Louisiana CASA Association

Executive Director

Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000

Application Deadline: March 31, 2023

Job Summary

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operations and management of a highly effective nonprofit CASA state organization in Louisiana. Additionally, the Executive Director will execute a strategic plan for achieving the vision and strategic goals in accordance with National CASA Standards. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, local CASA programs and stakeholders, the Executive Director will ensure the organization develops and pursues a strategic plan that prioritizes the needs of the member programs and aligns with best practices and research to improve outcomes for children and their families. The Executive Director will report to the Louisiana CASA Board of Directors.

Organization Summary

Louisiana CASA is the statewide association for 17 local CASA programs serving 61 parishes. We work to connect each part of the CASA community and empower the local programs to perform at their highest level. At the local level, the programs recruit, train and supervise Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to advocate for children involved in the child welfare system and improve their well-being. At the state level, Louisiana CASA provides support, training, and services to help the local programs operate effectively.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Responsible for the overall operation of Louisiana CASA Association, including staffing, funding, meeting strategic plan objectives and maintaining compliance with National CASA Standards.
• Responsible for developing and implementing services to support the local CASA programs in their mission to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children, including technical assistance with National CASA standards, appropriate staff and volunteer training, identifying and pursuing public and private funding opportunities, developing resources for volunteer recruitment and providing opportunities for program collaboration.
• Responsible for liaison activities among and between National CASA, Louisiana CASA Board of Directors and the local CASA programs’ leadership, as well as communicating the CASA mission to the Legislature, Judiciary, Executive Offices, businesses, faith communities and other organizations.
• Responsible for representing Louisiana CASA and the CASA network in all required and appropriate commissions, committees and task forces, as well as acquiring and maintaining knowledge of child development, family functioning and child welfare in order to keep the CASA network abreast of legislative, jurisprudential and policy developments impacting children and families.
• Executing any other program or policy as directed by the Louisiana CASA Board of Directors.

Essential Skills, Knowledge, and Experience

• Ability to work independently at an advanced skill level with capacity for researching, analyzing, and providing recommendations on complex topics
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to draft effective grant proposals, and to compose and submit advanced, professionally prepared and presented reports with analysis
• Demonstrated success supervising and communicating effectively with team members in a collaborative environment, as well as ability to maintain professional and effective relationships with stakeholders
• Experience working with diverse communities
• Experience working with grassroots advocacy programs
• Exceptional skills and experience working with technology including, but not limited to, web-based resources, software, and hardware essential for community presentations and training
• Advanced experience and capacity to organize and lead both team and individual activities

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ professional experience with at least five consecutive years in a management position, preferably with a nonprofit agency
• Experience overseeing a not-for-profit organization budget
• Experience and/or knowledge of child welfare or closely related field
• Experience and demonstrated success with fund development including grant writing
• Skills and experience providing leadership with complex projects
• Demonstrated experience working with legislative stakeholders to advocate for policy
• Proven skill and experience with public speaking and media

Additional Information

• Demonstrate a commitment to a high level of professionalism, proficiency, and competence on behalf of the agency
• Embrace and incorporate agency values in accordance with the attached Statement of Core Values
• Possess reliable transportation and meet insurance requirements for travel
• Submit to and pass a criminal background screening process
• Occasionally work unusual hours including overnight travel, evenings and weekends

Benefits offered

• Paid time off and federal holidays off
• Health care plan
• Match Retirement Plan

Please email a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a writing sample to admin@louisianacasa.org by Friday, March 31, 2023.