Visual Aid Volunteers, Inc. (VAV) is seeking an Executive Director to work closely with the Board of Directors to continue fulfilling the mission.
Background
Visual Aid Volunteers, Inc. (VAV) is a nonprofit organization, located in historic downtown Garland, Texas. VAV began in the fall of 1960 with a pilot project approved by the Garland School Board and Texas Education Agency. Volunteers, including parents of visually impaired children and motivated civic leaders, came together to form Visual Aid Volunteers. The pilot program agreement established that this volunteer group would provide all braille materials for visually impaired students of Garland Independent School District (GISD). As a result of this initiative, GISD became the first school district in Texas to have blind and low-vision students attend public school with their sighted peers. VAV incorporated in 1962 and continues today as a self-sustaining, non-profit organization, though no longer all volunteer.
VAV's mission is: To promote the independence and success of people with visual impairments by providing quality braille materials. For over 150 years Braille has been recognized as the most effective means of reading and writing for the blind. Blind people have found Braille an indispensable tool in their education, their work, and their daily lives. It is the only way to complete literacy, and literacy is the ability to read, write and to do the two interactively. We believe in the importance of literacy and do not want any blind student to get left behind because they do not have access to their print materials in an accessible format.
The Executive Director will:
- Provide leadership, vision, and the day-to-day management of operations, programs and fundraising activities.
- Build and manage critical relationships with key constituencies: TEA, board members, donors, community partners, local schools, and staff.
- Work with the VAV Board of Directors to clarify and implement strategic goals, broaden database of support through successful fundraising and communications, manage the annual budget, and oversee the financial health and stability of the organization.
- Participate as a non-voting Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors and acts as the Corresponding Secretary for the Board.
- Hire, manage training, and support a team and ensure the quality of all programming.
- Write grants and prepare and oversee RFP's / RFQ's for current and future vendors.
- Manage all aspects of human resource administration including payroll and benefits coordination.
- Review and sign checks.
- Maintain Vendor database and ensure all aspects of accounts payable and accounts receivable is current.
- Manage projects, deadlines, and coordinate Quality Control Procedures.
- Assist team, when needed, with production and shipping of materials.
A Passion for the Mission
The Executive Director will have a passion for the mission of VAV and the organization’s history, model, and potential for future impact. This leader will be driven to create opportunities for students with visual impairments in the community. They will model openness, honesty, and accountability to colleagues, volunteers, donors, and all others involved with VAV. The Executive Director will be an empathic leader, treating others with respect.
An Expertise in Development and Fundraising
The Executive Director will be an experienced leader with a measurable history of success in fundraising and development. This leader will have the expertise and mindset to build out VAV's development operation and will bring their own network to the organization. This leader will also build strong relationships with current and potential donors and the board, and create special events throughout the year. The ideal candidate will have a knowledge of the DFW philanthropic, non-profit, business, and education landscape.
Education & Experience
The Executive Director will have an Advanced Degree in Education, Social Work, and/or a strong background working in a related field.
Not-For-Profit Management or other relevant field and/or a minimum of five years of equivalent experience in volunteer administration / management, preferably in a non-profit environment or working within an education environment or related program with persons with disabilities.
Skilled in basic accounting and accounting software. *Experience in Sage (Peachtree) or QuickBooks a plus.
Proficiently use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro
Salary: $65,000-$75,000 per year (starting)
Benefits: The Company offers individual health, vision, and dental insurance benefits for eligible Full-Time Employees beginning after the first full three (3) months of employment. Eligible employees may elect to participate in available health plan(s) offered by the Company.
Holiday Pay: The Company observes the following holidays each year: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Friday after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.
Retirement Plan: Visual Aid Volunteers, Inc. offers a retirement program for eligible Full-Time and Part-Time Employees who are twenty-one (21) years of age or older. The Company contributes to the employee’s retirement plan according to a set schedule. Eligible employees may contribute to the retirement plan at the start of employment. Employer percentage contributions to the retirement program is reviewed and determined annually by the Visual Aid Board of Directors
Location: 617 W. State St., Garland, TX
VAV is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and people who identify as LGBTQ+. We actively engage individuals from all backgrounds. We are committed to embracing diversity within our organization because we believe that diverse employee teams help us to achieve our best organizational outcomes and provide the most effective support to the communities we serve. We are dedicated to creating and maintaining an inclusive and supportive work environment. For More Information, Visit: www.vavtx.org |
