CANDIDATE PROFILE
POSITION TITLE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRIMARY LOCATION
CREATED FOR DENVER, COLORADO
MINDS MATTER COLORADO
about minds matter colorado
Since 2004, Minds Matter Colorado has connected driven and determined students from low-income backgrounds with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Our three-year program, beginning in the tenth grade, provides wrap-around services, including 2:1 mentoring with dedicated volunteers, one-on-one college and career coaching, weekly college readiness, career exploration, and life skills curriculum, enrollment in pre-collegiate summer programs at top-tier postsecondary institutions, guaranteed acceptance into college through strategic higher education partnerships, and scholarship support. For 20 years, 100% of Minds Matter Colorado seniors have gained admission to a 4-year college or university with scholarships to pay for it. Bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, Minds Matter Colorado empowers high-achieving high school students from under-resourced households to thrive at the college of their choice, graduate with purpose, and launch fulfilling careers that enable upward economic mobility.
Bridging the gap between potential and opportunity, Minds Matter Colorado empowers high-achieving high school students from under resourced families to thrive at the college of their choice, graduate with purpose, and launch fulfilling careers that enable upward economic mobility. our mission
Minds Matter Colorado connects driven and determined students from low-income families with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.
our vision
We are entrepreneurial. We value growth and achievement.
We care about the whole person. We value joy.
We are all in for Minds Matter! our values
what we do & who we reach
Minds Matter connects driven and determined students from under-resourced with the people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world.
Minds Matter is a comprehensive and highly successful three-year program that empowers young people from low-income families to achieve college readiness and success. Minds Matter has developed a successful program incorporating tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment experiences that prepare students for bright futures.
Through an intensive and holistic mentoring and academic program, we provide a culture of excellence and rigorous performance standards for our students. We raise their expectations, broaden their dreams, and equip them with a toolkit for future success. Minds Matter achieves a 100% college acceptance rate for our students at quality institutions across the country. Being a graduate of Minds Matter is a mark of hard work, commitment, and achievement to potential colleges and employers.
Position Overview
The Executive Director (ED) will spearhead a vibrant $1.1 million dollar organization known for its successful college and career advancement model. Building on two decades of accomplishments, the ED will partner with the Board and various stakeholders to define the future direction of Minds Matter Colorado and amplify its impact on students and the community. Reporting to the MMCO Board, the ED will actively engage with local stakeholders, collaborate with other Minds Matter chapters, and work alongside the National team to enhance the program's effectiveness throughout Colorado. Overseeing a team of four dedicated staff members and 25+ committed volunteers and mentors, the ED will provide strategic and operational leadership alongside the Board of Directors. As an experienced and entrepreneurial leader, the ED will prioritize maintaining the organization’s health, securing sustainable funding, and driving program growth. To succeed in this role, strong communication skills and the ability to network effectively with diverse stakeholders are essential.
First Year GOALS & OBJECTIVES
•Growth Strategy: Define a comprehensive growth strategy, including expanding support into college, developing a curriculum aligned with other Minds Matter chapters, and broadening reach into new markets for a more holistic impact.
•Organizational Strategy: Rescope and redefine the organizational strategy with a new Executive Director from a different professional background, prioritizing alignment with MM National and leveraging assets from National and other chapters
•Student Support: Focus on growing the number of students served and developing a detailed plan to support students through college, ensuring greater participation and growth within the current market.
•Corporate and Individual Partnerships:Establish and enhance corporate partnerships while focusing on individual and major gifts to secure diverse funding sources.
•Board Development: Recruit and develop board members to strengthen governance and support strategic objectives.
•Organizational Identity: Position MMCO as the premier nonprofit in its space by attracting top talent from the volunteer pool to mentor students and creating career opportunities in conjunction with MMCO's program.
•Alumni Support: Develop robust support systems for alumni through college and enhance alumni relations, leveraging their potential for future growth and support
roles & responsibilities
Organizational Strategy & Execution
Develop and execute Minds Matter Colorado’s strategic plan, which will guide the organization’s work for the following 3-5 years and monitor progress toward goals.
Lead an organization dedicated to helping students expand their aspirations and achieve college success, firmly believing in the transformative power of higher education. Manage human resources and financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, benefits administration, and employee relations.
Assess operational requirements and collaborate with the Board to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
Work closely with other Minds Matter chapters and the National Office to collaborate on long-term organizational priorities and strategy.
team LEADERSHIP & Management
fundraising & board leadership
Cultivate, steward, and develop new relationships with community partners and funders to reach organizational growth and sustainability goals. Develop and implement fundraising strategies to secure financial support from various sources, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors; seek and build Board engagement with strategic direction for effective operations, impactful programming, resource development, and community partnerships.
•Work closely with the Board to recruit, develop, support, and retain highly engaged Board members who are to bring adequate resources to the organization.
Oversee Minds Matter Colorado’s efforts to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and student voice in all decision-making, organizational practices, and culture.
Foster a transparent and compassionate culture that emphasizes both high support and high accountability to achieve ambitious goals, encouraging staff to bring their whole selves to work and engage in productive, open discussions.
