Hands Across the Sea, Inc.- Executive Director
Remote
Full Time
Senior Executive
ABOUT US
Hands Across the Sea, Inc. is a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing literacy skills among school-aged children by assisting schools, libraries and educators in Eastern Caribbean countries. Our mission is to empower young learners by providing access to literacy resources and to programs, and by partnering with local schools, educators, and community leaders.
As the only full-time employee, the Executive Director (ED) will play a crucial role in driving our mission forward, overseeing program development, managing partnerships, and fostering community engagement to make a lasting impact. The ED will also manage the organization’s operations and finances.
BACKGROUND
Since 2007, Hands Across the Sea has been embedded in island schools. The Caribbean Literacy And School Support (CLASS) approach: send great books, create, or rejuvenate lending libraries, and sustain literacy gains has reached more than 140,000 children in grades K-12 by placing more than half-a-million books in over 435 primary schools, secondary schools, and community libraries. In 2020, Hands Across the Sea more than doubled its reach by expanding the scope of its work to include nearly 15,000 additional children each year through preschool literacy programs.
The 2020 launch of the Hands Across the Sea Early Pages Programme (EPP) placed library “starter sets” in nearly 500 preschools in six Eastern Caribbean countries. The initiative encourages preschools to focus on early literacy programming for their students and comes at a time when the OECS’ Education Management Unit (EDMU) is set to provide Preschool Teacher Training. The EPP serves as a bridge to the CLASS Program and builds on the effort and investment of the USAID Early Learners’ Programme. Hands Across the Sea serves schools in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking an energetic and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with experience in the non-profit sector. This leader should have strong multi-tasking skills and demonstrated experience in managing a small-to-mid-sized, fast-paced non-profit organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for all aspects of the organization’s management, including program oversight, partnership development, fundraising, and financial oversight. This role requires a self-starter who is capable of working independently, passionate about improving outcomes and literacy access in underserved communities.
OPPORTUNITY
Hands Across the Sea programs directly address the educational gaps and challenges in the Eastern Caribbean. The work changes lives in underserved communities by improving access to literacy resources and fostering a love of reading.
This is a chance to build something truly impactful, from a position of deep influence and responsibility as well as making a profound difference in the lives of young learners, contributing to the long-term educational development of the Eastern Caribbean region. Hands is embedded in the Eastern Caribbean, which offers the opportunity for the ED to influence national education policies and partner with key stakeholders at the local and regional levels. The team of Literacy Links based in country, are passionate and knowledgeable about the educational needs of their islands. They support schools and teachers to achieve improved outcomes for the students. A key component of the success of Hands is the commitment to parent engagement in their child’s literacy activities. With a strong focus on early childhood education, Hands instills a love of reading at time developmentally where it is possible to have meaningful, long term impact.
The Executive Director has a high level of autonomy in executing a vision and making key decisions. The role will not only lead the organization operationally and strategically but will also be the heart of the organization, inspiring others and driving its mission forward. Hands is at a pivotal point in its development, with significant opportunities to expand its programs, increase its impact, and build a more sustainable future.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Financial Management
Annual salary of $100K - $140K, plus healthcare benefits pay and eligibility to the organization’s flexible PTO policy.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for literacy and education in underserved communities.
Hands Across the Sea is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Hands Across the Sea, Inc. is a dedicated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enhancing literacy skills among school-aged children by assisting schools, libraries and educators in Eastern Caribbean countries. Our mission is to empower young learners by providing access to literacy resources and to programs, and by partnering with local schools, educators, and community leaders.
As the only full-time employee, the Executive Director (ED) will play a crucial role in driving our mission forward, overseeing program development, managing partnerships, and fostering community engagement to make a lasting impact. The ED will also manage the organization’s operations and finances.
BACKGROUND
Since 2007, Hands Across the Sea has been embedded in island schools. The Caribbean Literacy And School Support (CLASS) approach: send great books, create, or rejuvenate lending libraries, and sustain literacy gains has reached more than 140,000 children in grades K-12 by placing more than half-a-million books in over 435 primary schools, secondary schools, and community libraries. In 2020, Hands Across the Sea more than doubled its reach by expanding the scope of its work to include nearly 15,000 additional children each year through preschool literacy programs.
