Executive Director

Executive Director

About J3 Foundation

J3 Foundation (J3) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to give kids the foundation they need for a lifetime of reading success. J3 strives to equip 4th graders in communities with fewer resources with the tools they need to help them reach grade-level literacy and foster positive self-image; self-confidence; a supportive community; a new love of reading; and an identity as a reader.

Launched in 2018, the program was created in response to the alarming data showing that 4th-grade students in under-resourced schools who have fallen behind in their reading level have a greater chance of ending up in prison or on welfare as young adults. J3 is committed to changing that narrative by providing reading intervention programs and after-school reading clubs to students in Los Angeles County, and eventually in other cities across the country.

The Organization Today

A unique and holistic program, J3 is much more than just a reading and tutoring program; it provides services to children utilizing resources based on research, data, and real-life experience. The high adult-to-student ratio ensures personalized attention, where staff are trained as reading coaches and in restorative practices to address the needs of each individual child. Adapting quickly to meet the needs of the school community being served, J3 provides tailored programming for each school site and emphasizes social-emotional learning as the foundation to their programs. The program structure, refined through trial and error, consists of both a twice-weekly reading literacy intervention pull-out program during the school day, and a once-weekly after school Cozy Reading Club. Together, these programs have significantly improved the reading literacy levels of the students they serve, fostering a love of reading through the use of culturally diverse books that reflect each child's identity.

J3 fosters a supportive and communicative professional culture that emphasizes accountability, transparency, and mission alignment among its team members. By setting ambitious goals, J3 envisions expanding its unique approach, aiming to serve 1,000 students in Los Angeles by 2028, with 740 already reached in 2024. In addition, J3 hopes to expand to other cities in the coming years, eventually making the program a national one.

Learn more about the J3 Foundation at www.j3foundationla.org.

The Opportunity

J3 envisions a future where its impact extends to countless counties and states. They are seeking an inaugural Executive Director to help shape the future of the organization, built on an already solid foundation. This role offers a chance to lead and inspire a passionate team, develop innovative programs, and make a profound impact on the lives of young readers. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will set the vision and strategic direction, creating a lasting legacy of leading J3 in its mission to transform the lives of children through literacy nationally.

This exciting leadership role involves strategic planning, fundraising, oversight of program development and implementation, team leadership, and building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and donors. The Executive Director will be instrumental in helping J3 expand its reach in Los Angeles County and ultimately other cities across the country.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics outlined below. A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree is preferred in a relevant field (e.g., Education, Nonprofit Management, or Business Administration).

Passion for the Mission and Growth Mindset

The Executive Director will embody a deep commitment to the mission and vision of J3 with an unwavering passion for growing the organization. This inclusive and equitable leader will have proven leadership experience in the nonprofit, corporate, or public sectors, with a genuine interest in education and literacy. Experience in or a strong knowledge of public-school systems is preferred but not essential. They will possess the ability to harness existing resources to their fullest potential, driving J3's vision with integrity and momentum. Using the current model as a blueprint for growth, the Executive Director will ensure the organization is well-prepared for successful expansion.

Strategic and Visionary Leader

Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit, the Executive Director will be a visionary leader who will pursue opportunities to deepen impact while remaining adaptable to the evolving needs of the community. As a collaborative team leader and player, they will foster a culture of accountability where every mistake becomes a steppingstone to success, and teams unite to find innovative solutions. Ensuring alignment across operations, finance, and administration, they will establish and execute strategic goals to advance the mission of J3. Previous experience developing and reporting to a Board of Directors is preferred.

Business Acumen and Manager

The Executive Director will be a self-starter, taking on the responsibility of autonomous leadership and treating J3 as their own. Experience in financial management will be crucial as they lead the business and manage people with excellence. With a solid grasp of financial basics, including managing budgets and P&Ls, the Executive Director will build partnerships across the community, engaging with public and private agencies that align with J3's core values and beliefs.

Expertise in Fundraising and External Relations

This leader will possess a deep understanding of fundraising strategies, having achieved previous success in securing financial support from diverse sources such as individual donors, sponsors, grants, and partnerships. They will excel in building and leveraging connections to generate new funding and resource opportunities, effectively communicating the value proposition to potential funders, partners, and supporters. Serving as a pivotal spokesperson and ambassador for J3, they will represent the organization to donors and the wider community, nurturing existing relationships while cultivating new ones to broaden J3's network and influence.

Excellent Relationship Builder, Communicator, and Collaborator

The Executive Director, characterized by humility and approachability, will build trust and strong relationships across the organization through collaborative management. They will embody empathy and inclusivity, possessing high emotional intelligence to create a unified atmosphere. Exceptional communication, presentation, and listening skills will enable them to articulate complex ideas, fostering meaningful dialogue and ensuring all voices are heard and valued. With energy, humor, and a deep understanding of J3's foundation and future direction, they will inspire others and rally the community around the mission. Moreover, their strong management skills will ensure efficient operations and strategic decision-making, driving the organization towards its goals with clarity and purpose.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the organization's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Oversee program evaluation and development, ensuring alignment with J3's mission and impact goals.
• Support, lead, motivate, and evaluate J3's administrative staff, revising job descriptions and duties as needed, while also creating and recruiting for new positions as the organization continues to grow.
• Work with the founders and the Board to develop and implement an annual budget, making key financial decisions consistent with the budget as approved by the Board.
• Lead the staff and Board in fundraising efforts, including donor relations and community partnerships, to secure funding for existing programs and future expansion.
• Represent J3 Foundation in the community, building strong relationships with key constituents, partners, and media.
• Work closely with the Board of Directors to plan and eventually successfully launch J3 in other cities, ultimately overseeing regional directors at each location.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $175,000 to $200,000 with a generous benefits package.

Contact

Koya Partners has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at J3_ED@koyapartners.com. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.

Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NonprofitSearchOps@divsearch.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

J3 Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.

About Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group

Koya Partners, a Diversified Search Group company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Diversified Search Group is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.

Learn more about Koya Partners l Diversified Search Group via the firm's website.

To apply, visit: https://talent-profile.diversifiedsearchgroup.com/search/v2/21349?_gl=1*1ylcj9b*_gcl_au*MTY2NTI5Mzc2LjE3MTcwMDYyMzY.*_ga*NDMyMjYyMDg3LjE3MTcwMDYyMzY.*_ga_R1M9LYHJ5R*MTcyMzA2MTg1NC43NC4xLjE3MjMwNjE4NzAuNDQuMC4w

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