Partner, Strategic Initiatives & Operations

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Promise54 is a nonprofit committed to empowering social justice organizations by cultivating inclusive cultures and optimizing systems to attract and retain top talent. We drive innovation through equity, creating environments where both people and missions thrive. Our vision is a future where social justice efforts flourish with diverse, inclusive teams and innovative, equity-centered cultures. We enhance organizational effectiveness through strategic support in leadership, culture, and talent systems, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. By making people our greatest asset and fostering a supportive, engaging workplace, we strive to be a model of the values and practices we advocate—creating a significant impact in the social sector, which our world needs now more than ever.

OUR ETHOS

At Promise54, one of our most sacred guiding principles is Radical Humanity. Both internally and with our client partners, we’re focused on authentic relationships and deep engagement.

Endeavoring to operate in this way requires that we believe in the innate brilliance of each human. We assume imperfection is the norm and extend the grace of second chances to each other knowing that lifelong learning is not only inevitable but it fuels experimentation, risk-taking, growth, and innovation. We believe that process is as important as outcomes, and that good intentions don’t trump painful impact. Qualitative life experience is acknowledged as valid, real data. Perhaps most importantly, we are working to slow down and bring intentionality, planfulness, care, compassion, humor, joy, and love into our work.

In service to these commitments, our team is committed to 5 core values that guide our work together:

• • Champion Justice: We acknowledge the impact of systematic oppression and are committed to pursuing justice. We help to create the conditions to interrogate and shift mindsets, behaviors, and structures, while examining ourselves in the process. We act boldly in our pursuit of diverse, inclusive, equitable, and antiracist workplaces by challenging the status quo, spotting and dismantling inequities, sharing power, and elevating and centering historically silenced voices.
  • Embrace Possibility: We approach our work with a sense of possibility, adaptability, and optimism. We invest time in new ideas, engage in thoughtful problem-solving, and explore innovative ways to team with each other and with our client partners.
  • Be Well: We know that to do our best work, we must accept and support each other in all of our humanity. We have fun, laugh out loud, find joy in our work together, celebrate each other’s life milestones, and live unapologetically in our own skin. We practice flexibility related to where and how we get our work done, respecting each other’s professional preferences and life priorities. We carve out time to relax, recharge, and refuel individually and as a team.
  • Pursue Impact: We are committed to helping people thrive so they can bring the full weight of their talent and passion to the communities they serve. To do so, we pursue transformational outcomes with our client partners and, in the process, we choose courage over comfort. We strive to deliver excellent work and an unparalleled client partner experience to inspire effective action, advance equity, and help our client partners realize their missions.
  • Practice Curiosity: We don’t have all of the answers, so we listen closely to our colleagues, our client partners, our schools, and our communities, as they tell us what’s working and what’s not. We embrace those who push our thinking while helping us make progress. This learning makes us and our work better.

HOW WE PARTNER

At Promise54, we’re obsessed with the interconnectedness and complexities of relationships between people, their work, and their organizations.

We bring that passion into our partnerships along with humility, care, humor, and intentionality. Because we believe transformative change begins with the individual, we support our client partners to interrogate the ways in which their own behaviors and habits contribute to maintaining or dismantling systems of inequity.

We support our client partners to foster spaces where the voices and experiences of those who have been historically silenced can be shared and centered and where staff find connection across lines of difference, learn from one another, and bridge perspectives. We do all of our work with an emphasis on race while honoring, supporting, and leveraging intersecting identities.

Promise54 provides services and supports at several levels:

Individuals and Teams: We support leaders and teams to thrive through executive, group, and career coaching, cohort-based learning and convenings, and curated retreats designed to create community, connection, and dedicated spaces for reflection and growth.

Organizations: Through tailored advising partnerships coupled with proprietary tools and powerful benchmarking, we equip organizations with an understanding of their assets and challenge areas at the intersection of talent systems, culture, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism (DEI). We focus on supporting and enhancing organizational effectiveness, inclusive cultures, and equitable systems. Our executive search practice centers equity, deepens inclusion, and interrupts bias throughout the hiring process to help organizations realize the potential for impact presented by executive transitions and expansion.

The Field: We conduct field-level research, mine for insights, and disseminate our findings widely to support leaders in their work to build thriving organizational environments where truly effective DEI practices drive stronger outcomes. Our research products include quantitative and qualitative reports such as 2017’s Unrealized Impact (with which we launched our organization), a set of DEI case studies that delve deeply into the experiences of three client partner organizations as they initiate and navigate new DEI initiatives, and most recently, our 2021 release of Unrealized Impact 2.0 – The Hard Truth About Where We Are and Ways To Move Forward.

Hallmarks of our approach include rigorous data-driven assessments and insights, thought leadership, tailored strategic support, attentive project management, and highly skilled facilitation – all informed by our own expertise, research, and lived experiences. 

