The Lapan College & Career Club (LC3) has empowered over 10,000 students in the Wakefield community of south Tucson, Arizona, for more than 20 years. Now transitioning to a public 501(c)(3), LC3 continues to provide unique opportunities, including college scholarships starting in 6th grade and ten after-school programs ranging from robotics to music. Focused on serving a predominantly low-income, Hispanic demographic, LC3 fosters hope, service, and excellence through mentorship, inclusivity, and cultural competency, supporting students from middle school through college and beyond. Learn more at www.lapancollegeandcareerclub.org.

The Executive Director of the Lapan College & Career Club (LC3) has a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a transformative organization during a critical period of growth. As LC3 transitions to a public 501(c)(3), the Executive Director will guide the organization’s evolution, ensuring its mission to empower students and families continues to thrive. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working with a passionate, mission-driven team, this role blends strategic vision, operational expertise, community engagement, and hands-on leadership to amplify LC3’s legacy. With a commitment to fostering hope, opportunity, and excellence for every child, the Executive Director will be at the forefront of creating lasting change in south Tucson and beyond.

The core responsibilities are:

Strategic Leadership:

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set thoughtful goals and measurable outcomes that reflect LC3’s mission and community priorities.
• Guide strategic planning to ensure resources and efforts align with LC3’s long-term vision of empowering students and families.

Operational Excellence:

• Direct LC3’s operations with energy and purpose, overseeing program development, financial management, and policy implementation, with a focus on staying true to LC3’s core mission.
• Manage a $950,000 budget responsibly, ensuring financial sustainability while maximizing the impact on students and families.
• Inspire and lead a passionate team through recruitment, mentorship, and professional development, fostering a culture of collaboration and impact.

Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Design and implement innovative fundraising strategies to to attract grants, grow donor contributions, and unlock new financial resources.

• Build and nurture strong relationships with donors and funding partners to ensure long-term sustainability.

Public Representation and Community Engagement:

• Be the charismatic public face of LC3, delivering compelling presentations at events, conferences, and media engagements that ignite enthusiasm for the mission.
• Use clear and compelling communication to connect with donors, schools, parents, and community stakeholders, inspiring ongoing support.
• Strengthen partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and families to expand LC3’s impact while staying grounded in the needs of the community.

Governance and Compliance:

• Collaborate with the Board to ensure governance excellence and compliance with all legal and regulatory standards.
• Provide transparent and insightful updates to the Board, fostering alignment and trust between governance and operations.

Program and Mission Alignment:

• Oversee the development and evaluation of programs that align with LC3’s mission, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community.
• Uphold a commitment to excellence, ensuring programs consistently deliver meaningful impact for students and families.

The in-office work week is Monday to Thursday with school holidays off following the Tucson Unified School District calendar (Fall, Winter, Rodeo and Spring Break during the school year, in addition to federal holidays and two weeks in July (after one year of employment). A generous benefits package is included and relocation may be available.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated success in the above areas.
• A bachelor’s degree in education, business, nonprofit management or a similar discipline.
• At least 5 years of nonprofit operations, for-profit administration or education systems.
• At least 5 years of direct people management experience.
• Preferably experience working with a low-income, Hispanic demographic, and a demonstrated understanding of the unique challenges that individuals and their families face when pursuing higher education.
• Bilingual Spanish/English is very highly preferred.

This is a rare opportunity to lead an organization poised for growth and transformation, making a tangible difference in the lives of students and their families. We seek a leader who shares our commitment to integrity, excellence, and service, and who is ready to embrace the challenge of building a brighter future for our community.

To be considered for this role, please send your resume and cover letter to Applicants@lapancollegeclub.org no later than February 10, 2024