1. art and entertainment

SEARCH FOR THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Position Profile
WHO WE ARE
Mission:
The mission of the Aurora Foundation is to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of
women and girls in Greater Hartford.
We strive to:



Conduct research and convene the community around issues facing females in our
region to promote understanding, collaboration and effective solutions.
Educate and engage women and men in the power of philanthropy to improve
social and economic outcomes for women and girls, their families and
communities.
Implement strategies, including targeted grant making, that address key issues and
significantly impact women and girls in Greater Hartford.
Background:
Established in 2000, Aurora is the only fund in Greater Hartford and the only free-standing
foundation in Connecticut focused exclusively on the needs and opportunities of women and
girls. Aurora has grown to hold assets of $500,000 and has an operating budget of $330,000.
Since inception, the Foundation has awarded $360,000 in grants.
Our first full time Executive Director was hired in 2011 and managed the Capacity Builders
Campaign to start up a permanent office, hire staff (currently 2 part time in addition to the
executive director), and expand the cadre of volunteers, grant seekers and donors. Aurora is
recognized as a highly respected philanthropic organization that has built increased community
awareness of the need to focus philanthropic support on programs for women and girls.
Aurora is now poised for a new leader and ready to go to the next level of growth, engagement
and impact with community collaboration and donor support.
In 2013 we commissioned the Aurora Report, the first initiative to assess the status of women
and girls in Hartford County. The executive summary and selected snapshots are available
online, http://aurorafoundation.org/aurora-reports.html
Empowered with comprehensive data, we revised strategies and goals to achieve our mission and
are now seeking a leader to capitalize on the value of the data to bring attention and resources to
address areas where our women and girls are disproportionately impacted by issues of education,
economic stability, crime and safety and health. This is especially an issue for women of color
in the urban and urban periphery areas of Hartford County.
The Aurora Report has enabled us to identify areas where Aurora needs to lead collective
action and advance significant change for women and girls in Greater Hartford. The report
underscored, for example, that college readiness and completion are critical in Connecticut to a
woman’s economic stability and wellbeing. With an Associate or Bachelor degree, and the
earning potential that comes with it, her opportunities are greatly increased. Because of this data,
the Aurora Foundation is currently focusing on strategic initiatives and grantmaking in the areas
of college readiness and completion. The prior broader focus included programs addressing
education and economic skill building, with more than $90,000 in grants over the last three years
to programs in college preparation and completion.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Aurora is seeking a full time experienced, proactive, innovative leader who will aim high and
take the organization to the next level of performance with drive and a focus on growth. The
individual will serve as Aurora’s spokesperson, ensure a high level of visibility and impact
throughout the community, actively build and participate in collaborations, and implement
aggressive fundraising strategies and donor cultivation plans.
The new executive director will be a strategic, articulate, passionate leader and capacity
builder, who will:




Engage community stakeholders, donors, volunteers, staff and board to raise
visibility, develop collaborations, and attract resources for financial sustainability,
growth and impact;
Raise Aurora’s profile by serving as the face of Aurora. Be the primary
spokesperson, passionate about issues for women and girls, knowledgeable and
articulate about the gender lens to shape public and private sector thinking;
Provide leadership to strengthen Aurora’s brand and impact through an integrated
communications program;
Direct outreach approaches to align and build engagement with audiences through
clear messaging, valuable data, motivating stories and compelling calls to action;
The new executive director will focus on these organizational priorities during the first
12-18 months on the job:





Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to increase the visibility and
impact of the Aurora Report throughout the community.
Establish Aurora as a visible, high impact partner in efforts to improve college
readiness and completion rates for women in greater Hartford.
Successfully raise funds and secure grants for financial growth; ensure Aurora’s
ability to operate efficiently and effectively, achieve goals, and sustain long-term
impact.
In partnership with the actively engaged 23-member board and its committees,
establish an effective working relationship that achieves an agreed-upon balance
between policy-making and “hands-on” support.
Maintain a positive organizational culture that attracts, develops and retains
highly qualified staff, volunteers and board members.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated professional leader, committed to Aurora’s
mission, who possesses the following attributes:








Ten or more years of professional experience. Preference for experience with
women's funds and familiarity with women's issues;
Successful track record of attracting financial and other resources to a cause;
Ability to motivate others to develop shared vision and initiate change including
proven ability to build diverse community coalitions and inspire others to take
action;
Superior public speaking and written communications skills and facility with all
forms of technology;
Successful leadership and management experience in a growth-oriented
environment; strong decision-making skills, and accountability for results;
Ability to develop rapport and relationships with internal and external audiences
and stakeholders;
Experience providing leadership and support to a working board of directors with
multiple committees;
Minimum of Bachelor’s degree, with relevant advanced degree desirable
APPLICATION INFORMATION
This is a full time position with responsibility for two part-time staff. Some evening and
weekend hours are necessary. Minimal travel expected. Salary is commensurate with experience.
We welcome your application and submission online: www.aurorafoundation.org. Please
provide a cover letter, resume, and any additional reports that describe how your qualifications
and nonprofit and/or business experience match the needs of the Aurora Women and Girls
Foundation.
Aurora Women and Girls Foundation
P.O. Box 271035
West Hartford, CT 06127
860-881-4926