Centro Cultural -- seeks new Executive Director

Centro Cultural of Washington County -- An Invitation to Apply for Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY Centro Cultural announces the retirement of its long-term Director, Sabino Sardineta. Recruitment for a new Director is underway for an exceptional opportunity with Centro Cultural. The Director is a key executive management position overseeing a variety of program services.

THE COMMUNITY Washington County and the Portland metropolitan area are nationally recognized as being among the most livable areas in the country. Located on the western edge of Portland, Washington County is the second largest and fastest growing urban county in Oregon, with approximately 530,000 residents. The community is one of Oregon's most ethnically diverse. The result of that diversity is that residents and institutions alike seek to co-exist, collaborate and enrich the community. Residents enjoy excellent schools and a unique array of cultural and recreational activities. Washington County enjoys the benefits of a healthy urban and rural environment and is only an hour's drive from the beach and the mountains and a half-hour to downtown Portland.

THE ORGANIZATION Centro Cultural of Washington County, Oregon is located in Cornelius. Centro is a nonprofit membership organization with charitable tax exempt status under section 501©(3) of the IRS Code. Centro was founded in 1972 by Mexican American migrant families who, weary of the difficulties of raising their children on the migrant circuit, decided to make their homes permanently in the area. They channeled their dreams, talents and struggles into the creation of Centro Cultural.

Centro's Mission is: "Centro Cultural promotes education and economic development, increases cultural consciousness, responds to community needs and celebrates understanding among the diverse groups of our community."

THE POSITION The role of the Executive Director is to work withthe Board of Directors to develop and carry out the mission of Centro cultural and to promote relationships with community and government agencies, private funding organizations and the community at large. The incumbent is a voice and source of hope and empowerment for the Hispanic community and maintains the integrity of the organization by being an effective voice for the voiceless on issues of poverty, justice and social bridge building.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will be an insightful and dynamic administrator with well - rounded experience in the non profit rganizations system. The incumbent will bring an engaging, team-oriented approach to the position, leading by example and inspiring the respect of others, with a commitment to employee development. The person will be knowledgeable in matters related to Hispanic families and the challenges and opportunities of the Hispanic community in particular, the ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker and an expert advisor on issues related to practices in working with Hispanic families, and community resources. The Director will welcome input and readily embrace honest and thorough discussion of matters affecting the organization and its services. With a constant focus toward "win-win" outcomes, the ideal candidate will be a creative problem-solver, decisive and accommodating, able to build consensus and ensure follow through. The ideal candidate will leverage an approachable communication style with a sound understanding of policies and practices within the organization. With a confident, organized style, the ideal candidate will be committed to the vision of Centro Cultural.

Major Job Responsibilities The Director: * Works in concert with the board of directors in developing and implementing Centro's strategic plan. * Serves as the primary public relations person and fundraiser for the organization. * Work with the Board of Directors to fulfill the mission, goals and values of the organization. * Inform the Board on a timely basis of issues, needs, developments and financial situations which affect the organization in the fulfillment of its mission. * Work with the Executive Committee to help the Board of Directors sustain itself through effective recruitment and training of Board members. * Assist the Board and its Committees in holding effective meetings. * Execute the Board's directives. * Proactively identify growth opportunities for the Center and make recommendations to the Board. * Assist the Board in recruiting and training Board members. * Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement Centro's strategic plan. * Be the primary public relations person and fundraiser for the organization. * Assure that the Board has appropriate knowledge and understanding of legal, regulatory and funding source requirements. * Is responsible for all the operations of Centro Cultural. * Recruits and retains staff-from hiring and training to effective supervision; * Develops a fiscally responsible employment benefit package; * Develops an annual proposed budget for board's review and approval; * Procures insurance coverage for the Board, staff and physical plant; * Maintains and upkeeps Centro's facilities and equipment; * Develops and maintains an active fund raising and donor relations program; * Develops leads on potential partners and volunteers for the organization; * Complies with all government funding source regulations and requirements; Administers all grants according to the guidelines of the granting agencies; and * Maintains and expands Centro's collaborative relationship with other agencies and organizations.

Qualifying Skills , Experience and Education * Understanding of the community at large and the Hispanic community in particular * Proven supervisory skills of employed and volunteer staff * Effective public speaking skills * Grant writing and fund development * Power of negotiation * Oral and written communication skills with multiple audiences reflected in excellent reading and writing skills in both English and Spanish * Ability to delegate and collaborate with measured management skills * Critical thinker and strategic planner with a vision for new possibilities consistent with the challenges facing the Hispanic community and the community at large * Strong sense of advocacy for culturally appropriate services relative to health, education and social justice * Implementation of programs and services related to basic education and lifelong learning * Sensitivity and ability to honor and embrace diversity among staff, Board and clients * Development and fiscal responsibility to manage Centro's budget

Minimum Education and Experience Required:

At least five years of executive management experience. BA/BS, MA/MS desired. Preferable experience in a related non-profit setting, work with a volunteer Board of Directors, work in grant writing and fund development. English and Spanish oral and written proficiency is required. Please submit the following documentation as part of your application: letter of application, professional résumé and the names and contact information for three professional references as well as contact information for your current supervisor and your previous supervisor if you have been in your current position for less than three years (current employer will not be contacted without your permission). Applications can be submitted electronically to: [email protected]

Applications can also be submitted via first class mail to: Executive Director Search Committee Centro Cultural of Washington County 1110 N. Adair P.O. Box 708 Cornelius, OR 97113-0708

Posted: April 17, 2010 Review of applications to begin April 30th. Applications will be accepted until successful candidate is selected.