Position Description August 20, 2013 The seeks to improve the effectiveness of education in fostering both personal development and leadership. More specifically, the Memorial Fund works collaboratively to improve education for Connecticut s children by strengthening the involvement of parents and the community in education, informing the public debate on educational issues, and supporting school change. HISTORY Archibald Graustein was in the first generation of his family born in the United States and the first in the family to graduate college. In 1946, he established the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund in memory of his late brother for religious, charitable, scientific, literary and educational purposes. During Archibald s lifetime, the Memorial Fund primarily supported schools and hospitals, institutions that he saw as enabling his generation s advancement. After a bequest in 1993 from Archibald s widow, Hallie Hubbard Graustein, dramatically increased its assets, the Memorial Fund adopted a single strategic focus: the improvement of K- 12 education in Connecticut, with a strong emphasis on early care and education. Throughout its history, the Memorial Fund has sought to both respond to current needs and honor the experiences and achievements of this 19 th -century immigrant family. Headquartered in Hamden, Connecticut, the Memorial Fund, with assets of slightly more than $100 million and an operating budget of $7 million, seeks to improve school success for all children in the State of Connecticut with a strong focus on the years from birth to age eight. THE ORGANIZATION In 1993 the Memorial Fund established a three pronged strategy and over the last twenty years has created networks of relations that effectively integrate these elements: Community Engagement supporting parents and communities in the development of early childhood education plans. Fostering the development of the capacity of communities to organize, analyze, reflect and act on behalf of young children. Public Policy and Advocacy raising the level of awareness and discussion of early childhood issues and opportunities at the legislative, executive and public levels.
Page 2. Improvement of Instruction and Educational Leadership partnering with school districts to develop leadership, build capacity and expand knowledge for improved student outcomes. The first two elements are now merged in the Discovery Initiative, which works with 52 towns and cities across the state, advocacy groups and state government to build an early childhood system at both the state and local levels with communities working as full partners from creating the vision to implementation. This deeply collaborative work contributed significantly to the establishment this year of a state Office of Early Childhood Education. The Memorial Fund established the Connecticut Center for School Change in 1994 to address K- 12 instructional improvement. The Center now has its own governing board and has attracted other sources of support that exceed the Memorial Fund s contribution. The Fund is committed to ensuring that those who are affected by policies have a voice in creating them. As a learning organization, the Fund is also committed to supporting research that informs both its own practice and the field. The Memorial Fund s Board is currently made up of 2 family and 6 non-family members who share a commitment to the values and vision of the Fund. The board has affirmed its commitment to community engagement and policy level work on behalf of young children. It has also stated its intention to pay increased attention to affecting structures that disadvantage the poor and people of color. BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES Reporting to Board via its lead trustee, William Graustein, the will provide the overall leadership and direction for the Memorial Fund, managing all operations and activities. With the Board, the will help set the vision, define the mission, establish the strategic direction and focus, and continue the efforts to strengthen community engagement and advance educational reform. He/she will make it a priority to preserve and build upon the collegial and collaborative spirit that exists internally with the Board and staff and externally with its grantees/partners and the broader community of stakeholders including local and state legislators. Working closely with the Trustees, the will oversee program initiatives throughout the State of Connecticut to advance educational equity. He/she will: manage a dedicated staff of 10; review, evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of the Fund s grantmaking and program initiatives; and implement policies, procedures, goals and objectives as established by the Board. The will serve as the principal spokesperson and public face
Page 3. for the Memorial Fund, representing its mission and purpose to diverse constituencies throughout Connecticut and beyond. The will oversee: human resources; grantmaking programs; program initiatives, partnerships and outreach; office administration; and accounting and reporting. He/she will also translate Board objectives into specific plans for achievement. In consultation with the Board, the will make policy recommendations and develop shortterm and long-range targets and strategies. IDEAL VALUES The should reflect the following values and aspirations: A values-driven leader with experience in and commitment to community engagement. A seasoned leader who is community focused and committed to shared leadership. A naturally consultative and inclusive management style. A visionary with the maturity, confidence, wisdom and collaborative skills necessary to garner the trust and confidence of the Board, staff and partners. A champion of racial and social justice. An awareness of, and ability to identify, structures of inequity. Attentive to opportunities for affecting structures that disadvantage the poor and people of color. Deep emotional intelligence to deal effectively with multiple constituencies and complex relationships across differing communities and regions of the state. Commitment to the education of children, with emphasis on the importance of the early years. A reflective practitioner. A commitment to and experience with learning, exploring and sharing for a common purpose. A listener who values and appreciates hearing everyone and is able to learn from the stories of others. Ability to think conceptually, critically and strategically. An agile learner with intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas. The knowledge to assess risk and willingness to take prudent risks. An ability to lead by example. A caring leader with integrity, honesty and a sense of humility who values learning and exploration.
