Presents….

President/CEO of AchieveMpls ~

Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, AchieveMpls, in its search for President and CEO.

“As the strategic nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Public Schools, our

shared goal is every student, career and college ready.”

www.achievempls.org www.ballingerleafblad.com

PRESENTING OUR CLIENT ~ AchieveMpls

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION ~

Founded in 2002, AchieveMpls is the strategic nonprofit partner of the Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS). With a $2.35 million budget and more than 30 staff members, the organization is fiscally strong and enjoys enthusiastic support from business, government and the philanthropic community. It is governed by a dedicated AchieveMpls board of directors.

The Twin Cities has one of the largest racial employment and education achievement gaps in the country. And by 2018, 70 percent of all jobs in Minnesota will require some form of post-secondary education. The stakes couldn't be higher for our young people – especially young people of color—and for our region.

AchieveMpls is equipping Minneapolis high school students to meet these challenges head-on. As the nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Public Schools, AchieveMpls provides personalized career and college planning resources, work readiness training, on-the-job experience, and professional

mentors to help students become career and c0llege ready for the workforce.

AchieveMpls manages career and college centers in MPS high schools and directs the STEP-UP Achieve Youth Employment Program with the City of Minneapolis. It also mobilizes volunteers and sparks community conversations on public education and issues impacting young people.

AchieveMpls raises corporate and foundation money for MPS for the district's key priorities, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM), career and college readiness, Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), human resource development and more.

Investing in Minneapolis students reaps rich rewards for the entire community. As more young people achieve their dreams of college, meaningful work and a bright future, we all benefit from a new generation of dynamic leaders, a strong economy and a vibrant city.

Partnership for student success is at the heart of everything at AchieveMpls.

Strong community partnerships lead to increased student achievement, enhanced social capital, and a greater likelihood of graduation and career success. The organization believes all young people can achieve their greatest potential in school, work and life when they have strong schools and a generous community to support them.

Seventy-two of the AchieveMpls partner organizations have demonstrated outstanding commitment to Minneapolis students through their generous financial and program support, as well as their strategic leadership and collaboration in this work. AchieveMpls provides great opportunities for community members to

make a difference for youth as volunteers -- both long-term, as school-year Graduation Coaches and short-term, as Career Fair presenters and STEP-UP Mock Interviewers.

In collaboration with Minneapolis Public Schools, AchieveMpls manages more than 100 funds that benefit Minneapolis schools, teachers, classrooms and students.

AchieveMpls staff feel great pride in their organization which they view as a thought leader. The organization is financially stable and well thought of by funders. The reputation and results at AchieveMpls make them happy to be part of the team.

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As the strategic partner of Minneapolis Public Schools, our shared goal is every student, career and college ready. AchieveMpls raises millions of dollars for MPS from corporations and foundations for career and college readiness, early literacy, STEM education, leadership development and other strategic district priorities. AchieveMpls directs its own career and college readiness programs, including Career & College Centers in MPS high schools and the STEP-UP Achieve Youth Employment Program with the City of Minneapolis. And it engages the community as volunteers, employers & donors helping students reach career & college dreams.

Learn more at www.achievempls.org

SERVICES PROVIDED ~

STEP-UP Achieve - Part of the City of Minneapolis STEP-UP program, this service provides vital job training, mentoring and internships for Minneapolis youth who face some of the greatest barriers to employment. Each year the program connects 800 youth with more than 160 top Twin Cities employers -- from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses, public agencies and nonprofits -- providing tremendous career opportunities for young people and building a stronger workforce for the knowledge-based global economy.

Community in the Schools – The Community in the Schools program connects volunteers with Minneapolis students as Graduation Coaches, Career Fair presenters and STEP-UP Achieve Mock Interviewers.

Collaboration for Student Success - AchieveMpls partners with Minneapolis Public Schools to accomplish the shared goal of every student, career and college ready and dramatically improves outcomes for all students. AchieveMpls collaborates with other organizations and networks that are helping young people secure the skills, resources and connections they need to succeed. Together they work to align strategies, create common goals and

metrics, and build effective programs for a student’s success.

AchieveMpls raises millions of dollars for MPS from corporations and foundations for career and college readiness, early literacy, STEM education and other strategic district priorities.

The organization supports MPS by managing individual school funds, administering more than 60 college scholarships and awarding mini-grants for classroom projects and staff development.

And the organization partners with MPS on career and college readiness initiatives, using new technologies to help reach students who have the greatest need for additional support.

Career & College Centers - Career & College Centers (CCCs) in MPS high schools help young people make their life dreams and career and college aspirations become reality. They offer the personal attention and strategic guidance that all students need to make a plan for success after graduation -- whether that means college, technical training, work or other opportunities.

CCCs are staffed by professional AchieveMpls coordinators who are trained in the key elements of college and career readiness. Many are licensed school counselors. The coordinators provide resources for all students, as well as targeted support for those who need extra help exploring careers or navigating the college process. They also track individual student progress to ensure all graduating seniors have a plan for life after high school.

All CCCs offer:

My Life Plan activities and assessments

Career Fairs with local professionals College fairs, tours and recruiter visits ACT test preparation College application assistance FAFSA, financial and scholarship

assistance Resume writing, job interview, and

financial literacy workshops

MISSION ~

As the strategic nonprofit partner of the Minneapolis Public Schools, we mobilize a wide web of community support to ensure academic achievement, equitable opportunities and career and college readiness for all students. We believe that preparing our young people to succeed in school, work and life is the best investment we can make in our city’s health and vitality. VISION, VALUES AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE ~

All young people in Minneapolis will succeed in school, work and life, and our community will thrive as a result of the talent, diversity and vitality of the next generation.

