Job Description: Executive Director, America-Italy Society of Philadelphia
July 2024
Organization Overview
The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia was founded in 1956 with the mission to promote, by educational, cultural and other means, international friendship between the Republic of Italy and Philadelphia. The Society fosters connections through language and educational programs, music and arts, cultural exchange and community engagement. The Society serves as both an Italian cultural center for several hundred members and as a language school with some 15 teachers of Italian. The Society is a Pennsylvania 501 (c) (3) non profit organization.
Position Summary
We seek an experienced Executive Director who will further the Society’s mission through strategic leadership, program and membership development, and fiscal stewardship. The Executive Director will champion initiatives that promote Italian culture and language in Philadelphia. This includes implementing cultural programs and events, developing fundraising strategies along with membership growth, overseeing the general functioning of the language education and testing program and administrative operations, collaborating with the Italian Consulate and liaising with community partners.
Responsibilities
Additional information
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to supply three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
The America-Italy Society of Philadelphia was founded in 1956 with the mission to promote, by educational, cultural and other means, international friendship between the Republic of Italy and Philadelphia. The Society fosters connections through language and educational programs, music and arts, cultural exchange and community engagement. The Society serves as both an Italian cultural center for several hundred members and as a language school with some 15 teachers of Italian. The Society is a Pennsylvania 501 (c) (3) non profit organization.
Position Summary
We seek an experienced Executive Director who will further the Society’s mission through strategic leadership, program and membership development, and fiscal stewardship. The Executive Director will champion initiatives that promote Italian culture and language in Philadelphia. This includes implementing cultural programs and events, developing fundraising strategies along with membership growth, overseeing the general functioning of the language education and testing program and administrative operations, collaborating with the Italian Consulate and liaising with community partners.
Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and execute, in consultation with the Board of Directors, a strategic plan that aligns with our mission and supports our goals.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Society, including general functioning of the school, develop cultural programs and events, and manage business operations.
- Represent the Society to the public, attend key events and advocate for the importance of Italian language education and cultural understanding in the Philadelphia region.
- Identify partnerships, innovative programs, and marketing strategies to enhance our impact.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to programmatic and educational quality and foster a collaborative and inclusive environment that encourages excellence.
- Program Development and Implementation:
- Supervise the Director of Language Programs to ensure the delivery of high quality language courses and Italian language certifications and tests (i.e. CILS).
- Engage with artists, educators, and other speakers to curate and deliver enriching cultural experiences in English or Italian for members, students, and the general public.
- Collaborate with the Italian Consulate to support Italian language programs in public and private K-12 schools in the consular jurisdiction.
- Coordinate with the Amerita Players in scheduling, promoting and facilitating its concert series, organize the Dolce Vita luncheon series and other lecture series, and the annual immersion program in Todi, Italy.
- Fundraising and Financial Management:
- With the Board, develop and implement an organizational budget.
- Ensure that the Society raises adequate funds to meet its annual budget goals, monitoring progress and making adjustments as needed.
- Ensure that financial reports are accurate and provided regularly to the Treasurer and the Board of Directors.
- Develop and implement fundraising strategies that are not tuition-dependent, including grant applications, donor cultivation, and sponsorships.
- Oversee salaries for teachers, financial transactions for book orders and all financial aspects of the Language School.
- Communication and Community Engagement
- Oversee communications, including a weekly newsletter, and maintain the Society’s website.
- Cultivate relationships with local schools, universities, cultural and arts institutions, local businesses and Italian-American communities.
- Represent the organization in the media and at meetings, conferences and networking events.
- Be familiar with the operation of Zoom, microphones, and all technical equipment used for programs.
- Board and Staff Management:
- Attend meetings of the Board of Directors, providing updates the Society’s operations and performance and seek guidance when appropriate to ensure that the Society is fulfilling its mission.
- Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, and termination of administrative (non-teaching) staff.
- Qualifications
- Knowledge of Italian Culture: A deep understanding and passion for Italian language, arts, history, and knowledge of contemporary Italian society.
- Leadership Experience: Leadership and management skills with extensive organizational experience, such as in non-profit or arts management and cultural program development. Italian language education experience a plus.
- Language Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and native fluency or an ability to work at a proficient level in Italian. Familiarity with both American and Italian professional cultures.
- Budget and Fundraising Acumen: Proven ability to develop and manage a budget and document financial activity effectively. Demonstrated ability to secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, preferably in business or arts management.
- Legal right to work in the United States.
Additional information
- Full-time position.
- Salary commensurate with experience.
- Health benefits and generous vacation time provided.
- The position is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The in-person hourly schedule is flexible and a portion of the work may be done remotely, as conditions allow. There will be some required evening and weekend hours in connection with programs and events.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
Candidates selected for an interview will be asked to supply three references.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.