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President & CEO

( Pennsylvania | Hybrid )

About the Organization

Founded in 1968, in response to civil unrest following the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Program to Aid Citizen Enterprise (PACE) was created by forerunners of the United Way of Allegheny County in partnership with the Health and Welfare Association, the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and key leaders. Its purpose was to help the African American community determine and meet its needs by supporting the growth and development of nonprofit organizations. Research and data-driven, PACE is a community convener, service provider, consulting service and grant-making organization.

Today, PACE offers innovative programming by leveraging a data-informed approach and 50 years of capacity- building experience to determine how to best meet the needs of communities that have been marginalized. Focusing not only the collection of data, but the repeated analysis of key patterns across and within communities, PACE supports their assets and addresses their most pressing needs, advancing the mission and issues of local nonprofits and the communities in which they serve to help bring about lasting change. PACE seeks to advance a more equitable community by strengthening small-to-mid sized, community-based nonprofits that can successfully build the assets and support the pressing needs of BIPOC communities that have been marginalized.

Since its inception, PACE has provided over $15 million in grants and technical assistance to over 450 nonprofit organizations in isolated and neglected areas of Pittsburgh and Southwestern, PA. Examples of the work and progress made include:

Programs of PACE:

• Intensive Services: Since 2006, this core program assists a cohort of local small to mid-sized organizations in successfully developing and completing projects that increase their organizational capacity, developing stronger, more resilient community-based nonprofit organizations to serve the community effectively and meaningfully.
• Leadership Development: BIPOC professional development and coaching program for executive and next- generation professionals to strengthen their leadership, organizational, and personal growth.
• PACE Consulting: Using its direct fee-based consulting and training services, PACE works with regional philanthropic partners to create special capacity-building projects and programs that strengthen nonprofits and communities they serve.

Initiatives of PACE:

• The Pittsburgh Cultural Treasures Initiative (PCTI): Launched in 2021 The Pittsburgh Cultural Treasures Initiative (PCTI) is a collaborative effort between The Heinz Endowments, the POISE Foundation and PACE, in partnership with the Ford Foundation to “provide regionally significant cultural organizations of color with meaningful sums of operating support during this period of unprecedented upheaval, and to encourage related local efforts to strengthen cultural endeavors that reflect and benefit BIPOC communities over the next five years.”
• Regional Nonprofit Effectiveness Study: The Health of the Nonprofit Sector in Western Pennsylvania Through the use of machine learning and big data from nonprofit IRS 990s, foundation and government funding, zip code level economic data, and population demographics, we seek to assess local and regional nonprofit effectiveness and the impact on communities.

PACE also plans a number of key events including Inclusive Voices, an annual luncheon event creating and deepening partnerships with diverse members of the community to promote change through thought-provoking conversations, and Equity Learning Series seminars that enrich the dialogue and further PACE’s goals to fight inequality and promote diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

As a trusted partner in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors of the Pittsburgh region, PACE fills a unique capacity building need in the nonprofit community. With the leadership and vision of the CEO, building and growing the relationships is one of the fundamental ways PACE will elevate and expand its capacity building mission.

For more information, please visit: https://pacepgh.org/

Job Description

Position reports to:  Board of Commissioners

Position salary range:  $135,000 - $150,000

THE OPPORTUNITY

The President & CEO will be a visionary and strategic leader with a commitment to advancing not only the mission of PACE, but also to nonprofits and charitable groups serving BIPOC communities that have been marginalized in Allegheny and its surrounding counties.

PACE seeks a thoughtful, energetic, and strategic leader who is eager to foster growth and uplift the agency. People-centered and visionary, the President and CEO is expected to shape and manage the strategic direction of PACE by providing leadership and guidance, facilitating change, driving revenue, and directing growth to ensure the day-to-day vitality, stability, and value of the agency’s services. The Board seeks a President & CEO that has program and service experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, with specific experience with coaching and consulting models and best practices in grant-making.

Reporting to a Board of Commissioners, the President & CEO understands the value of being a highly visible leader in the community and must excel in relationship building and resource development. With a budget of approximately $2.5M and a staff of 8, PACE operates with a lean, but high-performing team which requires a collaborative leader who will empower staff to excel in accomplishing organizational goals. The ideal candidate will also possess a deep understanding of the operational needs of a nonprofit in order to ensure consistent, high- quality execution of PACE’s mission.

The President & CEO will be primarily responsible for the following:

Leadership & Management

• Assuring PACE effectively achieves its mission by providing leadership and development innovation. This includes day-to-day operations, fundraising, fiscal oversight, and strategic planning.
• Assigning clear accountability and ensures continuous improvement in operations.
• Proficiently managing growth stage operations, focusing on increasing and diversifying revenue,
securing (ideally multiyear) philanthropic support for operating costs and increasing creativity and
sustainability through strengthening PACE’s financial position.
• Developing and monitoring the implementation of short and long-range plans, clarifying roles and
responsibilities to enhance business and operational success.
• Supervising external and internal assessment and evaluation of PACE capacity-building programs and
initiatives.
• Continually evaluating organizational and community needs, relevant program trends, as well as the
needs of current and future fellows to increase program strength and relevance.
• Cultivating an ongoing learning environment embracing diverse experiences, abilities, and approaches.
• Supervising and ensuring efficient operational management of staff, consultants, volunteers, and
commissioners engaged in PACE-supported programs and projects.
• Collaborating closely with staff to initiate, coordinate, and ensure operational and programmatic
activities.
• Uplifting the relationships with national capacity building organizations to bring best-practices and new
ideas to the region.

