Author: lrce_admin

Overview

The Louisiana Resource Center for Educators (LRCE) seeks a strategic, visionary, and mission-driven leader to serve as its next executive director. The executive director is responsible for setting and executing LRCE’s strategic vision, developing key partnerships, securing resources to expand LRCE’s reach, and ensuring programs remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the evolving needs of Louisiana’s education system. This leader will ensure LRCE continues to grow its impact, exceed state requirements, and serve as a trusted partner to school systems across Louisiana to ensure all Louisiana students have access to quality education provided by well-trained, certified teachers. Working alongside a dedicated team of six employees, the executive director is responsible for fostering an internal culture of collaboration, growth, and accountability, while positioning LRCE as a thought leader in alternative teacher preparation and policy advocacy.

Founded in 1998, LRCE has trained more than 2,000 new teachers and continues to address the state’s educator shortage by providing rigorous, high-quality training programs. As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, LRCE operates at the intersection of access and excellence, equipping teachers and teacher-leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the classroom.

Job Description

The ideal candidate has significant leadership experience, a proven ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives, and a track record of successfully securing program funding through partnerships and fundraising. This role requires experience managing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and working effectively with multiple stakeholders, including board members, staff, funders, policymakers, and education leaders. Strong communication skills, a high degree of initiative, and the ability to navigate complex challenges with adaptability and resilience are essential for success in this role.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Leadership and Management

• Set a clear vision and strategy aligned with LRCE’s mission and effectively communicate vision and strategy to the LRCE team, board, new and existing partners, and other key stakeholders
• Drive operational excellence by implementing rigorous program evaluation and ensuring high standards in finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and organizational systems
• Serve as a champion for LRCE by actively engaging and energizing board members, committees, partnering organizations, and funders
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong board of directors; serve as ex-officio of each committee and build board involvement in strategic direction
• Lead, coach, develop, and retain LRCE’s high-performance team
• Ensure effective systems to track scaling progress and regularly evaluate program components to measure success and impact

Fundraising and Communications

• Expand revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support existing programs and regional expansion
• Strengthen all aspects of communications—from web presence to external relations—to build a stronger brand
• Serve as the spokesperson for LRCE by building relationships, deploying an effective communications plan, and increasing awareness to positively represent LRCE to stakeholders and the general public, acting in the best interest of the organization

Policy and Advocacy

• Design and implement a statewide expansion strategy
• Build partnerships in new markets, establishing relationships with funders, political leaders, and community stakeholders
• Advocate for policy changes that support LRCE’s mission
• Serve as a key external presence, showcasing LRCE’s impact and positioning it as a leader in educator preparation

Education and Experience Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is required (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, education, public relations, communications); specific field of study not required
• A master’s degree in any of these fields is considered a plus; a combination of experience and education that clearly demonstrate comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities may be suitable in lieu of a master’s degree
• A minimum of seven to ten years of professional experience in a related field, demonstrating strong project management, organizational leadership, and fundraising capabilities, including at least three to five years of people management experience
• Proven experience cultivating and managing relationships, leading effective fundraising at all gift levels, and overseeing sponsorship initiatives with measurable achievement towards goals
• Experience working with a board of directors with the ability to cultivate existing board member relationships

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong visionary and strategic leadership with the ability to inspire and guide LRCE toward long-term goals, advance the organization’s mission, and motivate and support board members, staff, and partners to achieve targets
• Possesses an unwavering commitment to quality teacher-training programs and data-driven program evaluation
• Strong management skills, emotional intelligence, an ability to listen effectively, and a commitment to developing high-performing teams and achieving strategic objectives
• Exceptional communicator, comfortable speaking publicly and maintaining productive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including board members, staff, public officials, and community leaders
• Strong organizational and administrative skills, including team management, budget adherence and oversight, and project management
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure and use strong organizational skills when faced with competing priorities
• Ability to foresee and evaluate potential issues with programs or initiatives and prepare alternative solutions
• Possesses an inclusive, inspiring, and empowering leadership style that endorses teamwork, encourages an entrepreneurial culture, and promotes open, transparent communication

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $95,000- $120,000, which is commensurate with experience. In addition to base compensation, a comprehensive benefits package will be provided.

How to Apply

Candidates should submit a resume and cover letter, along with three to five references, to LRCE@emergentmethod.com.

Additional Information

The Louisiana Resource Center for Educators is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis or any protected class under federal, state, or local law.

If you’re looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others, becoming a teacher through the Louisiana Resource Center for Educators’ (LRCE) alternative certification program is a great option. Here are the top ten reasons to become a teacher in 2023 through LRCE’s alternative certification program:

1. Access to the teaching profession: LRCE’s alternative certification program provides a pathway for individuals who may not have followed a traditional route into the teaching profession. This program allows individuals with a bachelor’s degree to become certified to teach in Louisiana.
2. Job security: Teachers are in high demand, and the need for qualified educators is expected to continue to grow in the coming years. This means that job security is high, and there are many opportunities for advancement within the field.
3. Competitive salary and benefits: Teachers are compensated fairly for their hard work, and many schools offer excellent benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
4. Flexibility: LRCE’s alternative certification program allows individuals to become certified while still working in another field. This allows for flexibility in scheduling and location.
5. Lifelong learning: Teachers are lifelong learners themselves, constantly seeking out new knowledge and skills to improve their teaching practice and stay up-to-date with the latest educational trends and technologies.
6. Collaboration: Teachers work closely with colleagues, administrators, and parents to create a supportive learning environment for their students. This collaboration fosters a sense of community and teamwork, which can be highly rewarding.
7. Access to resources: LRCE’s alternative certification program provides access to resources and support, including mentorship and professional development opportunities.
8. Diversity: Teaching is a diverse profession, with educators coming from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. This diversity fosters a rich and inclusive learning environment for students.
9. Sense of purpose: Ultimately, teaching provides a strong sense of purpose and meaning, as educators have the opportunity to help shape the future by educating the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
10. Making a difference: As a teacher, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of your students. You can inspire, motivate, and challenge them to achieve their full potential.

In conclusion, becoming a teacher through LRCE’s alternative certification program is an excellent career choice with many rewards and opportunities. If you are passionate about education and making a positive impact on the lives of others, consider pursuing a career in teaching in 2023 through LRCE’s alternative certification program.