The 2020 launch of the Hands Across the Sea Early Pages Programme (EPP) placed library “starter sets” in nearly 500 preschools in six Eastern Caribbean countries. The initiative encourages preschools to focus on early literacy programming for their students and comes at a time when the OECS’ Education Management Unit (EDMU) is set to provide Preschool Teacher Training. The EPP serves as a bridge to the CLASS Program and builds on the effort and investment of the USAID Early Learners’ Programme. Hands Across the Sea serves schools in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking an energetic and strategic leader to serve as Executive Director. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with experience in the non-profit sector. This leader should have strong multi-tasking skills and demonstrated experience in managing a small-to-mid-sized, fast-paced non-profit organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for all aspects of the organization’s management, including program oversight, partnership development, fundraising, and financial oversight. This role requires a self-starter who is capable of working independently, passionate about improving outcomes and literacy access in underserved communities.
OPPORTUNITY
Hands Across the Sea programs directly address the educational gaps and challenges in the Eastern Caribbean. The work changes lives in underserved communities by improving access to literacy resources and fostering a love of reading.
This is a chance to build something truly impactful, from a position of deep influence and responsibility as well as making a profound difference in the lives of young learners, contributing to the long-term educational development of the Eastern Caribbean region. Hands is embedded in the Eastern Caribbean, which offers the opportunity for the ED to influence national education policies and partner with key stakeholders at the local and regional levels. The team of Literacy Links based in country, are passionate and knowledgeable about the educational needs of their islands. They support schools and teachers to achieve improved outcomes for the students. A key component of the success of Hands is the commitment to parent engagement in their child’s literacy activities. With a strong focus on early childhood education, Hands instills a love of reading at time developmentally where it is possible to have meaningful, long term impact.
The Executive Director has a high level of autonomy in executing a vision and making key decisions. The role will not only lead the organization operationally and strategically but will also be the heart of the organization, inspiring others and driving its mission forward. Hands is at a pivotal point in its development, with significant opportunities to expand its programs, increase its impact, and build a more sustainable future.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising & Financial Management
- Create and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including grants, individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.
- Build and maintain relationships with existing and potential donors, foundations, and other funding sources.
- Oversee the organization’s budget, ensuring sound financial management, accountability, and transparency.
- Lead communication efforts to raise awareness of the organization’s mission and work.
- Oversee literacy programs aimed at supporting students and educators in the Eastern Caribbean.
- Monitor and report program outcomes and impact; adjust strategies as necessary to achieve goals.
- Work closely with program officers (including Literacy Links) to understand educational needs and ensure programs are responsive and effective.
- Supervise and manage the organization’s on-site program officers, called Literacy Links, and program interns.
- Oversee annual book packing operation in Boston, MA, including managing customs, for shipment to seven Eastern Caribbean ports.
- Serve as the primary representative of the organization, including building and nurturing relationships with ministry officials, education and Regional Development Partners, local governments, and corporate and community leaders in the Eastern Caribbean.
- Identify and cultivate new partnerships to support program expansion and sustainability.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors to establish and execute the organization’s strategic vision and goals.
- Provide regular updates on program progress, financial health, and operational needs.
- Support Board development efforts and assist in identifying new board members as needed.
- Bachelor’s or equivalent experience required; master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a non-profit leadership role.
- Proven experience in program development, fundraising, and budget management.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with a track record of cultivating successful partnerships.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and make strategic decisions.
- Excellent ability to exercise judgment and navigate different cultural landscapes.
- Ability to travel at several points per year for purposes of program management and partner development.
Annual salary of $100K - $140K, plus healthcare benefits pay and eligibility to the organization’s flexible PTO policy.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for literacy and education in underserved communities.
Hands Across the Sea is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity is valued. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Apply for this position
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