Executive Director

The State of Nebraska is seeking a self-driven and highly competent energetic executive leader to lead and influence our newest State agency, the Commission on African American Affairs towards favorable growth, and to design and direct strategies that support and enhance our organizational operations. The Commission is responsible for enhancing the cause of African American rights and developing solutions to problems for the benefit of the African American community throughout Nebraska. As Executive Director you will serve at the pleasure of the Commission while leading a “start-up” organization, with the unique opportunity to build a foundation for success while overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the commission and driving its agenda. The successful candidate will a skilled influencer and leader, with a demonstrated track record of integrity, planning and organizational skills.

• Developing and directing organizational strategy
• Drafting organization policies and philosophies
• Responsible for the management and supervision of all agency personnel. This includes coordination of goals, objectives and performance standards for these individuals, regular evaluation of job performance and supervisory activities as deemed necessary.
• Coordinate and prepare for African American Affairs Commission meetings.
• Coordinate and prepare communications, to include a periodic newsletter, commission publications and others as requested.
• Knowledge about all program activities and approves any program changes. Recommend to the Commissioners areas of needed change as related to programming; work with staff to assure that a high level of quality is maintained within the services being provided. Direct the collection of data required to evaluate programs and to report on activities as mandated by the Commission or by law.
• Responsible for carrying out the policies of the Commission and other entities that interact with the agency in a regulatory or fiscal relationship. Inform the Commissioners regarding policy changes and recommend policy decisions which come before the agency to be resolved. Delegate tasks to staff, which aid in the carrying out of these policies.
• Maintain open and constructive communication all stake holders.
• Represent the Commission at meetings, conferences, civic functions and other related activities. Respond to third party inquiries on behalf of the Commission. Organize and present testimony at the Nebraska legislature on issues related to the agency and interact with legislators and state and federal government officials on behalf of the agency.
• Responsible for the development of the agency budget on a biennial basis. Work with the state budget division and the legislature as appropriate to assure adequate agency funding. Responsible for pursuing funding to secure the needs of the agency as determined by the Commission. Secure the approval of the Commission for the final budget document annually and for any major revisions in the budget during a funding year.
• Oversee the agency's public outreach and education activities. Review requests for information/presentation and assign as he or she feels is appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned by the commission.

REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's Degree or higher with five or more years of progressive leadership, management or supervisory experience including financial management experience.

Demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership and management skills. Excellent research, writing and verbal communication skills are essential. The candidate must demonstrate familiarity with issues pertaining to the African American Community and be committed to the advancement of diversity and inclusion. Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and a working knowledge of marketing and social media strategies. Occasional travel may be required.

Zelle is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled