and stronger partnerships with corporate, foundation and government supporters. NC REAL has sound financial management systems in place that have helped establish a solid base for future growth.
Leadership Opportunity
NC REAL seeks an experienced, talented and passionate leader. The Executive Director’s fundamental responsibilities will be to provide strategic leadership and vision, to solidify core programmatic strength, to increase NC REAL’s visibility and support across the state, and to seek and develop a more diversified funding base. Looking to the future, NC REAL’s board and staff seek to:
- Build on its strong reputation in order to raise its profile and attract greater awareness of its proven successes in entrepreneurial education.
- Solidify existing relationships with educators, legislators and business people, and create new partnering relationships throughout the state of North Carolina.
- Establish a more diverse program of resource development that will ensure NC REAL’s long-term fiscal health.
- Continue to reach and attract students and educators who seek to change their lives through entrepreneurial education and activities.
Following an appropriate transition period, NC REAL’s new Executive Director will be expected to work with the board and staff to set a course that maintains existing high standards for curriculum quality and effectiveness, while exploring new opportunities for organizational sustainability.
The Executive Director’s work site will be the NC REAL home office in Raleigh, NC, a city of 300,000, which is part of the larger Triangle area with a population of over 1,000,000. Raleigh and the Triangle consistently rank among the best places in the country to live and to do business. NC REAL’s service area encompasses the entire state of North Carolina.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership. NC REAL’s new Executive Director must be able to make decisions that will ensure the strength and resources to sustain existing programs and explore opportunities for even broader statewide impact.
The Executive Director must establish herself/himself with key government and business leaders, educators and funding sources, while fostering a spirit of success and cooperation among the board, the staff, educators and students.
He/she will work with the board of directors to continue implementing the vision for the future; will be able to articulate that vision in all arenas; and will be the driving force behind fulfillment of that vision. Additionally he/she will serve as NC REAL’s primary advocate, leader and spokesperson, both internally and externally. As such, the Executive Director will understand the legislative process and effectively communicate to the North Carolina General Assembly NC REAL’s role in expanding entrepreneurism in rural communities.
Board Relations. The Executive Director will work with NC REAL’s board of directors to support their governance, fundraising, planning and oversight responsibilities. He/she will maintain regular contact with members, providing the support, counsel and information necessary for them to be effective champions for NC REAL and its continued success.
Resource Development and Financial Management. The Executive Director will work with the board to ensure that NC REAL has the necessary resources to operate successfully and to fulfill its vision for the future; and will have evidence of successful financial management.
The new leader will be actively engaged in securing continued support from the NC General Assembly and charitable foundations, but he/she will also develop and implement plans for a more diversified base of funding. Such a base might include stronger corporate support, out-of-state foundation support and an entrepreneurial approach to generating earned revenue.
Marketing and Communications. The Executive Director will work to ensure that NC REAL is communicating with its educational partners, students and other constituencies in a language and manner that is most effective for each audience. Through ongoing communications and special marketing efforts, the Executive Director will help NC REAL maximize its potential to tell its story of success to widely diverse groups of people.
Operations. The Executive Director will design and implement organizational programs in keeping with NC REAL’s mission. He/she will oversee day-to-day operations, including supervision of staff; direct annual and strategic planning efforts; and compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations.
Experience and Attributes
The ideal candidate must be an experienced leader who:
- Is passionate about the mission and values of NC REAL.
- Has a bold, entrepreneurial vision for the future of NC REAL and its ability to serve ever greater numbers of participants and to create lasting outcomes.
- Has the ability and willingness to expand NC REAL’s state and national profile, influence and base of financial support.
- Will serve as the face of NC REAL among potential financial supporters, education partners, and the public at large. Thus, she/he must have demonstrated success in effective marketing, communications, and resource development programs.
- Has proven experience as a management executive and an effective leader.
- Is an effective team-builder and motivator who creates a supportive work environment.
- Uses good judgment in delegating responsibility, processing information, and recognizing innovative opportunities.
- Is an individual of strong character and unquestioned integrity who has the ability to build effective relationships with legislators, donors, educators, students and business leaders.
- Possesses a bachelor’s degree (master’s or doctoral degree preferred) and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience as a leader in the nonprofit, education, corporate, or government sector.
Application Process
To be considered, qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé via email by August 30, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time to:
Dr. Eleanor Herndon
Interim Executive Director
NC REAL Enterprises, Inc.
Review of candidates’ materials will begin in September, 2010 and continue until the position is filled.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.