Chief Executive Officer, Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF)

About Job Opportunities Task Force (JOTF)
JOTF develops and advocates for policies and programs to increase the skills, job opportunities, and incomes of low-wage workers and job seekers in Maryland.  Since 1996, JOTF has worked to help low-wage workers gain access to jobs that pay a livable wage. JOTF works to eliminate educational and employment barriers for low-wage workers by transforming the systems and policies that create and perpetuate those barriers.

JOTF advocates to advance public policy initiatives and is the leading voice on workforce issues in Maryland to improve the economic opportunities and well-being of Maryland’s low-wage, low-skill workers. Our programs create career pathways and have helped 1,000 low-income Baltimore residents elevate to a livable income.  Our advocacy and programmatic work influence and are influenced by cutting-edge research and public education efforts. This three-pronged strategic approach of research, programs, and policy advocacy is the basis of JOTF’s impact across Maryland.

Position Summary
This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to work with a deeply engaged board of directors, a high-performing and talented staff, and key partners to build job-training programs to create career pathways for low-income Marylanders.  The ideal candidate will have a record of success in policy advocacy, programs, and research and is committed to the JOTF mission.  They will bring empathy, compassion, and authenticity to the critical work of increasing economic mobility for low-wage Marylanders, often working against systemic racism.   They will inspire, motivate, and challenge staff, develop, implement organizational strategy, and provide day-to-day organizational oversight.  They will help animate and solidify the strong and committed JOTF team culture internally, with key partners, and in Annapolis as JOTF plays a key role in enacting policy change.
 
The Chief Executive Officer reports to a dedicated Board of Directors who collectively bring various experience, expertise, and deep institutional memory.  They will manage a team of five, which will grow over time as new positions are filled, and oversee a budget of nearly $1.5M.

Key Responsibilities
Vision and strategy: Lead JOTF’s strategic direction; collaborate with staff, Board, and key stakeholders to set clear goals and achieve the organization’s mission.
Operations and financial management:  Oversee the successful execution of JOTF’s day-to-day operations, including effective financial management, reporting, hiring, and compliance.
Policy:  Oversee the development and implementation of a public policy agenda at state and local levels to create and increase employment opportunities for low-wage workers and job seekers. Keep up to date on issues impacting low-wage workers and relevant policy trends. You are expected to spend time in Annapolis during the legislative session and may be expected to testify in Annapolis in support of the policy agenda.
Programs:  Build on JOTF’s employment training initiatives and oversee implementation; oversee JOTF’s bail fund and other projects such as the expungement clinics.
Research:  Oversee a research agenda that explores a range of issues facing Maryland workers, identifies challenges, and recommends solutions; collaborate with staff to organize public forums and public education to engage the community on workforce and policy issues.
Partnership building:  Build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, nonprofit partners, community members, government agencies, Baltimore City policymakers, and Board members; listen to and learn from residents, local businesses, and community groups most impacted by the policies we are working to shape.
Operations and financial management: Oversee the successful execution of JOTF’s day-to-day operations, including effective financial management, reporting, hiring, and compliance.
Communications:  Build and implement a robust communications strategy and serve as a persuasive advocate for JOTF, representing the organization in various media platforms.
Team leadership and culture: Promote a collaborative and inclusive culture and provide professional development and team-building opportunities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum of five years in a leadership role with management experience in workforce development, public policy, economic development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated commitment to issues facing underserved Marylanders, emphasizing meeting the employment-related challenges of low-skilled men and women, meeting the workforce needs of employers, and a deep understanding of structural racism.
• Successful oversight of an organization’s talent, operations, and finances.
• Demonstrated aptitude for building and cultivating solid relationships with key stakeholders.
• Exceptional, persuasive public speaking and written communication skills, including communicating effectively with various audiences, including high stakeholders, community organizers, and low-income residents.
• Demonstrated passion for JOTF’s mission as evidenced through similar professional or volunteer experience.
• Strong understanding of policy-making processes and experience in advocating for policy reform.
• Experience with program design, implementation, and evaluation.

Compensation and Benefits
The hiring salary is negotiable from $130,000, commensurate with experience. JOTF offers a generous benefits package including health insurance, matched 403(b), paid leave, and parking.

Additional information
The candidate will generally be expected to work out of the Baltimore downtown office; however, flexible work options will be considered, including some remote work.  We expect the CEO to attend periodic off-site meetings and occasional after-hours or weekend events and spend time as needed in Annapolis.

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.
For more information about JOTF, please see our website: www.jotf.org