Q CENTER
Executive Director
Portland, Oregon
Organization Profile (March 2007)
Q Center seeks a visionary with an entrepreneurial sprit to become its first permanent, fulltime executive director. Located in Portland, Oregon and founded in 2005, the mission of Q Center is to increase the visibility of and foster connection within Portland’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) families and community. In addition, Q Center builds public awareness and support, and celebrates LGBTQ diversity through art, culture, and programming. Q Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, operates a 1,600 square feet facility on an annual operations budget of approximately $133,000. The purpose for creating and operating Q Center is to:
∞ Create a safe and welcoming community gathering place for LGBTQ programs, events, meetings and resources;
∞ Stop isolation among LGBTQ families, older people, youth and other vulnerable groups within the LGBTQ community;
∞ Increase public awareness of and understanding within the LGBTQ community by creating a permanent visible presence;
∞ Accelerate access to essential services and programs for LGBTQ community through onsite delivery and referrals to our Q friendly partners; and
∞ Strengthen existing LBGTQ organizations through promotion of project collaboration, shared meeting space, and expanded community access.
To learn more about Q Center, please visit our website at: www.pdxqcenter.org
Position Description
The Executive Director, in cooperation with the Board of Directors, is responsible for leading the Center’s administration, fundraising, programs and services, and community relations efforts. He or she will be responsible for the overall operational management of the organization and attainment of its long-range goals. The Executive Director will demonstrate outstanding management skills to ensure ongoing delivery of quality services in a cost-effective, responsible manner. The Executive Director must be committed to furthering the Center’s role as a multicultural organization consistently committed to diversity and inclusion.
Major Areas of Responsibility
Fund Development, Budgeting, and Fiscal Controls
∞ Work closely with the Board to create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the organization, helping to expand philanthropic support for the organization through identification and cultivation of individual, foundation, corporate, and public sources of revenue. Plays a meaningful role in all aspects of donor relations.
∞ In concert with the Board, develop and implement the Center’s Financial Policies & Procedures.
∞ Manage the Center’s financial systems and daily finances to ensure compliance with generally accepted accounting procedures and the Center’s Financial Policies & Procedures.
∞ Facilitate development of the Center's annual budget and audit with the Treasurer and other Board members.
∞ Act as the Center’s representative in negotiating and entering into contracts and financial obligations as charged by the Board of Directors.
∞ Develop and advance all aspects of the building search and acquisition strategy for a permanent location for Q Center. Leadership and Communications
∞ Be a visionary leader with an entrepreneurial sprit, and serve as an advocate and coalition builder committed to positively affecting the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people in Oregon.
∞ Partner with the Board to develop and implement long range strategic goals and objectives and to fulfill the Center’s Mission and Vision.
∞ Develop and promote a cohesive and consistent approach to presenting the Center’s identity and image in conjunction with relevant Board members and promote Q Center through public speaking, networking, and written communications in print or electronic media.
∞ Serve as the Center’s senior representative and spokesperson to all constituencies and the media.
∞ Actively solicit information from the community regarding the effectiveness of Q Center and use the information to improve the operation of the center.
∞ Maintain positive and productive community relations, particularly with funding sources, donors, other LGBT-serving organizations and community leaders, and non-profits agencies.
Operations and Program Development
∞ In concert with the Board, develop, improve, and implement policies and procedures for the Center’s operations, including, but not limited to, personnel and volunteers, use of facilities, programs and sponsorships of events, and finances.
∞ Forecast emerging needs and trends, and work with the staff, the Board and the Center’s committee members to develop and carry out appropriate organizational plans, actions and programs in accordance with the Center’s Mission and Vision and policies and procedures.
∞ In concert with staff, develop an active, effective volunteer base and structure.
∞ Hire, supervise, and manage staff to maximize their effectiveness and success and ensure adherence to standard human resource practices and the Center’s Personnel Policies.
∞ Provide oversight of the Center’s facility-related operations, including landlord-tenant relations, management of premises liability issues, facility improvements, and security.
Board of Directors
∞ Report regularly to the Co-chairs of the Center’s Board of Directors as well as provide support to the Executive Committee, Board and assigned Board Committees.
∞ Work with the Board to develop strategic plans, policies and priorities regarding personnel, finances, programmatic direction and external relations in coordination with other staff.
∞ Assists the Board in recruitment, orientation and training of new Board members, and ongoing development of all Board members.
∞ Attend regular Board meetings and other meetings of the Board or its committees as required.
Required Knowledge and Skills
∞ Three - five years of management experience in the non-profit sector; experience working with volunteer leadership preferred.
∞ Demonstrated ability to organize workload, maintain multiple priorities, and sustain productivity and accuracy under tight deadlines.
∞ Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills.
∞ Demonstrated ability to work independently, using good judgment, resourcefulness, and initiative.
∞ BA Degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
∞ Computer proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and basic database management required.
∞ Experience in the supervision and management of personnel and volunteers.
∞ A proven ability to work with people of diverse cultural backgrounds.
∞ A commitment to improving the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning people.
Compensation
This is an exempt position with a starting salary in the low-mid 40s commensurate with experience. Includes medical, dental, and paid time off benefits.
How to apply
Submit résumé and cover letter in electronic format only. Send to: qcenterhire@gmail.com
Search remains open until filled.
Q Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, elders, differently-abled
persons, people with HIV/AIDS, and sexual minorities are strongly encouraged to apply for all
staff positions. The Q Center seeks to serve diverse communities, so we encourage applicants
to note special communication skills and related experience in their application.