The National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI) is seeking a dynamic, hands-on leader with entrepreneurial drive and strategic vision to serve as its inaugural director. This is the organization’s first paid staff position, signaling an exciting new chapter of growth, professionalization, and long-term impact. The ideal candidate is a mission-driven builder who thrives in entrepreneurial environments, dynamic speaker, and is passionate about advancing the visibility and legacy of women innovators and inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Planning & Implementation: Lead the development and execution of a multi-year strategic plan focused on organizational sustainability, growth, and mission alignment.
- Fundraising & Resource Development: Create and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, individual giving, and corporate partnerships, assuring budget compliance.
- Organizational Infrastructure: Formalize internal systems and policies, transitioning NCWI from an all-volunteer initiative to a professionally staffed nonprofit.
- Board & Volunteer Engagement: Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting governance best practices, and helping cultivate a strong network of ambassadors and volunteers.
- Program & Mission Delivery: Collaborate with stakeholders to define, strengthen, and expand NCWI’s programs, exhibitions, and initiatives that celebrate and amplify women innovators
- External Relations: Represent NCWI in local and national spaces, building visibility, cultivating partnerships, and strengthening the organization’s public presence.
- Assure Governmental Compliance: Oversee the filing and updating of required documents to assure local, state and federal compliance.
- Delight Stakeholders: Assure volunteers, sponsors, donors, partners, board members, service providers
Year One Goals:
1. Develop and Launch a Strategic Sustainability Plan
Lead the Board through the process of crafting and implementing a 3-year strategic plan that lays the foundation for NCWI’s financial and organizational sustainability. This includes identifying key funding sources and programmatic partners, articulating program priorities, and establishing measurable outcomes to guide the organization's growth.
2. Secure Funding to Support Programs
Raise unrestricted and program-specific funding through grants, individual giving, and/or institutional partnerships. This funding will support staff capacity, program development, and the operational infrastructure needed for long-term success.
3. Build Foundational Systems and Structures
Transition NCWI from a volunteer-led initiative to a professionally managed nonprofit by creating (or transitioning) essential internal systems (HR, finance, governance, communications, website, donor database), formalizing board engagement practices, and documenting key policies and procedures.
4. Manage all day-to-day operations including website management, newsletter generation, marketing, communications, social media, data file growth, accuracy and public access, financial and donor record-keeping, along with event management including the Dr. West traveling exhibit details.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, or organizational development
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build systems and programs from the ground up
- Strong communicator and relationship builder
- Go-getter who can multi-task, motivate, seize visionary opportunities, while simultaneously attending to details
- Passion for gender equity, innovation, and public storytelling
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively with a high level of initiative
- Ability to generate artwork, create Constant Contact or equivalent communications and input information to DonorSnap for prospect and donor management.
Compensation:
This is a full-time, remote position. Compensation will be based on experience and geographic location.
To apply:
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to jennifer@womensinnovations.org. In your cover letter, please include your salary expectations and share a specific example that demonstrates your entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work independently. While the search will remain open until filled, applications received by midnight on Friday, May 23 will receive priority attention.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: Remote
