Founded in 1997, MentorNet is driven by its twofold mission to further the progress of women and others underrepresented in the scientific and technical fields through the use of a dynamic, technology-supported, mentoring network; and to advance individuals and society, and enhance engineering and related sciences, by promoting a diversified, expanded and talented global workforce. Under the guidance of MentorNet’s Founder and CEO, Carol B. Muller, the organization has been an early pioneer in e-mentoring - matching more than 25,000 individuals for one-on-one mentoring relationships, recruiting mentors from more than 2,000 organizations, matching mentors with student protégés from more than 200 colleges and universities, and linking students and professionals representing more than 150 nationalities.

Widely recognized for the quality of its programs and the technology platform that enhances mentor training and supports mentor and protégé pairing and relationships, MentorNet provides the infrastructure for establishing e-mail based, one-on-one mentoring relationships. These mentoring relationships last eight or more months and contribute to protégés’ increased confidence in their success in science or engineering and desire to pursue careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.

Based in San Jose, California, MentorNet is a 501(c)(3) organization with a staff of 8, including the CEO. The organization is governed by a national board of directors. The current budget is approximately $970K. More information on MentorNet may be found at: http://www.MentorNet.net

POSITION SUMMARY

The executive position is an opportunity to lead an organization with high-quality programming and a strong reputation in the mentoring and science/technology fields. MentorNet is seeking a talented and inspirational Chief Executive Officer to take the organization forward into its second decade and build upon the achievements of the first 10 years. The CEO is the lead fundraiser of the organization and has the overall responsibility of ensuring the organizational vitality of MentorNet by achieving sustainable fiscal health and programmatic objectives. Additionally, s/he will take a start-up organization, known for its innovative work in the field, successfully through a strategic visioning process to define its future directions and be an integral part in the implementation of MentorNet’s future strategies. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors and will lead a committed and accomplished staff.

The successful candidate has a background in the STEM fields and must be a visionary leader with a deep commitment to and a passion for advancing women and those underrepresented in these fields. S/he will have deep knowledge of gender and diversity issues as they relate to science and technology, as well as the impact of mentoring. The ideal candidate will possess the skills to grow MentorNet’s vital partnerships with numerous colleges, universities, and corporations, mobilize the variety of audiences who share the organization’s mission, and expand the organization’s impact in an era of new social networking and mentoring approaches. S/he will be skilled at raising funds and leading MentorNet’s fundraising efforts, cultivating partnerships, developing and motivating staff, and managing budgets. S/he will also demonstrate marketing experience, and will be an active and effective spokesperson for the organization.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Vision, Mission, and Strategies

• Provide and articulate a strong vision by translating broad organizational objectives (as incorporated in the mission) into relevant strategies and action plans
• Integrate input from MentorNet’s stakeholders with identified business trends to develop strategic and operating plans
• Update MentorNet’s business model to continue achievement of the organization’s mission objectives and excite partners and funders
• Adapt current programming and organizational operations to utilize emerging and innovative technologies to strengthen MentorNet’s value proposition to partners and constituencies

2. Fundraising and External Relations

• Engage in fundraising as the chief executive, including meeting with grant and donor prospects, and leading grant writing, proposal submission and grant management
• Build and expand relationships with foundation and government program officers, leaders of academic institutions, representatives of corporate, government and nonprofit partners, and individual donors to identify and increase sources of organization revenue and resources
• Develop relationships with and provide oversight of interactions for partnering with external organizations

3. Operations

• Responsible for the health of financial and human resource systems, all aspects of program operations, plans, policies, directives, and facilities necessary to support staff in the delivery of high quality programs
• Attract, hire, and develop talented and diverse staff
• Develop and manage an initial annual budget of approximately $970K

4. Marketing and Communications

• Communicate organization vision and impact in role of organization spokesperson
• Guide the expansion of marketing efforts reflecting MentorNet’s innovative programs and technology platform

5. Board and Planning

• Work with the Board of Directors to develop, communicate and sustain a clear vision, mission and strategy for the organization
• Form a strong partnership with an active Board of Directors and its committees and implement Board policies and directives
• Guide Board recruitment with members of the Board to assure that MentorNet’s Board of Directors has the capacity to effectively and fully engage in governing, undertake fund development for MentorNet and represent the organization’s diverse partnerships and constituencies
• Serve as primary liaison between staff, Board, and Advisory Board
• Oversee, develop, and staff the MentorNet Advisory Board

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven track record in public and private fundraising and revenue development, including grant writing and grant management experience
• In-depth knowledge of gender and diversity issues, higher education, science and technology, and mentoring
• Experience with driving and implementing strategic and business planning
• Excellent organizational collaboration and team-building skills
• Superb written and oral communication skills, including public speaking
• Demonstrated experience with fiscal management and financial oversight
• A Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university is required; Masters or Doctoral degree in education, social science, management, science, mathematics, and/or engineering is preferred
• 5 years of professional leadership or senior management experience, preferably in a nonprofit organization

To Apply

Executive Transitions, a program of CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, is conducting this search on behalf of MentorNet. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter describing their qualifications and interest in position to MentorNet.CEOsearch@compasspoint.org by May 22, 2008. Please reference MentorNet CEO Search in subject line. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT MENTORNET
MentorNet is an equal opportunity employer

> Read Original Post