EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...The Executive Director will report to the PCYC board of directors and will have direct oversight of a strong and passionate leadership team and staff. The Executive

POSITION PROFILE

On behalf of our client, Plymouth Christian Youth Center,

CohenTaylor Executive Search Servicesis conducting a retained executive search for its

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Position Profile: PCYC | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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Plymouth Christian Youth Center (PCYC) is a strong and long-standing community-based nonprofit with a rich history of delivering exceptional education, arts, and youth programming to children, families, and the North Minneapolis community on a non-sectarian basis. Founded in 1954 by students from Luther Seminary and other social justice advocates, PCYC lies in the heart of North Minneapolis along the commercial corridor of West Broadway Avenue.

Throughout its 66-year history, PCYC has pursued this vital and essential mission: To enrich the skills, prospects and spirit of North Minneapolis area youth and adults, in partnership with families and communities.

PCYC has sustained this mission by following these operating principles:

• Achieve life-changing results for program participants.

• Adapt programs and activities to the times.• Create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive

environment. • Serve as a vital community anchor, offering

hope, leadership, and effective action.• Support the growth and well-being of staff,

volunteers, and community friends. • Exercise wise stewardship of the

organization’s gifts and assets.

Physically located in the wonderfully diverse neighborhoods of North Minneapolis, PCYC serves more than 2,000 community members each year through its three dynamic programs: PYC Arts & Technology High School, the Bright Futures K-5 enrichment program, and the newly renovated and expanded Capri Theater.

Mission: To enrich the skills, prospects and spirit of North Minneapolis area youth and adults, in partnership with families and communities.

Vision:PCYC is a place of strength, safety and beauty where every young person is nurtured and challenged to reach their utmost potential. Youth, adults, families and communities come together to turn back the tides of poverty and violence – embracing hope, compassion and the reality of a better world.

Fast Facts: • Physically located in the wonderfully diverse

neighborhoods of North Minneapolis• Serves 2,000 community members each year• Three dynamic programs

2020 Outcomes:PYC Arts & Technology High School• 150 average enrollment (grades 9-12)• 95% of graduation-eligible seniors earned

high school diploma• 100% of graduates had a plan for post-

secondary education, vocational training, military service, or gainful employment

Bright Futures K-5 Enrichment• 56 enrolled (grades K-5)• 130 weekly summer supply kits and food

boxes distributed to scholars and familiesCapri Theater• Slated to reopen December 2020 after

$12.5M renovation and expansion• 216 participated in Capri education programs

at alternative sites• 1,982 attended Capri Partner events at

alternative sites

For more information, visit www.pcyc-mpls.org


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PROGRAMSPCYC is committed to working faithfully and creatively toward a new and better future that values freedom, equity, and justice for the children, youth, and families of North Minneapolis. It fulfills its mission through three dynamic programs: PYC Arts & Technology High School, the Bright Futures K-5 enrichment program, and the Capri.

A contract alternative program in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS), PYC Arts & Technology High School (PYC) is a trauma-responsive school that serves students who have not found success in the regular public school system. During the 2019-2020 school year, PYC supported over 300 students between the ages of 14 and 21, 97% of whom identify as persons of color (83% identify as African American).

Offering a wealth of ways for students to earn credit toward graduation, the experienced, dedicated PYC team of 21 teachers, social workers, and student engagement specialists provides holistic, wraparound services to students including college, career, and life-planning services.

PYC’s staff is especially adept at pivoting quickly to find the most effective ways to engage students and keep them on track for graduation – a skill that’s been particularly useful since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beginning in March, PYC students and staff adjusted to new ways of distance learning and teaching, and in June, PYC’s graduation rate rose to a record 95%.

This school year, as classes continue in distance learning-only mode, PYC implemented several changes to enhance students’ online experiences, including a new class schedule, upgraded communications and teaching technologies, a new appointment system for students to meet with social workers and teachers one-on-one, and evening office hours so students can reach staff at times that work best for them. PYC is prepared to switch to in-person or a hybrid of distance and in-person learning as MPS requires.

PYC’s staff members bring considerable skill and passion to their work with the never-changing goals of providing each student with the best education possible and to see them through to graduation with a solid plan for their post-high school future.


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PCYC’s Bright Futures K-5 Enrichment program is an Out of School Time Program open to youth in kindergarten through grade 5 who live and/or attend school in North Minneapolis or the surrounding area. Many Bright Futures scholars come to the program via referrals from PCYC’s nonprofit partner, the Northside Achievement Zone. The program served an average of 150 scholars during the 2019-20 school year, with 98% of participants identifying as African American.