THIS OPPORTUNITY

The Partner of Strategy and Operations will be the CEO’s right hand in executing our new strategic plan and driving the growth of the organization. This role will support the CEO with leadership, strategic planning, growth, organizational development, and board management. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a passion for social justice and a proven track record in organizational growth and development.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EXECUTION

• • Collaborate with the CEO to refine and implement the multi-year strategic plan.
  • Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure alignment with strategic goals.
  • Define the future of Promise54’s product offerings and consulting services to drive market enthusiasm and growth.
  • Identify and prioritize growth opportunities and strategic initiatives.
  • Manage consultants supporting these priorities.

LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• • Support the CEO in leading and managing the organization, ensuring team alignment and effectiveness.
  • Develop and execute strategies to enhance organizational culture and employee engagement.
  • Oversee and support the Director of Employee Experience and related functions.

FUNDING SUPPORT AND RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:

• • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community leaders.
  • Ensure high-quality grant writing, reporting, and compliance to achieve successful funding outcomes.

OPERATIONS:

• • Oversee day-to-day operations to align with strategic objectives, including managing the Director of Employee Experience and collaborating with the CEO, key stakeholders, and vendors.
  • Lead the annual budgeting process and provide recommendations for improving operational efficiency and effectiveness.

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION:

• • Prepare and present reports on strategic initiatives, progress, and outcomes to the CEO, Board of Directors, and other relevant stakeholders.
  • Support the CEO in preparing communications, meeting materials, and presentations.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

• • Provide strategic counsel to the CEO on board relations, support recruitment and onboarding of new board members, and prepare performance reports.
  • Schedule and organize board meetings, prepare and distribute agendas and materials, and manage logistics.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the board and the CEO, ensuring effective communication and engagement.
  • Maintain accurate board records, track action items, and ensure compliance with board policies and procedures.
  • Organize board retreats, and training sessions, and follow up on board member attendance and participation.

REQUISITE SKILLS, PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND EXPERIENCES

The ideal candidate will possess the qualifications and attributes outlined in the sections below.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a related field required; Master’s degree preferred. Minimum of 3 years in strategy, growth management, organizational change, or employee experience roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position. Proven track record working effectively with executive leadership. Experience with nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on social justice and equity, and experience in consulting are highly desirable.

General Knowledge and Skills: Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership skills, with the ability to drive growth and change. Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal. High-level organizational and project management capabilities. Deep understanding of DEI principles and experience implementing them. Expertise in employee engagement, HR practices, and cross-cultural competency. Skilled in using software and tools for various functions, including payroll and benefits administration. Ability to audit practices and structures to enhance organizational alignment and efficiency.

Leadership and Management: Exemplify Promise54’s vision and values in leadership. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, manage organizational change and handle transitions effectively. Exceptional project management skills with a track record of delivering high-impact results. Skill in evaluating performance, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to enhance effectiveness.

Cultural Competency: Strong commitment to social justice and an understanding of the challenges within a mission-driven organization. Experience designing and implementing programs that support a diverse and inclusive workplace culture.

Problem-solving and Analytical Skills: Expertise in identifying and addressing complex strategic issues. Proficiency in managing organizational transitions, developing creative solutions, and optimizing resource use. Strong skills in analyzing data and KPIs, assessing market trends, and supporting budgeting and financial forecasting.

Collaboration and Communication: Key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to strategic direction. Ability to build strong relationships, communicate effectively, and engage stakeholders. Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.

Client Partnerships: Engage with clients to understand their needs, providing expert advice and tailored solutions.

Personal Attributes: High emotional intelligence with a compassionate, values-driven approach. Strong alignment with the organization’s mission and a passion for advancing social justice. Proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Additional Requirements: Flexibility to thrive in a small, evolving nonprofit environment. Willingness to travel as needed and availability for occasional evenings and weekends. Other duties as assigned.

LOCATION

Our work is national in scope, and our team is virtual with team members located in the Atlanta, Denver, and Los Angeles metro areas. The location for this role is flexible, though the Partner should be generally proficient working with teammates and client partners distributed across all U.S. time zones. Additionally, the Partner should possess the willingness and availability to travel.

BENEFITS

• Competitive salary with performance bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible, remote work environment

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest by October 11th, 2024.

Please follow these steps:

• • Visit the Opportunities section on our website and find the “Partner” role
  • Answer a brief set of questions about you
  • Below the questions, you’ll be able to upload your current resume and cover letter

If you encounter any technical difficulties, please contact: admin@promise54.org

Note: We are only considering applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.

Promise54 is a 501(c)3 organization deeply committed to providing equal opportunities.

We are a diverse organization serving other diverse organizations and we are committed to non-discrimination.

It is our policy to ensure that all individuals with whom we are in contact are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

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