Suzanne Besser, the current executive director of the Beacon Hill Civic Association, is stepping down from the post on June 8, the organization has begun a search to replace her. 

Anyone interested in applying for the job should do so by Feb. 29 by sending his or her resume to jobsearch@bhcivic.org. So far the BHCA has received seven applications.

The full job description, as provided by the BHCA is as follows: 

About the Beacon Hill Civic Association:

The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) is a volunteer neighborhood organization working to preserve and enhance the residential quality of life on Beacon Hill.  Founded in 1922, the BHCA is one of the oldest neighborhood associations in the country, with a rich and proud history of accomplishments.  A non-profit member organization of residents and businesses, the BHCA is the primary steward for this historic, urban neighborhood. The organization focuses its work on architecture, zoning and licensing, traffic and parking, neighborhood cleanliness and safety as well as serves as a clearinghouse for information and community events.  (For the BHCA’s vision of how to preserve the past and enhance residential life in the future, see A Plan for the Neighborhood at www.bhcivic.org/pdf/about/a_plan_for_the_neighborhood.) 

An active Board of Directors and Committees (made up of volunteers) are led by a volunteer Chair and President. Together they work on various issues and events on behalf of the neighborhood. The organization has two full-time staff members, an Executive Director and an Assistant.

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director:

• Oversees the day to day operations of the BHCA
  • Communication:  Oversees all communications, including all day to day communications, printed and electronic newsletters, website, media relations.  Provides triage for press, complaints, questions, external relations. Reviews public statements prior to issuance. Responds to constituent phone calls and emails concerning questions or problems.  Liaises with city and state agencies, elected officials, and other civic organizations to advance the position of the BHCA on matters of concern to the neighborhood.

• Committee Coordination:  Works with Chairs of more than 20 standing committees to set annual objectives, timelines and action items.  Provides guidance to committees regarding procedures.  Attends key committee meetings (some in the evening) to ensure that committee overlap is minimized. Reports committee progress to the President and Executive Committee.

• Board Support:. Works closely with the Chair, President, and Board of Directors.  Meets with the Chair and President on a weekly basis, advising them on public statements.  Assists the Chair in preparation of materials for Board meetings. Meets with the Executive Committee monthly.  Meets with the Board of Directors once a month (evening meeting).

• Staffing: Responsible for hiring and training paid staff.  Solicits community volunteers when needed for assistance with large mailings or projects.

• Supports the BHCA in implementing the Plan for the Neighborhood

• Works with the Treasurer to draft and manage the annual budget

• Oversees  successful event execution
  • Community and Outreach Events: Guides committees, neighborhood businesses and local non-profit organizations in the planning and management of events that build community and further BHCA goals.

• Coordinates development and fundraising
  • Resident and Business Memberships: Works with Membership Committee to attract and retain resident members as well as to solicit business memberships and advertisements for publication in the annual Neighborhood Guide
  • Annual Appeal: Oversees the Annual Appeal and works closely with the Winter Dance Committee to attract business sponsorships and residential donations

General Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher

Experience: minimum of 5 years experience in a management position with demonstrated community involvement

Required job skills: 

• excellent speaking and writing skills
• ability to present information accurately and objectively
• attention to detail, rigorous fact-checking
• timely response to enquiries and requests for information
• technical competence with office software (e.g., WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT) as well as familiarity with / willingness to learn membership software (we use SAGE), website management and web-based resources (DOODLE, DROPBOX, etc.)
• proven ability to manage office staff and volunteers
• willingness to attend / participate in evening and week-end events

 Necessary Personal Attributes: 

• well-organized
• possesses time management and project coordination skills
• confident, diplomatic, tactful, discreet
• objective; a good listener
• outgoing, community-oriented

 Desirable: Development or fund-raising experience

 Salary and benefits:

• Mid- 50’s, experience considered
• Willing to discuss comp time/flexible hours for evening and weekend work requirements

Please send résumé with contact information to jobsearch@bhcivic.org by February 29, 2012