Executive Director

PDXWIT is seeking a strong and visionary leader to advance the mission of building a better tech industry by creating access, dismantling inequities, and fueling belonging.

Joining a phenomenal team of staff, board members and volunteers, the Executive Director will be responsible for all operational, administrative, strategic and legal aspects of the organization. This includes but is not limited to program oversight, public relations, financial management, fundraising, organizational development, hiring and team development.

Who you are

• You are a natural leader and are always looking to grow in this area
• You uplift, trust and center the voices and perspectives of those most historically marginalized in the tech industry and broader community
• You are a skilled collaborator and know how to be decisive when circumstances require it
• You love public speaking as much as you love ‘passing the mic’ to amplify other voices
• You have a personal and professional commitment to anti-oppression
• You are humble, self-aware, and inquisitive
• You find joy in bringing leadership and vision to small organizations
• You are a strategic thinker who can bring others along in reaching organizational goals
• You easily communicate with a variety of folks from across the spectrum of human experience, always prioritizing the needs and safety of those most marginalized

Key Responsibilities

Governance and Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and staff to develop, implement, and evaluate the goals of PDXWIT
• Provide the board with accurate, timely reports on a regular cadence and as necessary outside of that cadence
• In partnership with the board, recruit, train, and develop an active and committed Board of Directors whose values, relationships, professional skills and personal experiences reflect and support the mission of PDXWIT
• Attend quarterly board meetings and report on the needs, plans, and major accomplishments of the organization; assist the board in planning the agenda and prepping materials
• Attend board working sessions as deemed necessary by the board

Fundraising

• Full oversight of organization-wide fundraising efforts, including:
  • Corporate sponsorships and donation matching
  • Grants
  • Special campaigns
• Full responsibility for reporting as required by grantmakers, foundations, corporate sponsors, and auditing bodies
• In collaboration with the Data & Communications Specialist, create dynamic marketing campaigns for fundraising campaigns and sponsor engagement
• In collaboration with the Operations Support Specialist, develop and monitor internal and external systems related to prospecting, onboarding, and offboarding of corporate sponsors
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsor companies, donors and grant funders
• Create opportunities for visibility and learning for other PDXWIT team members in the sponsorship and grants program

Finance Operations

• In partnership with the Board Treasurer, ensure financial operations run smoothly and efficiently
• Collaborate with the board finance committee to prepare and implement the annual operating budget
• Maintain sound financial practices, including management of invoicing and collections
• Work with the Finance Committee to monitor cash flow and develop quarterly financial reports and assessments
• Maintain official records and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations

Team Management

• Directly supervise and support the staff, ensuring they have what they need to be successful in their roles
• Create a work environment where employees and volunteers can communicate openly about concerns, feelings and thoughts without fear of retaliation
• Set clear, intentional expectations for the PDXWIT team
• Manage the recruitment, hiring, professional development, promotion, evaluation, and release of paid staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers
• Maintain a psychologically safe work climate which attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse team of staff and volunteers
• In partnership with the board treasurer, administer payroll and benefits reimbursement program

Community Outreach

• Actively seek opportunities to collaborate with community partners including nonprofits, colleges, local businesses and community leaders, for collective impact
• Author articles and blog posts highlighting the work of PDXWIT and broader industry trends and needs
• Manage relationships with outside PR partners who provide services to PDXWIT
• Serve as the primary media contact for PDXWIT
• Explore and lead intentional expansion opportunities for the organization

Programs

• Ensure all programs and initiatives align with and/or support the mission of PDXWIT. Programs include events, job board, mentorship, scholarships, podcast, speakers’ bureau, and affinity programming
• Direct the development, management, and evaluation of existing and new programming to ensure its quality and alignment with PDXWIT’s mission, strategic goals, and long-term sustainability
• Evaluate program funding needs and create opportunities to attract major donors as well as corporate and foundation support
• Work with independent contractors as needed to develop, assess and implement new programs

Experience and Skills:

Candidates will be reviewed holistically and lived experience will be considered in addition to professional experience. We know that many life experiences are transferable to professional success. If the position description feels like a match for you, but you don’t have all of the specific experience listed, we still encourage you to apply.

• Experience with nonprofit governance and management, risk management, asset management, and laws and regulations applicable to nonprofit organizations
• Fundraising experience, including sponsor, foundation and donor relations
• Experience developing and running programs and measuring their success and impact
• Experience cultivating and nurturing relationships with community partners and other mission aligned institutions
• Comfort and interest in public speaking and externally facing engagement
• Strong organizational skills and ability to leverage technical tools to keep projects on track
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Keen interest in collaboration with the team
• Adaptable and results-oriented
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with an orientation to detail

• Mission-driven desire to advance inclusion in the technology industry

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary range: $82,000-$102,000 annually
• Monthly healthcare reimbursement (up to $400)
• $75 monthly stipend for cell phone and internet
• Flexible work location and hours.
  This position is currently remote but the Executive Director will need to be available for in person meetings and events in the Portland and greater Portland area as needed. While there is no office available to use at this time, there may be one in the future and expectations around attendance in the office will be determined in partnership with the team and board.
• Paid holidays through an equity lens
• Guaranteed annual 3% salary increase
• Up to 3% IRA matching
• Work from home equipment stipend
• 3 weeks PTO and 1 week sick time annually
• Two annual organization wide week-long closures (summer and winter)

Life/work balance is encouraged and enabled by the leadership of PDXWIT. Our goal is to create an environment where employees feel supported and trusted to get their work done in the way that works within the context of their lives.

Updated: April 2022