Experienced Regional Executive Director for Reach Out and Read Iowa-Nebraska – Non-Profit Leadership and Early Childhood Development Expertise

Introduction to Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read is a renowned national non-profit organization that has been working tirelessly since 1989 to ensure all families have the opportunity to create meaningful everyday moments through shared reading aloud and building relationships. By leveraging pediatric care to champion the positive effects of reading daily and distributing books, Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success and reaches 4.2 million children across the country – half of whom identify as BIPOC and a quarter of whom come from low-income families. Our organization is committed to building an inclusive environment that embraces diversity, pursues equity, and fosters a culture of learning, empowerment, and appreciation for unique experiences.

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Regional Executive Director to launch and lead our work in Iowa and Nebraska. As the Founding Regional Executive Director, you will be responsible for driving the success of our organization in this two-state region, primarily focusing on fundraising, strategic planning, fiscal management, and elevating Reach Out and Read's brand. You will be a visible local leader for Reach Out and Read Iowa-Nebraska and a valued strategic partner for Reach Out and Read nationally, actively cultivating partnerships and utilizing effective outcomes-based approaches to your work.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the team with a strategic, outcomes-driven approach to achieve the mission and serve children, families, and communities.
• Direct and oversee team operations, including recruitment, hiring, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Maintain an organizational climate that attracts, retains, and motivates a quality, diverse staff.
• Support the professional development of the Iowa-Nebraska team, fostering cohesion and teamwork.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Reach Out and Read, representing the organization to agencies, stakeholders, and the public.
• Lead all fundraising efforts, securing support from foundations, corporations, governments, and individuals.
• Cultivate understanding within the organization that philanthropy is critical to the mission.
• Set and achieve assertive development goals by identifying opportunities for long-term sustainability and growth within Iowa and Nebraska.
• Procure state and local government funding and represent Reach Out and Read to elected officials and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement strategic goals for long-term sustainability and growth within Iowa and Nebraska.
• Engage and grow an Advisory Board of committed individuals to support and expand Reach Out and Read services.
• Collaborate with the National Director of Programs to set priorities for site support and program growth.
• Partner with Program Managers to strategize and implement continuous quality improvement systems.

State and Local Advocacy

As the Regional Executive Director, you will work to procure funding from state and local governments through their annual budgets and initiatives. You will represent Reach Out and Read to elected officials and their staff, members of the Administration, and other stakeholders in demonstrating Reach Out and Read's effectiveness in early childhood development and pediatric primary care. You will stay informed of the legislative budgeting process and Reach Out and Read's status within it, assessing other opportunities within state and local governments to ensure Reach Out and Read is integrated into early childhood and/or pediatric primary care efforts.

Operations and Finance

You will administer the annual budget and manage monthly finances, partnering with the national finance team for fiscal planning. You will oversee the allocation of books to program sites, balancing program needs and grant funding. You will ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, maintaining official records and documents. You will collaborate with the national team on communications and media strategies to support public relations initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

We respect that there are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We take a broad look at the experience of each applicant and prioritize applicants with experience dismantling the structural inequities that disproportionately impact children and families with traditionally marginalized identities. We are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below:

• Commitment to increasing equity in opportunity and outcomes for children and to recognizing factors known to significantly impact differential outcomes for children, including race, ethnicity, language, and socio-economic status.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership and management skills, including excellent organization, project management, and time-management skills, with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Strong interpersonal and public communications skills, including effective public speaking experience and excellent writing ability.
• Self-motivated and inspirational problem solver with demonstrated ability to coach, manage, and develop high-performing, diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives.
• Proven fundraising experience with demonstrated success at donor cultivation and stewardship, and grants procurement and management.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and sustaining partnerships and collaborative relationships among diverse organizations and groups at the statewide or community level.
• Experience with advocacy, political strategy, relevant public policy, and systems efforts.
• Background in, or familiarity with, early childhood development or pediatrics a plus, as is experience working in or with community health centers and/or physicians.

Position Specifications

This is a full-time (40 hours), remote working, exempt position, located in either Iowa or Nebraska. Regular travel, up to 25% time throughout Iowa and Nebraska, and attendance at one to two national meetings per year is required. Some overnight travel will be necessary to accommodate meetings.

Compensation, Benefits, and Location

Reach Out and Read offers a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range for this position is $110,000 to $120,000 per year. Reach Out and Read offers a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, and more.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As a Regional Executive Director at Reach Out and Read, you will have the opportunity to grow and develop your skills in a dynamic and supportive environment. You will be part of a national organization with a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and you will have access to training and professional development opportunities to help you succeed in your role. You will also have the chance to work with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about early childhood development and education.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Reach Out and Read is committed to building an organization that is inclusive, equitable, and just. We believe that our work should be guided by a deep appreciation for the unique experiences and perspectives that each of us brings to our communities. We strive to create a work environment that is collaborative, supportive, and empowering, where everyone feels valued and respected. Our company culture is built on a foundation of trust, transparency, and open communication, and we are committed to fostering a sense of community and belonging among our staff.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced professional with a passion for early childhood development and education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Regional Executive Director at Reach Out and Read, you will have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families in Iowa and Nebraska, and to be part of a national organization that is dedicated to promoting literacy and a love of reading. Don't hesitate to apply – we look forward to hearing from you!