Page 4. Respect for the role of government in this arena; experience with and respect for public/private partnerships. Commitment to collaborating with communities. KEY PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Gain comprehensive knowledge and insights into the Memorial Fund s history, mission, values, culture, programs, diverse constituencies/voices and infrastructure to further the Fund s legacy and commitment to full community engagement. Understand and embrace the values of the Graustein family, which provide the underpinning of the Fund. Create opportunities for the family to connect with the work of the Fund and for the Fund to be aware of the civic and charitable work of the family. Ensure a smooth transition of executive leadership that is both supportive and respectful of all involved after the tenure of a successful long-term leader. Help support, manage and implement the current strategic plan through 2014 and maintain existing commitment to partners, stakeholders and strategy. Oversee the development of future strategic planning. Test and evaluate the plan s assumptions in light of internal circumstances and a scan of the environment, modifying as appropriate during the course of the year. Establish an effective working relationship with the Board and Lead Trustee as thought partners, gaining their confidence and forging relationships that uphold good governance and bring forth best ideas and efforts. Understand Board governance structure and policies. Manage a dedicated staff. Build strong relationships with the staff and work closely with them to foster cohesiveness. Set benchmarks with staff and hold them accountable. Ensure that the Fund s work and the work of its staff reflect its values and mission. Oversee the Fund s team of consultants. Provide professional development opportunities for staff to enhance their abilities. Contribute expertise and make best use of the Fund s convening power and ability to promote effective partnerships for educational equity as a part of its community engagement strategy. Support communities becoming more inclusive, equitable and effective in their work to support young children and other issues.
Page 5. Make knowledge management a priority, ensuring that the articulation of practices, sharing of lessons learned and adoption of insights continues to inform the field of early childhood education and leads to continuous improvement in performance. Review the Memorial Fund s administrative and management systems, internal policies and procedures. Make and implement recommendations for their continued enhancement. Present budgets and work plans for Board approval and manage within the financial and programmatic parameters established by the Board. Provide adequate information and communication systems to support the Board and the Memorial Fund s operations. Maintain an efficient process for managing, reviewing and evaluating Foundation initiatives. Establish and monitor appropriate success metrics. Engage with the Lead Trustee s work on leadership development; exploit synergies with the Fund s efforts. Maintain a relationship with the Graustein family s philanthropic advisor; be alert for opportunities for mutual support. IDEAL EXPERIENCE The should have the following experience. Relevant leadership experience in the nonprofit or public sectors a business background is acceptable only if he/she has significant nonprofit board or government service. Demonstrated achievement and accomplishment in current and prior positions. Senior-level managerial experience, with proven ability to lead strategically and manage a values- and mission-driven organization. A demonstrated record of converting vision into working programs. A thoughtful approach to and understanding of the role of philanthropy an ability to use the tools of philanthropy beyond grant dollars to maximize the contribution of the Memorial Fund to effect change to promote educational equity. Strong track record as a motivator, collaborator, community organizer, innovator and builder of partnerships across multiple dimensions of diversity. A comfort level with bringing together and building trust among diverse groups to promote a common cause. A natural convener able to share, learn and listen effectively with sensitivity to the interests of all at the table and to build consensus and inspire strong enduring partnerships.
Page 6. Experience in conceiving, analyzing, implementing and evaluating program initiatives in education or other relevant fields. Experience working with state government and a familiarity with the legislative process. An understanding of the Connecticut State Legislature and/or Executive Branch can prove helpful. A history of communicating effectively and openly, both verbally and in writing, with a broad range of individuals and organizations. Applications, nominations and contact information should be sent to Paul Spivey at WCGMF@PhillipsOppenheim.com. For additional information on: the, please visit http://wcgmf.org The Connecticut Center for School Change, please visit http://www.ctschoolchange.org William Graustein s work in leadership development, please visit http://www.ceio.org and http://clpnewhaven.org August 2013