The Women’s Intercultural Center is seeking an Executive Director who will work as a member of the management team to oversee a dynamic non-profit located on the U.S./Mexico border.

The Center is located in the rural town of Anthony , New Mexico - halfway between El Paso , Texas and Las Cruces , New Mexico . The mission of the Center is to be “a place where women from the Mesilla Valley learn and work together to develop their social, spiritual, economic and political potential.” To meet the mission, the Center provides (1) a broad range of educational and personal development programs for women; (2) consciousness-raising activities covering a broad range of issues relevant to the US/Mexico border (includes hosting a border immersion experience for groups from throughout the U.S); and (3) coordination of income-producing activities for women seeking to supplement their income.

The Executive Director, working with the Financial/Administrative Director and the Program Director, is responsible for the operations of the organization and the on-going financial sustainability of the Center. The Center’s operating budget is approximately $300,000.

· have a successful and verifiable fund development track record including writing grant proposals, donor development (individual and corporate), and other fundraising activities. Experience with endowments is helpful.

· a proven ability to successfully manage a nonprofit organization including collaborative leadership and organizational skills;

· have an understanding of the local border community, including low-income families and immigrants, and demonstrate a demonstrated commitment to women’s advocacy and social justice issues;

Salary is commensurate with experience, and health benefits are included. Interested candidates are asked to send their resume, including references that include at least 2 recent immediate supervisors, and a cover letter describing why they are attracted to the position and why they believe they qualify; these may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed by JUNE 7, 2008 to:

The Center uses a collaborative style of decision-making whenever possible and appropriate. The Center’s decision-making and management structure includes the following components:

Constituency Participation
Board of Directors
Staff & Management Team

Constituency Participation
The Women’s Intercultural Center empowers women by ensuring their ownership of the organization’s programs and services. Therefore, Center participants are intimately involved in the decisions and initiatives that shape the organization’s direction. Community meetings and a variety of committee structures provide opportunities for participants to contribute to the Center’s decision-making; these bodies employ a consensus model when possible and appropriate.

Over 45 women participated in the Center’s strategic planning session in 2000. During this session participants communicated concerns about limited space and a desire for more programming, which resulted in the Center’s “Educational Construction Project” and a new, 7,000 sq ft building.

The paid staff also includes women who initially came to the Center for services, and now are integral to the organization’s operations. Additionally, three local women have completed the Center’s “Mentorship Program” in preparation for service on the Board of Directors.
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Board of Directors

The volunteers who serve on the Center’s Board of Directors possess expertise and a sincere interest in border issues, especially as they affect the women of the Mesilla Valley. The Board is comprised of between 5 and 13 individuals. Board members take an active role in the Center’s functioning and direction; they assume responsibility for legal and financial matters, capacity-building, and strategic planning. While four officers lead the Board, all members participate in at least one of the Center’s five Standing Committees. Additionally, an innovative “Mentorship Program” prepares Center participants for Board service.
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Staff
The Center’s Management Team consists of three full-time staff members: an Executive Director, a Finance Director, and the Program Director. This Team, which meets weekly, is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Center, personnel and program development.

The staff is comprised of full-time and part-time employees, and- when possible- two volunteers from Mercy Volunteer Corps. This year (2007--2008) Patricia Ryan and Patricia Elizabeth Dervish from from Mercy Volunteer Corps have joined our team. Five members of the current staff team initially came to the Women's Intercultural Center to learn English or participate in other learning activities. This reflects the Center's emphasis upon leadership development and ownership.

Through weekly staff meetings and committees, all participate in decisions related to programs and policies, as well as day-to-day Center operations.