Head of Development and Communications

Company: SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language)
Location: Stratford
Posted on: June 24, 2022

Job Description:

THE ORGANIZATION In 2007, focused on improving outcomes for English Learners in San Jose and Redwood City, the Sobrato family began a philanthropic initiative with Dr. Laurie Olsen to design and pilot a new, comprehensive approach to learning in preschool and early elementary grades. The result of this pilot was the creation of the SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language) model and it was subsequently implemented as a program across 100+ public school sites in the Bay Area, central California, and the greater Los Angeles region between 2008 and 2019.Two separate and independent external evaluations of the model found promising evidence of SEAL's effectiveness in increasing research-based instructional practices and contributing to stronger student engagement and positive outcomes for SEAL English Learners on measures of English proficiency and academic achievement. In 2019, fueled by these promising data, SEAL became an independent organization, operationally separate from the Sobrato family's philanthropic enterprise, with the aim of scaling our impact and engaging new partners in projects and activities that connect educators, families, researchers, advocates, and policy leaders to elevate this important student group and to promote multilingualism for all students in California.
The Core ModelSEAL's powerful approach to education is rooted at the intersection of research and educational equity. Our bedrock values are: commitment to developing the intellectual and linguistic genius of young children; honoring the value and role of families' cultures and languages in students' lives, and helping teachers cultivate the skills and mindset they need to become powerfully effective educators. Our high-leverage, developmentally appropriate pedagogical practices are aligned across the preschool through elementary grades, and address the language demands of increasingly rigorous, grade level standards in multiple disciplines including English, social studies, sciences, and the arts.To learn more about SEAL, please visit SEAL.org.
THE OPPORTUNITY In the context of a new strategic plan and program expansion, SEAL is adding the position of Head of Development & Communications (Head) to our leadership team. The Head will be responsible for growing SEAL's external presence, among funders whether private or public as well as across other key stakeholder groups including educators, school system leaders, and policymakers.The role will lead SEAL's fundraising and communications efforts. This includes overseeing planning and implementation of a long-range fundraising plan and ensuring the quality, relevance and consistency of SEAL's branding and messaging to a variety of stakeholder audiences. The role will also provide high level support to the board and CEO by serving as a thought partner on strategy, communications, and effective relationship building with leaders in the policy and advocacy space. This individual reports directly to SEAL's CEO.This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a clear understanding of California's P-12 education and English Learner policy landscape who is committed to social justice and eliminating structural inequities to make a positive and measurable difference in the lives of millions of our state's students. This role provides a rare chance to magnify the incredible assets of California's culturally and linguistically diverse children and communities across the state and to leverage strategic partnerships towards improving education policy and practice so it better meets the needs of all Dual Language/English Learners and their families.
RESPONSIBILITIESThe three primary areas of responsibility are:

• FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT
  
  • COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
    
    • EXTERNAL RELATIONS & ADVOCACY
      QUALIFICATIONS In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Head of Development & Communications candidate will be:
      • An accomplished leader with seven (7) or more years of demonstrated success in nonprofit/social service management and experience in community organizing, policy advocacy and/or in the P-12 education sector.
      • Deeply committed to SEAL's mission of improving DLL/EL student outcomes and opportunities, and eliminating the inequities and reimagining/redesigning school systems in California so all DLL/ELs can learn, thrive, and lead.
      • Experienced in raising funds for their organization (at a similar level to SEAL's budget needs) including a track record of building successful partnerships and/or major fundraising.
      • A builder of authentic relationships with community partners, policymakers, funders and other supporters, able to engage with a variety of individuals and can consistently articulate the organization's goals and priorities in a clear and compelling manner.
      • Skilled in strategic planning, project management, and organization; able to focus on and communicate organizational priorities while not losing sight of the details and can align vision with defined values.
      • Steadfast and resilient in the face of personal, professional, and political opposition.
      • Skilled in supporting, collaborating with, and engaging governing boards.
      • Knowledgeable about P-12 education policy and diverse communities' struggle for equity of opportunity and access.
      • A culturally competent and a self-reflective leader who understands the effects of race, class, ethnicity, language, income, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and other issues of difference in society and is able to lead direct, honest conversations about them with stakeholders at all levels.
      • Effective and inspiring in their management style; willing to devote time to coach and develop team members while holding them accountable to measurable results.
      • Education credentials that support preparedness for this role and bilingual skills are desired.
      • Hold a valid driver's license and/or regular access to a vehicle; willingness to travel regionally.
      • A resident of California or willing to relocate.
      • Proficient with Microsoft Office, Salesforce, Adobe, Google Suite, Zoom, etc.
        COMPENSATION AND BENEFITSThe salary range for this position is $175,000-200,000 and the anticipated start date is July 5, 2022 or before.Our highly competitive benefits package includes: 100% coverage for employee medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D, long and short-term disability benefits. 50% coverage for dependent(s) for medical, dental and vision benefits. Up to 6% 401k matching. Medical/Dependent Care FSA.
        TO APPLYPlease submit a resume online at https://apply.workable.com/j/22463EB7D2. For additional questions about this position or to speak with someone about your interest, please contact Brett Kunsch at bkunsch@edgilityconsulting.com.

Keywords: SEAL (Sobrato Early Academic Language), Visalia , Head of Development and Communications, Other , Stratford, California