Executive Director

ABOUT SAM & DEVORAH FOUNDATION FOR TRANSGENDER YOUTH

Sam and Devorah Foundation for Trans Youth (SDFTY) was founded in 2016 to
honor the memory of Sam Price. Its mission is to support trans and nonbinary
youth by offering safe spaces and programs where they can connect, thrive and
be empowered. Together with a hands-on Board and committed staff, the
Foundation runs teen and young adult retreats, the Trans Voices storytelling
event, and its signature program, the Trans Mentor Project. The Trans Mentor
Program is a national e-mentoring program that pairs trans and nonbinary
(TGNB) youth and young adults with TGNB adult mentors, currently serving
youth in 33 states.

As a recent recipient of a grant from Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation,
SDFTY’s next chapter will focus on serving more transgender and nonbinary
youth across the country and increasing its staff and budget. In FY21,
SDFTY’s budget was approximately $200,000. Doubling the budget by FY25 will
be a major focus for the Executive Director.

The organization currently has two staff members - a Program Director ond
Program & Development Coordinator – both of whom will report to the
Executive Director.

To learn more about SDFTY’s powerful work, please click here.

THE OPPORTUNITY

SDFTY, currently led by a committed Board of Directors with lived and
professional experience in the transgender community, seeks an Executive
Director to lead and grow the organization. As the first Executive Director
of a relatively young and vibrant organization, an energetic, creative
thinker will have the opportunity to play a major role in shaping SDFTY’s
mission, vision and outcomes.

The Executive Director will assess current organizational strategy and
capacity and lead the Board and staff into SDFTY’s next chapter. We seek
candidates with demonstrated fundraising experience, a deep commitment to
supporting transgender and nonbinary youth, and an excitement to bring an
entrepreneurial approach to leading SDFTY.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising + Partnership Development

Oversee and grow the fundraising and philanthropic efforts of SDFTY,
including diversifying revenue sources from the current fundraising portfolio

Provide funders and partners with data, reports, and information to
demonstrate that their contributions are being deployed in a cost-effective
manner

Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends and build
SDFTY as a sought-after resource for transgender and nonbinary youth

Cultivate and steward critical relationships to achieve SDFTY’s goals

Leadership, Strategic Growth & Operations

Employ a high level of business acumen including successful financial
management and the ability to balance the delivery of programs against the
realities of a budget

Build a strong bridge between SDFTY programs to align with larger
organizational goals

Serve as a leader and mentor to staff, prioritizing their professional growth
and leadership of their respective programs

Support and foster a culture that is thoughtful, inclusive,
teamwork-oriented, transparent, and embraces the diverse, lived experiences
of the staff and youth served

Work alongside the Board of Directors to transition their role from a
“working board” to that of a governing board, doing so at a pace that
feels mutually beneficial for all impacted by SDFTY’s work

Serve on and support leadership of board committees

Recruit new board members and work alongside the Board of Directors to expand
the Board’s representation of the population served by SDFTY

Develop and administer the organization’s annual budget; manage and oversee
monthly finances to ensure sufficient operating cash to meet financial
obligations

Programs + Advocacy

Partner with the Program Director and Program & Development Coordinator to
create and implement programming

Work with Board members to ensure continued evaluation of program
effectiveness

Serve as primary spokesperson and champion for SDFTY and related community
issues impacting the transgender and nonbinary community

Work with the Board to develop and implement a communications and marketing
strategy

Expand the reach of SDFTY to include youth from all parts of the country,
especially in those in areas with fewer resources and opportunities for
transgender and nonbinary youth; work with Board of Directors to explore
expansion of age-groups served by SDFTY

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow, and excel professionally. We
respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the
experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique
strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be
interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the
qualifications and experiences listed below.

Knowledge of and lived experience within the transgender and/or nonbinary
communities

Proven track record with fundraising and the ability to navigate multiple
funding sources and approaches

Demonstrated effectiveness in supporting and leading a diverse group of
people

Ability to navigate issues of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging with
staff, board, and external stakeholders; deep understanding of its importance
as a core part of the organization’s work

An eye for innovation and the courage to take risks to pursue new ideas

Experience with an evidence-based approach to work, including the development
and growth of programming

Ability to handle multiple areas of responsibility within the context of a
small, remote staff and board

Possess strong communication skills, particularly excellent writing skills,
and the ability to share the impact of SDFTY’s work with an array of
audiences

Demonstrated experience in fiscal management

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary range of
$100,000-$120,000. The exact salary offered will be determined through
consideration of the successful candidate’s skills and experience. The
Executive Director will be eligible for a bonus following the completion of
their first year tied to achieving fundraising goals set in partnership with
the Board of Directors.

The Foundation covers 75% of costs related to an individual’s health and
dental benefits via a monthly stipend.  SDFTY offers employees 11
holidays/calendar year, 3 weeks of vacation time/calendar year, 12 sick
days/calendar year and 2 personal days/calendar year.

SDFTY does not have a central office and will expect the Executive Director
to work remotely. Occasional travel will be required for organizational
events, stakeholder meetings and connections with staff and board.
Preference will be given to candidates living in the tri-state area.

HOW TO APPLY

We will review and respond to all applications received. While subject to
change, candidates elected to advance throughout the process can expect
initial interviews with staff at Positively Partners, an interview with the
Board Selection Committee and for finalists, an interview with the Board of
Directors and opportunity to meet staff. References will be requested at the
final stage of the process. SDFTY seeks to fill this position by early 2023.

To apply, please upload a current resume and cover letter. You can inquire
confidentially about the position, access support in completing the
application, and/or request an accommodation by emailing
search@positivelypartners.org.