Job: ICA Group seeks Exec Dir

The ICA Group (ICA) seeks an Executive Director to lead its growth. Founded in 1978, ICA is a nationally-recognized nonprofit with a history of leadership in worker ownership and social enterprise. ICA acts a source of information and expertise for alternative business structures and for other businesses that empower workers and produce or retain secure, quality jobs.

The Executive Director should be a strategic thinker and leader, who can build the organization together with the board and staff. Below please find the position profile. Please help us by posting this profile at your workplace and passing it on to qualified candidates. 

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, and will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications should be emailed to icaexecdirector@gmail.com. Thanks for your help in this search. Apologies if you receive this more than once,

Ann Silverman

Consultant to the ICA Group

Executive Director Sought                      

The ICA Group (ICA) seeks an Executive Director to lead its growth. Founded in 1978, ICA is a
nationally-recognized nonprofit with a history of leadership in worker ownership and social enterprise.
We expand economic opportunity and self-determination, by supporting initiatives that encourage
workplace democracy, build community assets, and provide fair wages and benefits. ICA acts a source of information and expertise for alternative business structures and for other businesses that empower
workers and produce or retain secure, quality jobs.  

The Organization and Its Activities 
The ICA Group provides strategic analysis and technical assistance services to a range of businesses,
including cooperatives and social ventures. As a consultant and thought leader, ICA has helped to develop and grow enterprises in a number of industries. We have operated at the intersection of workforce development and such sectors as staffing services, home healthcare, and healthy foods. We work with community development organizations, foundations, trade unions and business owners.
ICA’s business support services include: feasibility analysis and business planning, strategic planning,
and research.
Feasibility Analysis and Business Planning--We assess market opportunities, research operational
requirements and develop financial projections to evaluate the viability of business or program ideas. If
the analysis proves positive, ICA prepares a detailed business plan which serves as both a fundraising tool and guide for operations. In some cases, we assist clients to raise and package financing, recruit
management and perform other tasks necessary for implementation.
Strategic Planning--Utilizing a collaborative approach, ICA applies thoughtful strategic analysis to
groups working towards the goal of economic self-determination. Through market analysis, operational
assessment, social impact studies, and assessments of potential social enterprises, we help organizations
bring their mission to fruition. Recent clients have included The Paraprofessional Health Institute (PHI)
and NCB Capital Impact’s Green House and Village to Village Network initiatives.
Research--ICA builds upon the knowledge it derives from its consulting engagements to produce thought-provoking research in the fields of cooperative development, employee ownership and workforce engagement. In recent years, we have completed a social impact assessment for the National Cooperative Grocers Association and explored growth strategies for the Alternative Staffing Alliance.
We manage the Alternative Staffing Alliance, a national association of social purpose staffing
organizations, which we created and continue to support with key funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
LEAF, our companion loan fund, finances start-up or expansion of cooperatively owned businesses,
primarily in low-income communities. LEAF’s Executive Director reports to the LEAF board, and works collaboratively with the ICA staff.

ICA’s Executive Director supervises a staff of two business consultants and a contract bookkeeper. S/he manages our operating budget, which is currently $500,000. Staff work collaboratively and serve as the members of the corporation. The Executive Director reports to our seven member Board, who bring expertise from a number of fields to the organization.
 
Executive Director
Strategic Challenges and Opportunities 
1.Grow the organization and its program activities—The Executive Director should bring vision and
leadership to the organization. S/he will be expected to review key areas of recent organizational growth, including the Alternative Staffing Alliance, and identify synergies and opportunities, together with staff. S/he will propose and implement a plan for strategic organizational growth.
 
2.Develop the ICA brand—ICA is well known among a small group of mission driven businesses and
philanthropic organizations, however there are many who are not familiar with our work, particularly in
recent years. We seek to increase the number of groups who know and value our work, and seek our
assistance. The Executive Director will lead efforts to better publicize our organization and our activities.

3.Build and diversify our base of support—ICA is currently reliant on a small group of dedicated longterm funders and fee for service contracts. We look to deepen our resource pool, with increased funds from individuals, foundations and corporations, as well as a greater number of fee for service contracts.

4.Capitalize on our staff and board strengths—Our staff and board are talented small groups. We aim
to develop the board’s leadership, enhance our staff’s skills, and add people with complementary skills.

Our Ideal Candidate 
The ideal Executive Director for the ICA Group will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Strategic thinker who is able to both identify new business opportunities and work with clients. 
• Successful resource developer with demonstrated skills and a proven track record generating fee revenue and raising philanthropic funds. 
• Organization builder who brings vision and personal investment to growing the organization. 
• Experienced and entrepreneurial business developer who possesses strong financial analysis skills and an understanding of socially responsible enterprises. 
• Savvy manager with strategic knowledge and ability in budgeting and financial oversight. 
• Articulate spokesperson and communicator who delivers a message well orally and in writing, and comfortably uses social media and technology tools.
• Confident and collaborative team leader with knowledge and experience delegating, trusting and inspiring a skilled and dedicated staff. 

We seek an Executive Director who embraces our mission, and who brings commitment, confidence,
and a sense of humor to their work. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of progressive
leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector, as well as experience working collaboratively
with Board and staff members. A Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s in a related field is preferred.

Please submit a cover letter, detailing your salary requirements, and a resume to:
ICAExecDirector@gmail.com. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received, and will be accepted until the position is filled. No phone calls or letters please.
The ICA Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We encourage applications from
candidates from diverse backgrounds and cultures.