Executive Director

ABOUT DATAWORKS NC
Founded in 2016, DataWorks NC is a nonprofit based in Durham, North Carolina. We democratize data to facilitate an empowered, productive, and equitable community. Our priority is to benefit Durham’s communities of color, low income, and historical disinvestment and we do this through collaboration with neighbors, communities, nonprofits and local agencies that share goals of racial equity and community power.

We facilitate community discussions and set the table for shared learning about topics like displacement, ownership, working, race and power. By listening, learning and collaborating alongside our partners we participate in the development of more equitable and restorative public processes - ultimately building a more complete and accessible pathway to community knowledge that is grounded in history.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Executive Director will be responsible to the Board of Directors for leading DataWorks. Working in collaboration with the Board and staff, the ED will set and execute the strategic vision of the organization and growing resources to advance DataWorks’ mission and vision. The Director will also strengthen existing partnerships and build new ones that are key to programmatic and operational success. This position is equal parts entrepreneur, advocate, and ambassador.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership
Translate vision into clear strategic objectives, and align staff and Board talent with tangible actions.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with the Board of Directors, current and potential partners, and other key stakeholders to elevate the impact of DataWorks.
Work closely with the Board Chair to ensure a strong, diverse and active board that reflects the values and mission of DataWorks.
Support the Board in the development and maintenance of appropriate governance policies, goals, and objectives.

Fund Development & Financial Management
Work with the Board and staff to develop, oversee, and manage a comprehensive fundraising program including foundation support, major gifts, annual support, and other fundraising programs.
Deepening and diversifying DataWorks NC’s revenue by expanding the potential of DataWorks’ fee-for-service model and partnering with the Board to cultivate, solicit, and steward funders.
Work in partnership with the Board to maintain and continue building financial reserves and engage in long-term financial planning.

Operations
Ensure operations are guided by DataWorks policies, particularly those for financial controls.
Develop data sharing partnerships with key institutions and communities.
Participate as an independent data intermediary partner in policy discussions.
Manage growth and maintenance of the Neighborhood Compass and Health Indicators as primary community resources that are regularly-updated and serve all partners equally.

Organizational Management
Work with the Board Chair to design and lead Board meetings with the goal of supporting the highest standards of governance and transparency.
Grow, develop and mentor an experienced team of professionals to achieve DataWorks’ goals, and build an organizational culture of leadership, collaboration, and professional excellence.
Ensure that staff are supported in professional development and that their capacities are developed in alignment with the strategic vision.

Programmatic Support
Initiate, cultivate and maintain partnerships critical to DataWorks’ programmatic work and mission.
Provide critical analysis of program and priorities; innovate and experiment where appropriate and facilitate the best ways forward for the organization and its community.
Collaborate with the Board and staff in an ongoing process for strategic reviews of effectiveness and results.
Participate in associations, advisory committees, joint initiatives and conferences to promote and strengthen DataWorks’ presence in the field.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Inspired oratory and problem-solving skills; demonstrated ability to captivate funders, unite and motivate partners, and lead with integrity and optimism.
A commitment to strengthening neighborhoods by enhancing community capacity-building.
Demonstrated fund development experience.
Demonstrated experience working on multi-sector initiatives.
Knowledge of and ties to the Durham and Triangle region community landscape.
Demonstrated management experience, especially in support and development of a diverse staff.
Extensive training and/or experience in fields such as community and economic development, community capacity building, applied research and policy or related fields.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
Deep commitment to DataWorks’ core values of social, economic, and racial justice.
A keen self-awareness and strength of character that provides leadership while welcoming collaboration.
An entrepreneurial spirit and unflappable demeanor.
High integrity and a commitment to personal and professional excellence.
Ability to engage in active listening and to coach and mentor others positively.
Political astuteness, and the ability to navigate multiple complex networks.
Ability to think innovatively about strategic partnerships, alliances and engagement with different types of actors – foundations, nonprofits, public and private individuals.
Ability to articulate a vision that motivates internal and external stakeholders from multiple sectors and in diverse settings.

APPLY
Submit the following application materials to jobs@dataworks-nc.org.
Resume
Cover letter
Three references. Your references will not be contacted until after all interviews have been completed, and we will request your permission before we do so. 1-3 work samples that highlight the strengths you will bring to DataWorks and the way you will approach your work. Samples could be strategic plans, fundraising appeals, annual reports, public statements, policy documents, or any other work examples that demonstrate your experience in the key responsibilities listed above.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and accepted until November 30, 2023. The hiring range is $82,000-$88,000. DataWorks offers fully funded health, dental and vision insurance, a generous matched retirement savings plan, and supportive personal and family leave.

DataWorks is an employer that embraces a diverse, multicultural work environment. We seek people of all ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities as employees and collaborators.