Development & Community Relations

• Cultivating relationships with philanthropic partners to enhance long-term plans and strengthen ties with key foundations and funders in the region. Providing strategic counsel on leveraging funding opportunities from state, county, and local sources.
• Increasing and leveraging PACE’s impact by partnering with appropriate stakeholders.
• Fostering and expanding community partnerships and initiatives, enhancing arts, education, economic
development and human/social services in the Pittsburgh and Southwestern PA communities. Providing
strategic leadership in various initiatives supported by PACE.
• Advocating for the needs of the sector through the dissemination of data-driven research to decision
makers and stakeholders.
• Serving as the key external voice of the agency, raising the region’s awareness of and engagement in
PACE’s work and enhancing the agency's visibility, relevance, and credibility. Embracing opportunities to promote the mission and programs of the agency.

Board Relations

• Developing, maintaining, and supporting an effective and dedicated Board of Commissioners.
• Serving as the Administrative Officer for the Board, assisting in meeting schedules, committee
structures, agenda development, and record-keeping. Acting as primary liaison to the Board, engaging Commissioners in the current and future needs of the organization, ensuring the board is able to fulfill its oversight responsibilities.
• Participating in Board recruitment and collaborating with Board leadership to promote governance best practices in order to maximize board involvement.
• Ensuring effective systems exist to track progress, and regularly evaluating program components, so as to measure successes and challenges that can be effectively communicated to the board, funders, and other constituents.
• Partnering with the Board to develop, maintain, and execute a strategic plan for the future of the organization.

THE CANDIDATE

PACE seeks a leader with a deep compassion and pride for the work PACE provides as well as a strong commitment to social change through capacity-building and community empowerment. This position requires a confident, forward-focused leader who has significant history and demonstrated experience in management, strategic planning, and the ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders. An experienced nonprofit leader, the successful candidate will be a have deep passion for providing high-quality programs and opportunities for marginalized organizations and communities throughout the region.

All candidates should have exceptional and proven nonprofit management, leadership, relationship management, and resource development experience, as well as possess a combination of the following skills and attributes:

• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to PACE’s mission and vision.
• Educational background that supports the required skills and competencies
• Previous professional experience as a consultant or coach.
• Past success working collaboratively with partners, including but not limited to corporate and business
leaders, philanthropic leaders, like-minded organizational partners, and a Board of
Directors/Commissioners.
• Extensive fiscal management and grant-based budget experience with a track record of performance and
entrepreneurial ideas.
• Successful experience in leading fundraising for a comparably sized agency.
• Able to convey deep understanding and appreciation of the assets owned and challenges faced by PACE
program participants and clients and the communities they serve.
• Can utilize primary and secondary research to strengthen program development, evaluation, and
consulting.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge and skills, incorporating best practices and updated technology.
Understanding of nonprofit lifecycle theory.
• High level of interpersonal and communication skills, with a track record of building strong relationships
with a diverse group of individuals at all levels. Can build consensus for ideas and can be effective in
navigating sensitive topics internally and externally.
• Values an inclusive work environment and can demonstrate cultural competence. Track record of creating
and sustaining an organizational culture that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Adept at building effective teams and motivating others. Working style that is transparent, encouraging,
and collaborative.
• Skilled with change management and knowing how to assist individuals and organizations through seen
and unseen obstacles toward their goals.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

In the near term, the new President & CEO will continue to deliver outstanding outcomes while successfully addressing the following in the first 6-12 months:

• Become immersed in the programs and people of PACE. Complete personal outreach to and initial evaluation of all current program and fundraising partners in order to deepen understanding of current community relationships, both funding and programmatic.
• Review and analyze fundraising and development plans in order to explore and maximize opportunities within the region.
• Evaluate the organization’s current strategic plan and use it to inform collaborative goal and vision setting with staff.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This position offers a competitive salary range of $135,000 - $150,000 and a progressive benefits package.

WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Sharing offices with the POISE Foundation in downtown Pittsburgh, the PACE office and staff operates on a hybrid schedule, with in-office and remote flexibility.

DEI IMPERATIVE

PACE seeks to recruit candidates for employment that represent our diverse community in race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and ability. Inclusive and equitable in our recruitment and retention practices, we are dedicated to uplifting diverse opinions and backgrounds in order to grow and evolve as a welcoming workplace for all.

HOW TO APPLY

PACE has retained Nonprofit Talent to assist with this important organizational change process. Specific questions related to the position may be emailed to Michelle Pagano Heck, President, at Michelle@NonprofitTalent.com. Please direct all inquiries related to this position to Nonprofit Talent, and do not contact PACE.

Resume, position-specific cover letter, and salary expectations can be uploaded here:

https://nonprofittalent.applytojob.com/apply/crk2KKQwY9/President-CEO-PACE-Program-To-Aid-Citizen-Enterprise

APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5PM ON March 29, 2024

ABOUT NONPROFIT TALENT

Nonprofit Talent is a boutique executive search firm with a deep understanding of the nuanced cultural and financial landscape of the nonprofit and philanthropic community. We know the organizations and the people that commit to the sector. Our candidates, through regional and targeted national recruitment, frequently come from the same communities as our clients. We firmly believe in uplifting the extraordinary talent of our region in addition to seeking out new and vibrant talent through national networks.

Contact email for applicants  michelle@nonprofittalent.com