Project Graduation
Executive Director
Since 1988 Project Graduation has been providing a safe, fun and welcoming allnight graduation party for Durham’s high school seniors and their guests. It
relies on volunteer support and donations to ensure that Durham’s graduating
seniors can experience this important life passage without the dangers of
alcohol, drugs or violence so often found at private graduation parties.
The Executive Director, Project Graduation’s only paid staff, is responsible for
planning, coordinating and overseeing all aspects of this important communitywide event. The position reports to the Board of Directors and supervises a cadre
of volunteer staff. The position is part-time (hours per week to be determined) and
is home-based. Although it is a year-round position, the greatest workload is in
January to May leading up to the event.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
Passion for Mission
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Ability to translate mission into concrete action items
Substantive knowledge of the organization’s client base and stakeholders
Compelling way of engaging business, government and other nonprofits in
valuable partnerships
 Knows how to market and brand the organization to create interest in the
mission and in sponsorship opportunities
Strategic Planning & Decision Making
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Strong analytical skills
Reliance on data to make key decisions
Ability to conduct both short- and long-term prioritization for the
organization
 Knowledge of how to describe key goals so the correct action follows the
decision to make a goal a priority
Resource Generation
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Prior fundraising success. Knowledge of and participation in: grant
procurement; capital campaigns; individual donor; planned giving;
corporate sponsorship and special events
 Basic understanding of how to build a strong financial platform for the
organization
 Knows how to internally and externally report the financial status of the
organization to avoid crisis situations and build trust
Financial Management
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Personal integrity
Knowledge of basic accounting protocols and ability to review finances to
build consensus around priorities and monitor ongoing expenditures
 Willingness to work with the board to ensure the sustainability and overall
health of the organization
Talent Management
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Ability to attract, retain and develop volunteers
Ability to recruit and engage a strong board
General capacity-building/training skills
Impartial, objective evaluation and assessment skills
Understands how to get the best out of team; strong team-building skills
Communication
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Communicates well in person and in writing with all kinds of stakeholders
and clients
Comfortable serving as the public face of the organization
Knows how to engage audiences of varying sizes and interests in the
business of the mission
Works easily with the press and public media representatives
Can be relied upon to deliver messages with tact, diplomacy and
appropriate messaging
Has strong skills in social media and IT
Problem-Solving
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Can-do personality
Creative about building bridges between and among competing interests
Quick to consult others with expertise, evaluate input and come to clear
decisions
Cultural Competence
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Has worked with a diverse client base
Is committed to building an organization reflecting distinct points of view
and interpretations of mission success
 Tactful; respectful of differences
 Encourages cultural and other forms of tolerance
Outreach/Community Interface
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Builds relevant partnerships with corporate, civic and other organizations
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Appropriately projects the mission and vision to a wide variety of
audiences
Personal Traits & Executive Demeanor
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Commitment to the mission and the organization
Analytical thinker, quick-study, strategic
Financially responsible and capable
Resilient
Enjoys meeting challenges
Demonstrates a sense of humor
People person, gregarious and fun-loving; easily enlists others in the
mission
Skilled organization representative and communicator
Generates trust and loyalty in others; credible leader
Holds self personally accountable; has integrity
Energetic; persistent about achieving goals
Continuing Learner; keeps up with industry trends, competitors and
emerging opportunities
Experience
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Prior project management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
Prior successful fundraising experience