Executive Director
: Job Details :

The incoming Executive Director (ED) will have the opportunity to partner with our mission-driven team and board to steward the organization into the future. Our ideal candidate brings a deep connection to the small business community and a passion for our mission, as well as a successful track record as an organizational executive. This person will also demonstrate a history of advancing equity, inclusion, and anti-racist practice, both internally and externally, in the organizations they have served.

Mission-Driven Leadership and Strategic Decision-Making: Start Small Think Big is looking for a person with experience furthering the mission of a non-profit organization through shrewd decision-making, strategic planning, and effective management of the organization, including interface with the organization\'s board of directors.

• Prior experience at a senior executive level at a non-profit organization.
• Experience either making or advising on key organizational decisions and driving organizational success.
• History of managing the operations of a non-profit, with a preference for those at non-profits that directly serve clients and/or those that focus on economic development or entrepreneurship.
• Experience interfacing with key external stakeholders such as volunteer partner organizations, sponsors, and/or government agencies.
• Experience managing the process of financial forecasting / budgeting, planning, and strategy.
• Experience working with a nonprofit\'s board to leverage board member engagement and to align strategic planning and initiatives.
• Belief in, and commitment to, SSTB\'s mission, as demonstrated by a track record in mission-driven leadership and/or promoting entrepreneurship as a tool for advancing equity.
• Experience working with/serving communities of color, directly and/or as part of an organization that focuses on providing such services.

Start Small Think Big is also looking for a leader who has passion both for the cause of small business development and for leading the great team at SSTB who does this work on behalf of our amazing clients. We are looking for someone who not only thrives at leading people, but actually enjoys the endeavor of cultivating success and professional development.

• Experience managing people, dividing work thoughtfully, providing both positive and constructive feedback, and establishing a culture of cohesion, respect, and well-being.
• Track record of helping staff become their best work selves.
• Proven ability to break down silos and promote cross functional communication.
• Demonstrable history of centering equity in decision making.
• DEI focus and experience, including demonstrably advancing equity and inclusion within organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading organizations through periods of transition, growth, or change.
• Ability to build trust, communicate transparently, and foster a sense of stability and continuity among staff, board, and external stakeholders.

SSTB is seeking a leader who can authentically and clearly represent the organization to external audiences, raise its profile by promoting the unique impact of SSTB\'s important work, and distinguish SSTB from other non-profits to enhance development and fund-raising efforts. The ideal candidate will be able to increase, expand and diversify fundraising income for SSTB through proactive donor cultivation and by successfully expanding revenue generating and fundraising activities.

• Significant, proven experience raising the profile of a non-profit organization through promotion, marketing, events, or social media strategy.
• Experience identifying, prioritizing, and pursuing partnerships and funding opportunities that align with strategic organizational goals, with a proven track record of raising $2-4 million and the ability to achieve similar results for SSTB.
• Proven ability to manage a grant process from initiation through completion.
• Prior experience identifying and pursuing new business opportunities to drive growth, including developing and implementing growth strategies, building and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients and partners, and managing teams to achieve growth and fundraising targets.

The salary for this position is $210,000 per year, with up to 10% additional performance-based compensation. In addition, the following benefits are offered:

• Generous PTO package (25 days) and all federal holidays
• 4-day work week (Mon - Thur)
• 6-days safe & sick time, separate from PTO
• Remote-first work arrangement
• Paid parental leave
• 3 paid volunteering days
• Competitive health insurance package with contributions for employee + dependents
• 401k with employer contributions up to $1,200 per year
• Access to other supports incl. pre-tax commuter plan, and life, dental and vision

All Start Small staff work in a remote-first environment, with optional, self-determined, co-working days. For this role, in-person networking and relationship building is a central part of the role and is encouraged. While this is primarily a sedentary job, it may involve some movement to carry out your job duties, including traveling to meet with staff, attending conferences/panels, etc. Reasonable travel to meet with team members is encouraged but not required. There may be a need for occasional, local travel to meet with clients and/or partners. Occasional out-of-state networking opportunities are offered and encouraged, e.g. conferences and panels.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in Start Small Think Big and how your experience aligns with our mission and needs to ...@startsmallthinkbig.org.

Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing access and opportunity through equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship by connecting small businesses with the resources and community they need to thrive. We partner with corporations and communities to build a network of skill-based volunteers who provide pro bono legal services and free finance support to entrepreneurs that face structural barriers to accessing the critical resources needed to grow and sustain their businesses. As we continue to grow as an organization, we are engaged in an intentional process to identify, understand, and address bias at all levels and advance equity, from the inside out.

PEOPLE-FIRST: We put people first. People are at the core of our organization above all, it is people who fuel our work — small business owners, staff, volunteers, and partners alike. CONSCIOUS CURIOSITY: We remain open to learning and unlearning as language and the social and economic justice frameworks we are connected to are ever-evolving. EMPATHY: We communicate with our community and each other with respect, compassion, and acceptance. CULTURAL HUMILITY: We are committed to examining our own biases, prejudices, and viewpoints and strengthening our abilities to understand and connect with diverse populations and cultures. INCLUSIVITY: We appreciate our differences and embrace people of all backgrounds and identities. We oppose racism, sexism, ageism, homophobia, or ableism of any form.

In order to connect small business owners with the strongest pro bono legal and financial support to transform their businesses, build wealth for themselves and their families, and create jobs for others in their communities, Start Small Think Big has:

• Collaborated closely with local and national community partners to reach entrepreneurs including Centro Community Partners, WE NYC, LISC, and Small Business Majority.
• Partnered with the majority of the top 100 U.S. law firms, including Fenwick & West, Cleary Gottlieb, Simpson Thacher, Weil Gotshal, Debevoise Plimpton, Cooley, and Wilson Sonsini.
• Partnered with some of the biggest and most well-respected corporations, including eBay, JP Morgan Chase, PayPal, KKR, Morgan Stanley, and Alliance Bernstein.
• Secured significant support for our work from some of the largest and most forward-thinking philanthropic funders in the space, including Citi and Blackstone.

Start Small Think Big provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.