MSP Students are talented, capable and eager to learn. To realize their potential they need access to opportunity, a supportive learning environment, strong teachers and mentors and the knowledge and skills to pursue their goals.

All students can and do benefit from career and college readiness services, but a commitment to equity means prioritizing for those with the greatest needs and barriers. Providing all students with the level of resources they need to be successful is a collective responsibility.

Young people benefit from the greater community involvement and partnerships. Student success is the responsibility of our entire community because schools alone cannot do the work of educating and nurturing our young people.

Both public and private resources are necessary for young people to achieve their goals. Education is the best investment we can make in our youth, community and city’s future.

Public education is the foundation of a healthy democracy. It strengthens our civic life and social fabric and ensures an informed, engaged and cohesive community.

Staff at AchieveMpls describe the organizational culture as one that is growth-oriented with a strong belief in the potential of all students. Dedicated team members are committed to making meaningful connections that bring results. Staff at AchieveMpls value the encouragement and inspiration they get from each other and they seek continuous improvement in their work. But, busy schedules can make it hard to be planful at times.

PRESENTING THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT/CEO ~

The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic leadership for the organization and reports directly to the AchieveMpls Board of Directors.

Primary Responsibilities 1. Leadership and Vision

Provide strategic vision for the organization and for its individual program areas.

Lead, motivate and support staff to realize the mission and goals of the organization through high quality programs, strong administrative practices and a commitment to accountability for results.

Maintain the independence and integrity of the organization in its role as an intermediary with other public, private and nonprofit partners.

2. Institutional Relations

Work with the Superintendent of Schools and senior leaders in MPS to

align policy and practices, implement the Memorandum of Agreement and ensure a productive working relationship with individuals from the central office to school sites.

Work with the Mayor of Minneapolis, mayoral staff and staff with Minneapolis Employment and Training Program (METP) to ensure alignment on issues related to workforce development and other partnership opportunities

Maintain close ties with leaders in the business community to ensure support for programs impacting youth in Minneapolis. Primary relationships include local Chambers, business roundtables and corporations.

3. Community & Public Relations

Serve as spokesperson for the organization to the media.

Represent the organization at the local, state and national level.

Connect with a wide and diverse group of partners and stakeholders, including elected officials, civic and business leaders, nonprofit allies and the general public.

Work with the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop key messages and positions and to effectively share those messages through the website, email, social media, print and broadcast outlets and internal communications.

4. Fundraising

Provide strategic direction for fundraising initiatives with corporate and philanthropic partners and individual major donors.

Work with the Director of Development to create and implement a fundraising plan to meet and exceed the annual organizational budget.

Build and maintain relationships with corporate and philanthropic partners and individual donors and actively and directly engage in fundraising.

5. Program Management

Oversee existing programs and the development of new programs to further the organization’s mission.

6. Leadership and Management of Senior Staff

Hire, supervise, support and evaluate senior leadership of the organization, including six direct reports.

Ensure a positive culture of continuous improvement of programs and services and professional development for staff.

Ensure accountability of program goals through evaluation and rigorous commitment to the use of data.

7. Financial Management

Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to ensure strong systems of financial management of the organization.

Monitor finances of the organization on a monthly, quarterly and yearly basis.

Ensure the organization’s continued financial sustainability through long-term planning, forecasting and oversight.

8. Board of Directors

Engage with board members, using their abilities to further the goals of the organization.

Support board members and committees with regular and open communications.

Serve on the Finance Committee and Executive Committee, and the Development Committee as needed.

Evaluate and measure the results of programs; make changes as needed to enhance programmatic outcomes.

DESIRED EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP STYLE AND CHARACTERISTICS:

The ideal candidate will possess background and experience in K-12 education or non-profit leadership in youth mentoring, college preparation, career readiness programs or related fields. He or she will have strong external relations and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures. A background of successful fundraising in the Twin Cities area will be preferred. Knowledge and interaction with public school systems and/or school boards such as the Minneapolis Public Schools would be helpful for this role.

The new President and CEO will bring superior strategic planning and implementation skills along with an orientation to help the organization grow into the future. Further, this individual will have an unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation. Financial and budgeting skills will be valuable as well. For this executive position, collaboration is key. The fully qualified candidate will have superior organizational management skills with the proven ability to positively coach and develop staff. He or she will be politically astute, and able to work thoughtfully and diplomatically with multiple interest groups. Skills in working with a board of directors and an approach of cultivating strong and positive board member relationships will be highly valued. The AchieveMpls board describes itself as committed, positive and collegial. They look forward to supporting and encouraging the new President and CEO. Strong written and verbal communication skills are important for the President and CEO. This role is best suited for a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal abilities and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals and groups of all sizes from academic teams and business organizations to individual donors and community groups. The ideal candidate will be action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative. He or she will be a capable problem solver with an ability to focus on multiple tasks and priorities. Finally, the following characteristics are critical for the new President and CEO: Integrity, honesty, passion, positive attitude, creativity and mission-orientation.

BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD WELCOMES YOU TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marcia Ballinger, PhD Lars Leafblad, MBA Co-Founder/Principal Co-Founder/Principal

651-341-4840 612-598-7547 marcia@ballingerleafblad.com lars@ballingerleafblad.com

AchieveMpls is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer