Safe Schools South Florida- Executive Director

Safe Schools South Florida- Executive Director Job Description

About Safe Schools South Florida

Position Overview

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction

• Lead the implementation of SSSF’s strategic plan and collaborate with the Board to develop and update annual and long-range plans.
• Ensure the mission, vision, and values of SSSF are reflected in all programs, communications, and organizational decisions.
• Identify emerging trends, needs, and opportunities that affect the LGBTQ+ youth community and bring proactive recommendations to the Board.
• Evaluate the need for new programs and courses; present proposals to the Board with supporting analysis.
• Explore opportunities to expand SSSF’s presence and impact to additional counties or regions beyond South Florida.

2. Program Management & Service Delivery

• Oversee the development, planning, and delivery of all SSSF programs in the South Florida area.
• Manage grant compliance, progress reports, budget tracking, and all required documentation and acknowledgements including (grant reports, required documentation, Educational CEUs).
• Manage and coordinate SSSF’s participation in annual events including the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade, Stonewall Street Festival, GSA Leadership Summit, and Annual Diversity Day.
• Ensure Youth Support programs operate with the highest regard for student safety, development, and empowerment.
• Initiate and maintain an annual review of all training materials to ensure current data and relevance.

3. Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising efforts, including maintaining existing grants and pursuing new funding opportunities with grant writers.
• Create, organize, and execute at least two annual fundraising events in the South Florida area (one in Miami-Dade, one in Broward), including venue procurement, sponsorship development, invitations, event logistics, and donor stewardship.
• Research and apply for new grant opportunities; prepare drafts and advise the Board upon each submission.
• Write and distribute beginning and end-of-year and beginning and end-of-school-year fundraising appeals, including via SSSF social media platforms.
• Ensure the annual State of Florida renewal of corporation registration to maintain authorization to solicit funds.

4. Financial Oversight & Operations

• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and ethical use of organizational resources.
• Coordinate with the Board Treasurer to ensure timely deposit of all grant and donor checks and submission of deposit receipts.
• Ensure all stipends, reimbursements, and outside costs are paid in a timely manner.
• Work with the organization’s accountant to complete required W2s, 1099s, 641s, and Annual Form 990.
• Regularly collect and process organizational mail and respond in a timely manner.
• Maintain appropriate records, documentation, and internal controls in compliance with nonprofit best practices.

5. Communications, Marketing & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of SSSF, communicating accurately and confidently with media, schools, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Maintain and grow SSSF’s presence across all communications platforms, including the SSSF website, Facebook, and other relevant social media channels, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and privacy-compliant.
• Write and distribute monthly e-newsletters to donors, educators, students, schools, parents, and the broader community.
• Ensure all press releases, event announcements, and organizational publications reflect SSSF in the most positive and mission-aligned light.
• Ensure all board-related communications are directed appropriately to the Chair and/or Vice-Chair, with written summaries forwarded to all relevant parties.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with school district lead personnel in South Florida.
• Attend and represent SSSF at community roundtables, coalitions, and networking events (e.g., PFLAGs, Miami Coalition 4 Queer Youth,  Safe To Be Me Committee).

6. Board Relations & Governance

• Report directly to the Board of Directors; attend all Board meetings unless excused by the Chair or Vice-Chair.
• Submit a monthly activity report to the Board by the first of the month covering activities, communications, financials, and upcoming projections.
• Coordinate Board meeting logistics, including dates, sites, agendas, and required materials, in collaboration with the Chair and/or Vice-Chair.
• Provide the Board with timely recommendations, updates, and analyses needed for informed governance decisions.
• Proactively bring innovative programs, funding opportunities, and community developments to the Board’s attention.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, education, public administration, social work, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, including program oversight and fundraising.
• Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, equity, and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
• Proven experience in grant writing, grant management, and development activities.
• Strong public speaking, written communication, and media relations skills.
• Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgeting and oversight of finances.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, e-newsletter tools, and standard office software.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel throughout the tri-county area.

Preferred

• Experience working with K–12 school districts or youth-serving organizations.
• Existing relationships within the South Florida LGBTQ+, education, and nonprofit communities.
• Familiarity with Miami-Dade and Broward County school district structures and grant requirements.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Compensation & Terms

How to Apply

• A cover letter describing your interest in SSSF’s mission and your relevant experience
• A current resume or curriculum vitae
• Three professional references (name, title, organization, phone, and email)
• Two writing samples (e.g., grant narrative, press release, donor communication)