NEW POSITION: BEST Foundation Executive Director

Location: ​Sofia, Bulgaria

About BEST: ​The BEST (Bulgarian English Speech and Debate Tournament) Foundation is a non-profit organization registered as a charity in the public interest in Bulgaria, which promotes civic education among Bulgarian high school students through speech and debate. We are dedicated to providing Bulgarian students an inclusive and supportive space to practice critical thinking, public speaking, and creative expression. We believe that words are powerful, and can engage diverse viewpoints to contribute to the wellbeing of societies. BEST engages approximately 1000 youth, teachers, and adult volunteers in 22 regions across Bulgaria, and it looks to deepen its impact in the country as well as broaden Bulgarian youth’s global connections. For more information, please see our website: https://bestfoundation.bg/

Summary

The BEST Foundation is seeking an energetic and organized visionary to lead the Foundation during an exciting period of growth and development. This position will oversee the operational tasks of the organization including planning BEST programming and managing volunteers and staff. Though no two days are the same at BEST, an average day might involve final preparations for an upcoming tournament weekend, financial reporting, and a Skype call with the volunteer staff from around Bulgaria. The Director will be a team builder, developing relationships both within the BEST Community of students, volunteers, and staff as well as external partners. This role requires reporting to the BEST Board of Directors, Bulgarian institutions, as well as funding sources. Must be able to start in early May 2018.

To apply, please email resume and cover letter to Juliana McMillan-Wilhoit at juliana.best.foundation@gmail.com.

Responsibilities

1. Determine the order and organize the programmatic activity of the Foundation, including:
   1. Forming a strategy of the organization aligned to the mission of the BEST Foundation and its goals for growth and expansion
   2. Creating the annual programming schedule and ensuring successful implementation of all programming
   3. Creating a training strategy for new coaches, schools, and judges
   4. Prepare and present to the Board of Directors regular reports on his/her activity, as well as a report on the activity of the Foundation, bi-annually
2. Leading volunteer staff of the Foundation and recruit volunteers as necessary in order to fulfill all of the operational tasks of the organization
   1. Organize personnel and hold staff accountable for designated responsibilities
   2. Ensure continuity of programming and build process knowledge to support year over year transitions between volunteer staff
   3. Maintain responsibility for facilitating and overseeing professional development activities for volunteer staff
3. Actively managing the Foundation’s finances
   1. Overseeing financial reporting on the Foundation’s activities
   2. Work closely with accountant to prepare financial documents for financial reporting
   3. Work closely with Development Officer to prepare and present monthly financial reports and program budgets to the Board of Directors
   4. Approve overall fundraising and development strategy and ensure that it aligns with BEST’s goals
4. Ensure project activities comply with the policies and regulations of Bulgarian institutions and fiscal sponsors, submit documentation as necessary
5. Carry out other duties, assigned by the Board of Directors

Compensation

1. Competitive salary
2. 20 days vacation as per Bulgarian law and additional days as compensation for work over weekends
3. Flexible working hours
4. Remote work is possible

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree
• Fluency in English and Bulgarian
• Minimum 2 years of administrative experience
• Experience in a leadership role
• Willing to commit to the role for a minimum of 2-3 years

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous BEST experience (as coach, judge, volunteer, participant, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to manage finances
• Relevant experience in the NGO sector
• Knowledge of the Bulgarian educational system
• Previous experience managing volunteers
• Previous experience with debate and public speaking

Personal Qualities and Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
• Adaptable in changing circumstances
• Fast-Learner
• Intercultural & people-oriented
• Ability to think critically about problems and come-up with creative solutions