Executive Director
Organization Background
Dress for Success Oregon (DFSO) is a workforce development nonprofit organization that focuses exclusively on the needs of womxn in the greater Portland, Salem, and Southwest Washington area. Our mission is to empower womxn to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help womxn thrive in work and in life.
In addition to providing professional attire, DFSO’s services include job search assistance, job retention tools, career development support, and career exploration. Our “relational” model of support emphasizes listening, modeling, supporting, and innovating opportunities for the womxn who use our services to enable them to go beyond surviving to thriving. Our vision for the future is that all womxn in Oregon and SW Washington are achieving economic independence and stability. Founded in 1999 in Portland, Oregon, DFSO is an affiliate of Dress for Success Worldwide, which has 154 affiliates in 30 countries. We are proud to serve over 1500 womxn annually through our clothing and job training programs.
What We Value
DFSO is a Social Enterprise, which means we value a self-starter mentality, entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, innovation, risk-taking, learning from failure, and openness to growth. We want you to grow, learn, and explore and we want you to help our staff and our clients do the same.
Our Core Values
We RESPECT ourselves and all.
We have EMPATHY for all.
We use TRANSPARENCY in our communication with each other.
We have ACCOUNTABILITY for our actions. We act consistently with follow-through.
We are committed to REMOVING BARRIERS TO EQUAL ACCESS due to the intersectional nature of oppression.
We are SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS and solve problems humanely, creatively, and sustainably.
We “walk the walk” and act with INTEGRITY.
We work to COLLABORATE as a connected team.
Scope of Responsibility
The Executive Director (ED) position represents DFSO publicly and internally and provides leadership to all areas of the organization.
This position places a high value on Emotional Quotient and the capacity to provide an objective analysis of the Organization’s current position, with an eye towards the long-term operational efficiency, financial stability, and growth of DFSO; the ED will be a steward and a change agent to help DFSO transition into its next chapter.
Description of Duties
Staff Management. DFSO is run as a “social enterprise,” meaning we value entrepreneurial skills and innovation. While staff are empowered to take leadership roles in their areas of expertise, the Executive Director will be expected to provide guidance and day-to-day support to our team of staff and consultants. The ED will also conduct regular evaluations of work performance and will be responsible for any organizational changes and/or personnel actions that need to be considered.
Program Services. The Executive Director will support staff on the implementation of DFSO’s programs, annual goals, and strategic planning. The ED will also undertake a review of the current programs in relation to the strategic goals of DFSO to ensure that all work is aligned with the long-term view of the organization.
Fundraising. Fundraising is a key aspect of the role of Executive Director. The ED will work closely with the Director of Development in creating a fundraising strategy, identifying resources, and developing new ways to generate revenue that include individual and major gifts, events, and corporate giving. The ED will act as the public face of the Organization, engaging with donors, building a culture of philanthropy among Board and staff, and promoting DFSO’s mission in achieving fundraising goals.
Financial Management. The Executive Director will be responsible for working with the DFSO Board to ensure DFSO’s financial health and stability. The ED must effectively and responsibly manage available resources and match them to DFSO’s mission. The Executive Director and the DFSO Board work together to prepare and implement annual budgets and prepare budget revisions as needed. The ED will also respond to funder requests or questions, as needed, and guide a multi-year plan with economic health and viability at the core of all programming and decisions.
Organizational Management, HR, and Administrative. The Executive Director is responsible for a wide array of management, HR, and administrative duties necessary to running the organization, ensuring legal compliance, and fostering organizational culture.
Relationship with Board. The Executive Director is responsible to the Board of Directors who are responsible for governing DFSO and setting the organization’s goals and policies. The ED will develop specific policies, procedures, and programs to implement the strategic vision established by the Board of Directors. The ED must effectively communicate with and support the Board of Directors and provide effective staff support to the Board, including support for Board committees. The ED will be expected to communicate regularly with the Board, fully informing Board members of any significant events or problems. The ED will work in collaboration with the Board Co-Chairs to cultivate the talent, time and treasure of each Board member and enhance their role as ambassadors and governors of the Organization.
Qualifications
Required:
Minimum five years of management experience with a firm commitment to collaborative, team-oriented management
A commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
A passion for DFSO’s mission and values
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative
Ability to cultivate relationships in the Portland donor community
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Desirable:
Experience working in a nonprofit setting with a mission-driven and diverse staff
Experience in marketing, sales, or communications
Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors
Compensation
This is an exempt position with a salary of $100,000-$110,000 annually, plus generous benefits including holidays, PTO, and health/dental/vision coverage.
How To Apply
Please submit a resume outlining your work history and responsibilities at each role, including number of persons and departments managed, along with a cover letter that tells us why you are a great fit for DFSO and this specific position. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis through February 28, 2021.
Please email both requirements in PDF format, using “(Title of position: Your Name)” in the subject line, to hr@dressforsuccessoregon.org.
Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you.
Dress for Success Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applications from candidates who contribute to the diversity of our organization. Over and above our commitment to non-discrimination, DFSO actively seeks to employ members of the community who have experienced economic hardship or poverty and members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities.