Executive Director of Head Start Jacksonville, FL Gans, Gans & Associates 7445 Quail Meadow Road, Plant City, FL 33565 813-986-4441 www.gansgans.com
Lutheran Services Florida Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is an organization that is guided by big ideas and these guiding principles create an imperative to serve that compels LSF to build on organizational strengths, overcome weaknesses and create effective programs in response to human suffering and need. The mission, values, and vision guide the work of LSF. These guiding principles also shape the advocacy and promotion efforts of the organization, which focus on the needs of the vulnerable, overcoming barriers to service and positioning LSF to effectively respond to opportunities. The LSF business model responds to a rapidly changing service landscape with an aggressive growth strategy. That growth is predicated on methodical pursuit of entrepreneurial opportunities and the maintenance of a new program "pipeline." LSF provides value by developing and competently deploying efficient organizational structures; effective operating policies and procedures; accountable management systems and processes; and expertise in the form of personnel, strategic alliances or purchased services. LSF has over 60 Programs throughout Florida, a projected budget of over $215 million and over 1,300 employees. It is one of the largest Non- Profit Social Services Agencies in the State of Florida. Our Head Start Programs are in multiple counties throughout Florida providing multiple program options including center base, family childcare, home base, pregnant mothers, and infants and toddlers. Vision Ready for School, Prepared for Life Mission To educate, equip, and empower children, families and staff through partnership and efficient data driven systems to close the achievement gap. History of LSF In 1975 when the Vietnam War ended, thousands of refugees sought safety in the United States arriving with nothing more than the clothes they wore. The needs of the refugees were tremendous and Lutheran churches responded quickly providing them with immediate aid in the form of food, clothing and temporary homes. This assistance was vital; however, it soon became apparent that a larger, ongoing and more organized effort was necessary to help the newcomers adjust to life in a new country. As a result, Lutheran churches sponsored employment programs to help refugees find jobs so they could truly begin building new lives in America. In 1980, when thousands of Cubans came to the United States during the Mariel Boatlift, Lutheran churches responded once again helping refugees with resettlement needs and employment assistance. When Lutheran Services Florida (formerly Lutheran Ministries of Florida) was established in 1982, the agency assumed responsibility for the employment programs started by Lutheran churches in Miami and Tampa. Whereas initially the greatest demand for assistance came from Vietnamese and Cuban refugees, soon LSF counselors were helping refugees from Central America, Haiti and other parts of the Caribbean, Bosnia, the Sudan and many other countries. As the number of refugees increased dramatically throughout the years, LSF responded to the growing demand for services by expanding its programs. Today LSF has Refugee and Immigration programs throughout Southeast and Central Florida. Other programs located throughout the state include Guardianship Services, Youth Shelters, PEPPI Head Start, the Child Care Food Program, Counseling Services, Disaster Response, Sexual Abuse Treatment Program, Teen Court, Ryan White Program, Early Head Start, and Case Management for Child Welfare, Foster Care and Adoptions, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health. Continuing its mission, LSF continues to expand each division of services to meet existing needs and to bring healing, hope, and help to people in need throughout Florida. Today LSF has offices and programs in Belle Glade, Crestview, Fort Myers, Fort Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Largo, Lauderdale Lakes, Miami, Milton, New Port Richey, Oakland Park, Orlando, Pensacola, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, St. Petersburg and Tampa. Page 2
Position Summary LSF is seeking a highly dynamic and facilitative leader to serve as its Jacksonville Executive Director for Head Start Services. The Executive Director is responsible for coordinating and directing all program and administrative services for this recently awarded Head Start program, including: supervision and management of all leadership team roles; overall supervision and guidance of all program operations; and ensuring full compliance with all Head Start Performance Standards and regulations. Charged with providing the program with vision and leadership. The Executive Director is responsible for the shared governance for the Program with the Policy Council and Board of Directors and must have the ability to engage children, families, staff and the Jacksonville Community. Essential Functions Oversee the day-to-day management, operations, and compliance for one of LSF Children and Head Start services newest state region. Manage, mentor, train, and develop staff. Model behaviors that inspire strong performance and instill a sense of excellence in all staff. Lead all community engagement and partnership building in Jacksonville with key stakeholders including the Early Learning Coalition, Jacksonville s Children Commission, Jacksonville School District, City of Jacksonville, Delegate Agencies, Childcare Partners, etc. Prepare and implement the Jacksonville Budget consisting of Head Start, Early Head Start, State Voluntary-Pre-Kindergarten, USDA Food Services and any new funding to support Jacksonville s children. In close collaboration with senior Program Managers, participate in effective and efficient program planning and implementation. Own the assessment of staff and program operations, exercising sound judgment and leveraging data to swiftly make decisions related to individual and site performance. Serve as the external face of LSF in the local community, reflecting positively on the organization and advocating for its presence in Jacksonville. Leading the five year grant application and the ability to manage non-federal share requirements through in-kind, donations and successful partnerships in Jacksonville. Maintain a positive relationship with funding agencies, i.e., Office of Head Start, Early Learning Coalition, USDA, etc. and provide timely and accurate reporting. Skills/Abilities/Attributes Creative problem-solver with the ability to use data and sound judgment to drive decision-making. Ability to Lead a Large Complex Non Profit Agency responsible for multiple of-site centers. High degree of emotional intelligence and comfort providing and receiving open, honest feedback dealing with substantive issues. