SSTC is Hiring: Executive Director
Position Profile: Executive Director
Brevard, NC
About Smart Start of Transylvania County:
Smart Start of Transylvania County (SSTC) is a non-profit organization that is part of the Smart Start network led by the North Carolina Partnership for Children (NCPC), a nationally recognized early childhood initiative designed to ensure that young children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. In partnership with families, organizations, and individuals, we influence the well-being of children in Transylvania County. We accept responsibility for the improvement of high-quality early care and education for all young children within Transylvania County.
In collaboration with our partners, we are working to:
Be the champion for young children through collaborating with partners, educating the public, and influencing public policy.
Ensure young children have equitable access to developmentally appropriate, high quality learning.
Assist and encourage early childhood educators in their pursuit of excellence and promote an environment that elevates the profession.
Pursue opportunities to advance the health and well-being of young children and their families.
About the Position:
The Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with all management committees, has the responsibility for the overall administrative management and operation of SSTC. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and mission champion for the organization, overseeing program coordination and evaluation, community relations, personnel management, fiscal integrity, and compliance with all rules and regulations regarding SSTC’s financial and programmatic activities.
Responsibilities:
Organizational Administration
Manage and supervise the day-to-day activities of SSTC.
Oversee updates and implementation of plans, policies, and procedures.
Ensure compliance with and oversight of contracting, policies, guidelines, procedures, reporting and laws for State, Federal, and private funds received.
Ensure SSTC staff are hired, trained, supervised, and perform job duties to the highest standard possible and manage contract agreements.
Specify personnel accountabilities and evaluate performance regularly and lead continued professional development of staff.
Foster a smoothly functioning, efficient organization through timely and effective resolution of disruptions.
Negotiate professional contracts, including employee health insurance, and see that appropriate salary and benefits structures are developed and maintained.
Oversee administrative office contracts and leases and ensure office equipment is maintained.
Assure the sound fiscal operation of the organization including the responsible management and distribution of funding and the timely, accurate and comprehensive development of an annual budget and its implementation.
Approve all accounts payable and purchase orders; approve recurring invoice/payment requests, except items payable to that individual; approve deposit code sheet and journal entry.
Work with the Finance Director to conduct the annual yellow book and single audit, if applicable.
Governance
Develop agendas and supporting materials for Board, Board committee and community meetings that support and accomplish the mission of SSTC.
Ensure Board receives appropriate programmatic updates, meetings are documented, and minutes are maintained.
Participate in recruiting new members to the Board as needed and provide Board orientation to new members.
Ensure appropriate publication, accessibility, and compliance of meetings and materials.
Comply with the NC legislative intent for Smart Start initiatives, and the policies and requirements of NCPC.
Maintain good standing with the NCPC’s evaluation and monitoring activities and acceptable Final Audit Report ratings.
Evaluate the effects of external forces on the organization, recommend strategic plan and long-range goals that support SSTC’s mission and ensure long-range plans are updated.
Inform the Board of current trends, issues, challenge, community needs, and activities of children and families to facilitate policy making. Other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors and/or Executive Committee.
Community Activities
Represent SSTC to the community, speaking to community organizations, preparing press releases, and publishing articles about SSTC, its programs, its partners, and early childhood issues in the local community.
Participate collaboratively in activities related to the well-being of young children in Transylvania County; serve on committees concerned with the health, safety and well-being of young children.
Provide leadership for other community initiatives.
Maintain documentation of engagements, articles, collaborations, and participation.
Public Education and Awareness
Implement the Public Education and Awareness activity of SSTC as approved by the Board of Directors and NCPC, including development and publication of communication pieces, conference planning and execution, and distribution of materials.
Serve as a liaison between SSTC and NCPC.
Attend Executive Director forums, trainings and meetings hosted by NCPC.
Disseminate information from NCPC to SSTC staff and Board as appropriate.
Grant Development
Oversee the research for, identification of, and application for grant funding opportunities that further the mission of SSTC.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree (graduate degree preferred) in business administration or related business field, public administration, public policy, education, or human services-related field.
A minimum of five years of experience in management and financial administration with at least three years of supervisory experience.
Additional Key Competencies:
Experience in nonprofit or state government financial administration and management, including responsibility for developing and managing diversified sources of funding (e.g., federal, State, local, private) and responsibility for regulatory compliance.
Experience managing early childhood programs.
Experience convening stakeholders for community impact.
Working with diverse community stakeholders.
Technological proficiency in and experience using various collaborative software tools, such as Zoom and Google Drive.
Experience in nonprofit board governance and working with governing boards. Proven fundraising and grant writing experience for the nonprofit sector.
How to Apply:
SSTC has contracted with Capability Company Consulting to support the search process. Please send your resume and a cover letter linking your skills and experience to this position to:
TransylvaniaED@CapabilityCompany.com
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted, beginning December 5, 2025. Early submission is encouraged.
The target hiring salary for this position is $75,000+, commensurate with experience and qualifications. SSTC offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package, including employee health insurance, holidays and paid time off.