POSITION TITLE: Director of Programs
ORGANIZATION: One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, Inc., a Non-Profit 501 (c) 3
REPORTS TO: Executive Director, One Sumter Economic Development Foundation
The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation was launched in 2014 as an ambitious capital campaign to support the work of the community’s existing economic development efforts. Birthed as a partnership between the Sumter County Development Authority and the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce with a goal of raising $2 Million from local business and industry partners, One Sumter exceeded those expectations in pledged donations within the first 12 months. A dynamic example of both the public and private sectors coming together to support goals of mutual benefit, One Sumter boasts over 100 investors and is well into its second campaign—GROW 2024—with an additional $1.7 Million raised during the COVID pandemic. Founded to enhance and support economic development activity in Sumter County, One Sumter invests in four key priority areas: 1) Economic & Community Development, 2) Education & Workforce Development, 3) Leadership Development & Regional Sustainability, and 4) Entrepreneurship &Talent Development. One Sumter has been dedicated to serving as a catalyst for change and growth across Sumter County over the last eight years.
The Director of Programs will work directly with the One Sumter Board of Directors and Executive Director to execute the GROW 2024 Strategic Plan and to fulfill the vision and commitment made to One Sumter’s donors. The Director of Programs shares responsibility for managing One Sumter’s program of work, making sure deadlines, deliverables and objectives are met within a timely manner. Additionally, the Director of Programs serves as the primary project manager responsible for the timely execution of One Sumter’s strategic plan and other priority projects as directed. The Director of Programs has the latitude and oversight ability to guide the work and execution of projects as needed; and is responsible for giving guidance and direction to the Executive Director and Board of Directors as needed to fulfill plan objectives.
The Director of Programs will work closely with a network of local, regional and state economic development professionals representing the interests of One Sumter and Sumter County to ensure that the Foundation’s goals and met and fulfilled as directed.
The ideal candidate must be flexible and have the ability to accommodate multiple tasks. Excellent writing and communications skills are essential, as well as the ability to build collaborative partnerships to address community growth needs. The selected individual will be required to work some evenings and weekends. The Director of Programs serves at the pleasure of the Foundation Board of Directors with day-to-day oversight and direction provided by the Executive Director.
Essential Duties: Essential duties include, but are not limited to, the following:
One Sumter Economic Development Foundation
⦁ Work in concert with the Executive Director to develop and implement work plans to achieve strategic objectives related to the GROW 2024 plan.
⦁ Serve as the primary project manager for any and all priorities of the strategic plan and the Board of Directors.
⦁ Identify and seek external funding opportunities to fulfill the priorities established within the GROW 2024 plan.
⦁ Assist the Executive Director in coordinating work groups with content expertise according to the interrelated components of GROW 2024, with the purpose of building community support and guidance to determine best methods for implementation.
⦁ Work with the Executive Director to plan and host any annual and quarterly events and Foundation board meetings according to the goals of GROW 2024.
⦁ Provide support and assistance to all community partners and public entities to further the goals of One Sumter, as desired or needed
⦁ Promote One Sumter, the community, its projects and priorities both regionally and statewide, in terms of advocacy and enhancing regional sustainability.
⦁ Work with state agencies and legislative delegation, as needed, to ensure One Sumter’s and the community’s success.
Foundation Board of Directors
⦁ Serve at the pleasure of and with the direction of the Board of Directors
⦁ Serve in a leadership capacity representing the Foundation Board of Directors and Executive Director at community events and among community, regional and statewide partners, as needed.
⦁ Coordinate meeting logistics, facilitate note taking, minutes, strategic planning and project development of the Foundation.
Capital Funding and Donor Relations
⦁ Assist the Executive Director in establishing and implementing a consistent donor communications strategy.
⦁ Expand and enhance annual donor appreciation event.
⦁ Assist Foundation Board of Directors and volunteer committees in the pursuit of new/additional capital donations.
Budgeting and Financial Services
⦁ Provide support services and assistance to the Board of Directors and Executive Director related to financial management, as directed.
⦁ Tasks may include any or all of the following:
⦁ Pursue grant opportunities as available to support the work of the Foundation, in addition to pledged donors of the Foundation.
⦁ Develop and maintain an annual working budget for Foundation operations.
⦁ Oversee financial audit and accountability process on three-year basis.
⦁ Provide, manage and/or oversee the following tasks:
⦁ Provide day-to-day bookkeeping responsibilities and billing on behalf of the Foundation, with support from Foundation’s CPA.
⦁ Maintain Accounts Payable and Receivable for the Foundation, with support from the Foundation’s CPA.
⦁ Develop and maintain an annual budget for GROW 2024 goals, according to available funding streams.
Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications
⦁ Assist the Executive Director in all marketing and communications functions as directed, including the following tasks:
⦁ Maintain a current and accurate website and online presence
⦁ Communicate to donors and other external stakeholders with monthly e-newsletter and other communication mediums as needed and appropriate
⦁ Represent One Sumter, its interests and the Board of Directors at all meetings and events, locally and beyond
Supervisory Responsibilities
⦁ Hire, engage, retain, evaluate, and/or fire temporary staff as needed to execute projects with approval and support from the Executive Director
⦁ Contract management and oversight of consultants and/or contractors as needed to execute the objectives of the GROW 2024 plan
⦁ Oversight of student projects and interns (collegiate and high school) as appropriate related to One Sumter projects
⦁ Works with staff and Board to achieve One Sumter’s goals and objectives
Desired Skills and Expertise
⦁ Experience organizing and managing small to large scale projects and events
⦁ Proven experience working in a self-directed, multi-tasking environment
⦁ Proven time management skills and ability to work under pressure
⦁ Ability to work independently, with little supervision and as part of a team
⦁ Great communication skills across multiple platforms
⦁ Volunteer management experience
⦁ Strategic planning, project management, and program implementation experience
Specifications
⦁ Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree or related experience preferred
⦁ At least 3-5 years of professional experience
⦁ Experience directly interacting with all stakeholders while maintaining a positive attitude
⦁ Experience working in collaboratively with strong interpersonal skills and donor relations
⦁ Experience with grant-writing and administration
⦁ Strong organization and time management skills, good judgement, punctuality and initiative
⦁ Strong project management experience
⦁ Demonstrated experience in anticipating and solving work-related problems and challenges
⦁ Demonstrated ability to discern necessary steps and the ability to act independently and accordingly as needed
⦁ Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner
Compensation: The compensation package will be competitive based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
Contact us for more information about this position. If you are interesting in applying, please email your resume to alicia@onesumter.org.