Design a scalable staffing structure and hire for new positions as the organization grows.
qualifications
Progressive senior-level leadership experience lead performance and outcomes-based department, org within the educational, nonprofit, or philanthropic s Exceptional oral and written communication and p adapting style and approach to diverse constituenc Thrives in a lean, fast-paced, highly collaborative, an integrity, wisdom, persistence, and humor necessa dynamic organization.
Self-motivated problem solver with maturity and ta Board Members, external partners, and team mem Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and bel learning, understanding one’s identity, power, and intersectional identities of students, staff, volunteer Employs strategic, analytical, and problem-solving developing equity-based and creative solutions.
A proven track record and passion for fundraising w current funders, a zest for cultivating new donors, a streams, and a history of taking organizations to th support.
Preferred
-Experience working with driven and determin
- Experience in education, training, curriculum, programming or a related area, preferably in the college and career success field.
-Experience managing budgets and forecasting financial performance.
compensation & benefits
The Executive Director role offers a competitive base salary of $138,000 accompanied by an excellent benefits package. This includes a flexible work schedule with unlimited PTO, comprehensive healthcare insurance, and a monthly contribution to a retirement plan with up to 4% matching. This position is based in the Denver Metro Area and follows a hybrid work model.
organizational prioritites
Minds Matter Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.
Minds Matter Colorado is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse workforce. Individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, including persons with disabilities and veterans.
Organizational Strategy
Greater Community Engagement, Awareness & Advocacy
Seek and Develop New Donor Relationships
Increase Participants Served
Improve Alumni Support & Involvement
Program Strategy
Diversify Funding
the ideal candidate
The ideal candidate for the next Executive Director of Minds Matter Colorado (MMCO) is a passionate, community-driven leader committed to serving underprivileged families. They have experience that gives them a comprehensive understanding of the education space, is an advocate for college-bound alumni, and is well versed in organizational operations and culture. They excel in fostering a positive team culture and building strong relationships with partners and donors.
As a leader, the ideal candidate is a strategic community leader who is steadfast in driving outcomes while continuing to cultivate relationships that drive fundraising. They have proven success in enhancing corporate partnerships, and securing diverse funding sources and Is an outstanding communicator and connector.
On a personal level, the ideal ED is a natural relationship builder, advocate for educational equity, and committed to anti-racist and DEIB practices. They have a strong history of connecting with students, supporting their staff, and maintaining strong ties with the community.
CAREER TRACK leading to executive director
The likely career track for the Executive Director of Minds Matter Colorado involves a blend of leadership, nonprofit management, and experience in the youth development or early education community. They may have gained expertise in various fields, but have experience managing volunteers, developing positive team culture in an on-site or hybrid work environment, refining systems for collaboration, and developing initiatives for growth and impact.
Professionals we may look for:
CEO/ Executive Director
Managing Director Director of Development Director of Programs Director of Education
ABOUT denver
Welcome to Denver, where 300 days of sunshine, a thriving cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods and natural beauty combine for the world's most spectacular playground. A young, active city at the base of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Denver's stunning architecture, award-winning dining and unparalleled views are all here, year-round.
Denver is in the western United States, in the South Platte River Valley on the western edge of the High Plains just east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. Its downtown district is immediately east of the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, about 12 miles (19 kilometres) east of the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It is named after James W. Denver, a governor of the Kansas Territory. It is nicknamed the Mile High City because its official elevation is exactly one mile (5280 feet or 1609.344 meters) above sea level. The 105th meridian west of Greenwich, the longitudinal reference for the Mountain Time Zone, passes directly through Denver Union Station.
Photo: Gerson
Repreza:
process
Envision Consulting has been retained by Minds Matter Colorado to conduct the search for their incoming Executive Director. We follow a comprehensive and structured approach that begins with a needs assessment to understand the organization's position and culture. We source candidates using various strategies, such as leveraging networks, industry-specific databases, and targeted research. Our evaluations are designed to assess qualifications, experience, cultural fit, and leadership potential. After two stages of interviews with Envision, we work with the organization's search committee to select the individuals they wish to meet and then curate that interview experience. We support the final selection process, including negotiation and offer formulation and offer onboarding support to ensure a smooth leadership transition. To ensure candidate success, we offer clients a one-year guarantee and executive coaching throughout the first year of employment.
Minds Matter Colorado is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status recognized by federal, state or local law with respect to employment opportunities.
search team for minds matter colorado
Envision Consulting is a minority-owned firm specializing in executive search, organizational strategy, merger exploration, and executive leadership transitions. With offices in Denver, New York and Los Angeles, our partners and consultants are former executive leaders within nonprofit organizations who are truly inspired by our collective power to lift up the communities we serve. Our broad spectrum of services helps increase revenues, expand awareness and strengthen service delivery to the clients who need us the most.
Learn more at www.envisionnonprofit.com.
MELISSA MONTOYA DIRECTOR OF SEARCH SERVICES
ALLISON FULLER MANAGING PARTNER
MATT KAMIN MANAGING PARTNER
AMANDA MITCHELL SEARCH CONSULTANT
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Are you a great fit for Minds Matter Colorado’s next Executive Director? We invite you to apply and share your experience with us!
CANDIDATE