Bright Futures combines academics, social-emotional learning, and enrichment activities to create a learning environment focused on creativity, achievement, empowerment, safety, and fun. Bright Futures scholars develop confidence and thrive through connection, partnership, and youth-focused programming.

In response to COVID-19, staff designed a totally fresh approach to providing scholars with enriching activities this summer, going fully online for the safety of all participants. Goals included providing additional learning time, creating a space for enrichment to happen at home, and decreasing social isolation through live action activities and increased opportunities for social interaction between scholars, their peers, and trusted adults. Each week, staff members also created supply kits featuring activities like exploring financial literacy, growing plants, and raising butterflies, all delivered to scholars’ homes.

This fall, Bright Futures programming continues online with a focus on activities that spark creativity and critical thinking and build confidence in learning through purposeful play. Scholars and parents also have 24/7 access to “Bright Futures On Demand,” an innovative online library that features fun activities and lessons.


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The Capri is a highly regarded arts, learning, and gathering place for students, emerging artists, established performers, community members, and audiences who come from across the city, state, country, and the world. A catalyst for increased economic vitality on the Northside, the Capri provides a sense of beauty, safety, and neighborhood pride. It’s an exciting place for youth and education, offering students opportunities in the arts and technology that help them prepare for fulfilling futures.

The original Capri Theater was built in 1927, and over the course of its 93-year history, it has served as a movie theater and a venue for live entertainment. PCYC acquired the theater in 1987, and in 2006, PCYC’s strategic planning process identified the Capri as mission-critical to all of PCYC’s youth programming as well as its obligation to enhance livability factors in the greater community. In May 2019, the theater presented six consecutive days of performances to enthusiastic audiences and has since been undergoing its $12.5 million renovation and expansion, slated for completion in December 2020.

The new Capri features a renovated 250-seat auditorium, a Best Buy Teen Tech Center, the all-new Paradise Community Hall for performances and community events, classrooms and multi-purpose spaces for youth and community use, and a beautiful outdoor plaza, among other amenities.

COVID-19 has delayed the opening of the theater and has required creative thinking about how to operate this space. The current five-member Capri staff bring a combined 160 years of experience in the performing arts to the management of the new facility and is up to the task. As COVID and consumer readiness allow, the Capri will host established Capri-produced education and entertainment programs like Legends @ the Capri, Capri Glee! and Capri After School Theater (CAST). Partner programming with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and the MSP Film Society will re-start, and rentals will begin to provide a significant source of entertainment, community activities and revenue. PYC Arts & Technology High School and Bright Futures will also begin to use the space for more activities.


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THE COMMUNITY WE SERVE: NORTH MINNEAPOLISNorth Minneapolis encompasses two of the city’s eleven communities: Near North and Camden. Together, these two communities encompass fifteen of Minneapolis’ most culturally diverse neighborhoods.

According to Minnesota Compass, Near North, where PCYC is physically located, has the highest non-White population percentage within the City, with 85% of residents identifying as people of color. Camden Community residents identify as 44% white and 56% people of color. 53% of Near North and 35% of Camden households earn less than $35,000 a year, while 13% and 17% of households in Near North and Camden, respectively, earn over $100,000 a year.

Many people in North Minneapolis experience disparities in education, employment, and economic achievement, exacerbated by systemic racism and discriminatory policies and practices. The pandemic is disproportionately affecting people of color, and the elevated crime levels this summer and fall has shaken North Minneapolis to its core.

Yet, there’s another story of North Minneapolis that radiates warmth, is bursting with cultural richness, and describes the resilient spirit of people who live, work, play and celebrate this community they call home. North Minneapolis is home to thriving schools, libraries, parks, businesses, gardens, churches, restaurants, health care agencies, celebratory events, organized neighborhoods, arts organizations, and more.

North Minneapolis is filled with people who love their neighbors and do good work. Many businesses and organizations elevate and support people through their work on issues of education, economic justice, equity, and equality. Arts organizations express the unique and varied cultures of the neighborhood through performances, classes, and events and bring people together from near and far to experience the transformative power of the arts.


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THE ROLEPCYC is seeking a strategic and visionary leader for the position of Executive Director (ED). Reporting to the Board of Directors, this proven leader will bring the passion and vision necessary to ensure that PCYC becomes the nexus of arts, education, and community-building for North Minneapolis.

As the external face and voice of PCYC, the ED will inspire and champion children, youth, and families in North Minneapolis. Skilled in fundraising and donor relations with strong communication skills, this role will build connections and cultivate partnerships with a diverse set of stakeholder groups. This leader will be responsible for maximizing existing programming, driving innovative new programs, and supporting continued evolution of best practices. In addition, the new ED will encourage increased internal collaboration while bringing greater clarity and visibility to PCYC’s external brand and impact.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience working with and advocating for communities of color as well as an understanding of and appreciation for the interconnectedness of arts, education, and community in enriching students and the North Minneapolis communities served.

