Apply for Executive Director

Seeking a mission-driven professional to administer adult learning courses and programs in Boston. Working with knowledgeable teachers, inquisitive students, and dedicated board members, this is a part-time, single-employee leadership role. A competitive compensation package includes flexible (on-call) schedules and hours, work-from-home options, up to 8 weeks off in the summer, 2 weeks off at year-end, and holidays. Our next executive director will enjoy engaging with people, solving problems, matching course availability and logistics with participant preferences, and using updated technology tools to build community and relationships.
The Opportunity
Beacon Hill Seminars is an independent adult learning organization of over 200 members who have a vigorous interest in continuing their intellectual growth and developing a shared sense of community. The volunteer-led courses in art, history, science, literature, political science, and more bring participants together in a variety of classroom settings, both in-person and remote, in small group seminar style sessions. Over its twenty-three years the self-supported, non-profit organization has developed an active and responsive board of directors, a strong financial position, and a reputation for providing an appealing range of high-quality programming to members from Beacon Hill, Back Bay, and beyond.

The executive director supports a welcoming learning environment by engaging members, ensures that our volunteer course leaders are fully supported, maintains operational excellence, and fosters our continued success by adapting to changes in technology, member expectations, and the marketplace of adult learning. The position reports directly to the board of directors.

The executive director position is part-time, based in downtown Boston, with work-at-home opportunities. Work demands are more intense in September and January when course registrations and course assignments take place. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications. While benefits are not included, there is flexibility in arranging vacation time. To learn more about the organization, please visit our website at: www.beaconhillseminars.org

The Candidate

This position requires excellent relationship management and organizational skills. The successful candidate will be a team player who is happy and effective working in a culture of civility in a small organization focused on delivering a consistently excellent educational experience. The program administrator will demonstrate personal accountability and operate with integrity and humility.
Responsibilities

The responsibilities fall into 5 domains: program operations, group leader relations, board relations, member relations, and financial management.

Program Operations
The program administrator is responsible for the efficient and timely processing of enrollment requests of the 20 to 24 courses for each of the fall and spring semesters.

• Work with the curriculum committee on course development, including attending meetings and managing group leader questionnaires
• Prepare the online course catalog for each semester
• Arrange for fall and spring kickoff events to introduce the courses
• Register members online and assigning them to courses
• Select and book venues for classes
• Set up Zoom classes and recordings
• Edit and posting class recordings
• Recruit class coordinators
• Provide Zoom training to members, group leaders and class coordinators
• Update the Beacon Hill Seminars website
• Maintain member database – Salesforce
• Organize events including kick-off meetings, annual meetings, book sale and pop-ups
• Develop and analyze annual/biannual member surveys

Group Leader Relations

The program administrator is responsible for maintaining a close and supportive relationship with the group leaders who teach our courses.

• Support group leaders in preparing the course catalogue and in addressing their particular needs
• Resolve problems that emerge during classes
• Film group leaders’ course descriptions for kickoff meetings
• Arrange the group leaders’ lunch at the end of the spring semester

Board Relations

The program administrator attends the seven to eight Board of Directors’ and Executive Committee meetings each year with the following duties:

• Assist in preparation of agendas for board meetings
• Prepare board meeting minutes
• Support board officers and committee chairs

Member Relations

The program administrator plays a vital role in working with members, potential members, and those inquiring about the organization.

• Provide timely and informative responses to inquiries and concerns
• Work with volunteers who contribute to program activities such as the kickoff events

Financial Management

The program administrator works closely with the volunteer bookkeeper, clerk, treasurer, and president to ensure the efficient financial management of the organization.

• Manage operational expenditures for classrooms, equipment, and other organizational matters
• Prepare and file official forms with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
• Assure that pertinent information is sent on a timely basis to the accountant to complete the annual tax return
• Prepare the annual budget in collaboration with the treasurer, president, and bookkeeper
• Identify grant opportunities and write grant proposals

Qualifications
The ideal candidate with be an experienced professional and a team player who possesses:
• Strong organizational skills with an attention to detail
• Demonstrated writing skills
• A responsive, customer service approach to the work with excellent communication skills in person and remotely.
• Process management skills
• Mastery of workplace technology tools including Zoom, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office
• Experience in marketing, survey, and newsletter platforms like MailChimp
• Experience in CRM database management (Salesforce preferred)
• Experience in updating website content

To learn more about the organization, please visit our website at: www.beaconhillseminars.org

Interested candidates, please contact the board search committee with a resume via email at this address:
y9jkjp5x@app.catchthebest.com

All inquiries will be treated as confidential.