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a highly-collaborative team within the organization and build positive rapport with key community groups and constituents. Passion for the mission, values, and work of LSF children, families and their staff in Jacksonville. Ability to motivate and lead a diverse and committed staff to provide the best services for children and families in Jacksonville. Ability to Navigate and increase Head Start s exposure to Jacksonville s Community Resources. Sensitivity to issues that impact families in a highly diverse and large city with a population of over 800,000 people in an urban environment. Demonstrated commitment to developing diversity within the organization. Education/Experience Bachelor s degree ideally in business or education required. Master s degree strongly desired. At least five years in an executive position, including experience in program oversight, budgeting at least $5 million, facilities management, and staff management, preferably within a multi-site operation and in a field related to early child care, education, or families. Significant staff management experience, managing teams of at least eight people. Experience working with elected officials. Demonstrated experience in a change management environment requiring leadership in defining process and establishing relationships, both internal and external. Demonstrated experience in program planning, operations, and evaluation, and the use of management information systems. Human Service, Community Action, Social Service and/or Head Start experience is preferred along with the ability to quickly understand the Head Start philosophy and model, is required. Qualified Former Parent s or Children in Head Start Programs are encouraged to apply. Page 3
Reporting Relations This position reports to the Vice President of Operations. How to Apply If you are interested in this exceptional opportunity, please submit a detailed resume immediately to: Diane Martin-Johnson Gans, Gans & Associates 7445 Quail Meadow Road, Plant City, FL 33565 Phone: (813) 986-4441 ext. 7121 Fax: (813) 986-4775 E-mail: diane@gansgans.com Should you have any questions in consideration of your own interest, or a referral of a colleague, please contact us at the number above. Page 4
Jacksonville, Florida Jacksonville, the largest city in area in the continental United States, is a rapidly growing metropolitan city in Northeast Florida, with approximately 850,000 residents. Jacksonville lines both banks of the St. Johns River, the state's longest river, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean about 20 miles from downtown. Jacksonville has one of the lowest overall costs of living in Florida and the U.S. The area's cost of living is 92.6 percent of the national average, with housing and utilities being the best bargains. The city's appeal has been reinforced by national media, including a steady ranking among the 'top ten best places to live' by Money magazine. Plus, for the second time in four years, Jacksonville tops Expansion Management Magazine's list of 'America's Hottest Cities.' Joint management agreements with national and state park services give Jacksonville the largest urban park system in the United States. Jacksonville International Airport (JIA) is 15 minutes from downtown by car. It is served by 15 major and regional airlines that offer 250 daily flights to and from most major cities in the country and is an international gateway. Education Jacksonville boasts a first-rate public school system and a multitude of institutions of higher learning. Universities, colleges, and other institutions in or near Jacksonville University of North Florida Jacksonville University Edward Waters College University of Phoenix Webster University Jones College Columbia College Florida Coastal School of Law Florida State College at Jacksonville Remington College Florida Technical College Florida Metropolitan University Fortis Institute Culture Performing Arts The Florida Theatre, opened in 1927, is located in downtown Jacksonville and is one of only four remaining high-style movie palaces built in Florida during the Mediterranean Revival architectural boom of the 1920s. Amity Turkish Cultural Center was established in 2006 as one of the major Dialogue and Cultural organizations in Jacksonville. Theatre Jacksonville was organized in 1919 as the Little Theatre and is one of the oldest continually producing community theatres in the United States. The Ritz Theatre, opened in 1929, is located in the LaVilla neighborhood of the northern part of Jacksonville's downtown. The Jacksonville music scene was active in the 1930s in LaVilla, which was known as Harlem of the South. Black musicians from across the country visited Jacksonville to play standing room only performances at the Ritz Theatre and the Knights of Pythias Hall. Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Ella Page 5
Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong were a few of the legendary performers who appeared. The Ritz Theatre was rebuilt and opened in October 1999. The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts consists of three distinct halls: the Jim & Jan Moran Theater, a venue for touring Broadway shows; the Jacoby Symphony Hall, home of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra; and the Terry Theater, intended for small shows and recitals. The building was originally erected as the Civic Auditorium in 1962 and underwent a major renovation and construction in 1996. The Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, which opened in 2003, is a 16,000-seat performance venue that attracts national entertainment, sporting events and also houses the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame. Sports Jacksonville is home to one major league sports team, the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). The Jaguars joined the NFL as an expansion team in the 1995 season; they play their home games at EverBank Field. The PGA Tour, which organizes the main professional golf tournaments in the U.S., is headquartered in the suburb of Ponte Vedra Beach, where it holds The Players Championship every year. In 2005, Jacksonville hosted Super Bowl XXXIX. Page 6