Reporting Relationships

The Executive Director will report to the PCYC board of directors and will have direct oversight of a strong and passionate leadership team and staff. The Executive Director currently has the following direct reports:

• Director of Education• Director of the Capri Theater• Director of Out of School Time Programs• Director of Administration• Director of Development• Director of Communications

Key Relationships

The Executive Director will work closely with PCYC donors, volunteers, board members, staff, community partners, public and private partners, the Minneapolis Public Schools, and the North Minneapolis community.


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Key AccountabilitiesStrategic Leadership

• Provide vision and leadership for the future of the organization.

• Provide strategic direction for the organization in collaboration with the board of directors, developing and implementing work plans, and bringing plans from vision to implementation.

• Ensure the organization’s long-range strategy achieves its mission.

• Promote and develop innovative strategies in collaboration with education, out of school time, and arts leadership and staff that improve the effectiveness and cohesiveness of programs.

• Lead the engagement with Minneapolis Public Schools and implementation of strategies specific to PCYC Arts & Technology High School and Bright Futures.

• Identify and drive innovative programming and earned revenue opportunities specific to the Capri, maximizing the potential of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center (housed within the Capri) and performance and community gathering spaces.

Financial and Operational Leadership

• Provide strong financial leadership by developing and adhering to budgets and ensuring sound financial practices.

• Oversee the general management and administration of the organization’s operations, including the development of progressive systems and processes to support operational excellence.

• Provide strong stewardship and management of PCYC’s current gifts and assets in collaboration with the board.

External Relations & Fundraising

• Serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate for PCYC; promote and represent the mission and interests of the organization across a diverse set of stakeholders.

• Raise funds, leverage current resources, and develop an active donor base that increases the sustainability of PCYC.

• Strengthen the organization’s financial base through identifying and pursuing new sources of earned revenue.

Staff and Volunteer Leadership

• Mentor and develop an innovative, achievement-oriented, and ethical management team and staff.

• Create a work environment that embraces diversity, is committed to ongoing learning, and is dedicated to using outcomes to drive work.

• Promote a well-functioning team environment across PCYC’s core program areas, developing effective systems of communication, motivating staff, recruiting and training volunteers, and building a shared vision across program lines.


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Board Relations

• Facilitate cross-functional communication, partnership, and accountability by advising board members, keeping the board informed, and translating the strategic vision set by the board into tactical and operational work.

• Work with the board chair and Executive Committee in recruiting board and committee members who are passionate about the mission and able to contribute to the organization’s success.

• Create avenues for connection and engagement across incoming and existing board members.

• Strategically assess board member competencies to utilize board time, skills, and talent most effectively.

• Serve as ex-officio board member.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATEWhile no one candidate will possess all the criteria enumerated below, the ideal candidate will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities, attributes, and experiences. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

• A strategic and visionary leader who will execute on the current strategic plan while guiding the development and ongoing implementation of a new strategic plan for PCYC’s next chapter

• A proven leader and executor with a track record of success in leading complex organizations and/or programs

• A demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility; proven ability and hands-on experience working with and advocating for communities of color

• Passion for the mission of PCYC; someone who leads from the heart and champions the work of supporting at-risk youth and families

• An understanding of and appreciation for the arts

• Leadership experience in and/or insights into K-12 education and/or alternative education models

• Highly relational; an external leader skilled in community collaboration and partnership building across a diverse set of stakeholders and can amplify the organization’s voice and visibility

• An effective spokesperson, equipped to amplify the organization’s marketing and visibility

• A proven fundraiser with a successful track record in fundraising and revenue diversification

• Skilled in identifying and driving operational efficiencies to further guide programmatic cohesion and optimize capabilities across programs

• Experience working with a board of directors and successfully navigating the role of board and management


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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities: The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

For more information or to send your

credentials, email

[email protected]

All inquiries will remain confidential.

• Financially astute with a proven ability to manage a matrixed organizational structure and complex funding model

• An authentically inspirational leader who is present and accessible, values collaboration, promotes dialogue, and embodies empathy, resiliency, courage, and agility

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Minimum of 12 years related full time professional work experience in nonprofit, foundation, or government field with 8 or more years of managerial experience, or a combination of equivalent experience and training

Documents

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR...The Executive Director will report to the PCYC board of directors and will have direct oversight of a strong and passionate leadership team and staff. The Executive