PAR-Recycle Works, (PAR) a 501(c)(3) PA nonprofit organization, is an employment social enterprise offering environmentally responsible recycling services while providing life-changing jobs, workforce training and reentry support exclusively to formerly incarcerated men and women.
The vehicle for this mission is the operation of an electronics recycling business. Taking the electronic waste provided by households, institutions, corporate and educational Supply Partners, PAR-Recycle Works’ Program Participants deconstruct these items and recycle the materials to help pay the wages of its program participants. In addition to this transitional job, PAR’s Program also provides reentry support and workforce development training toward placement with outside, mainstream jobs and support.
PAR is the only nonprofit electronics recycler with an R2 / RIOS certification in Pennsylvania. PAR assures clients that their e-waste is recycled in an environmentally responsible way, protecting health & safety and guarding data security, helping its clients accomplish risk management, and environmental and social goals – all at the same time.
For more information about PAR visit par-recycleworks.org
Reporting Relationships
The Executive Director (ED) reports directly to the Executive Committee of the board, composed of the President and Treasurer. The Executive Director participates as a member of relevant board committees and board meetings.
Overview
The Executive Director will be responsible for executing the overall organizational vision, strategic direction, operating and fiscal policies in collaboration with PAR’s Board, staff, and partners.
The leader will oversee PAR-Recycle Works’ two operating parts:
- An e-waste recycling business which serves environmental sustainability goals and provides program participants with employment and immediate income.
- A job skills training & development program which includes external job placement assistance.
The ED will provide full-time onsite direction of PAR’s operational and office team to ensure that they align with the achievement of PAR’s business and program goals. This individual will articulate the vision, mission, value proposition and overall strategy and direction of the organization. This individual will strengthen and cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, the public, community partners, local, state, and federal government partners, and with a wide array of funders including foundations, individual donors, and corporate partners. The ED will also ensure that PAR is compliant with R2v3/RIOS certification requirements, creating systems that will help monitor progress and provide results while minimizing risk
Position Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the nonprofit field.
- Provide leadership, direction, and meaningful and timely communication to all staff
- Serve as the public face of the organization, carrying PAR’s message to various funding communities.
- Together with the board and senior team, execute on the organization’s vision.
Mission and Program:
- Ensure alignment on the PAR mission among board and staff members.
- Oversee and direct all training and employment programs for the organization, ensuring financial viability and effectiveness.
- Support the development and maintenance of a network of employers willing and able to hire justice-impacted individuals.
- Foster a workplace culture that supports personal and professional growth for program participants.
Operations:
- Provide direct oversight into the operation of PAR’s recycling business in compliance with regulatory and industry standards.
- Establish and support operational goals, processes and standards in line with the company’s financial and operational goals.
- Ensure that PAR is compliant with R2v3/RIOS certification requirements, creating systems that will help monitor progress and provide results while minimizing risk.
Human Resources:
- Lead all recruitment, onboarding, retention, development and compliance functions for the organization.
- Maintain an environment which embraces a diverse workforce and cultural sensitivity to social, racial and economic diversity.
- Bring a 21st century perspective to PAR.
- Embrace ever changing technology internally and externally.
- Ensure compliance with local, State and Federal employment laws.
Fundraising:
- Lead fundraising efforts across all channels in partnership with the board.
- Represent PAR and actively participate in external events to increase awareness, credibility and brand in the market.
- Bring together the board, business leaders, and funders to increase financial support for PAR.
Financial Management:
- Together with the appropriate board members, create and manage a budget that supports the annual and strategic plans of PAR.
- Monitor cash flow from operations and provide appropriate reporting to relevant committee(s) and the board.
- Coordinate and oversee activities with professional advisors, including legal counsel, and auditors.
- Ensure long-term financial sustainability by aligning operational expenses with revenue.
Critical Skills/Qualifications
- Mission Alignment: Passion for supporting justice-impacted individuals via social enterprise and workforce development.
- Leadership & Management: At least 5-7 years of experience overseeing a management role and scaling a nonprofit or business for growth, sustainability and impact.
- Connector and Relationship Builder: Philadelphia nonprofit, business, and/or philanthropic communities.
- Team Development: Experience recruiting, managing, and mentoring, diverse teams.
- Strong Communication Skills: Ability to articulate PAR’s mission to diverse stakeholders including: the PAR team, funders, business partners, employers, government agencies, and other community partners.
- Fundraising & Development: Demonstrated ability to sell and secure funding through grants, individual donors and partnerships.
- Financial Acumen: Experience managing budgets, financial planning, and ensuring organizational sustainability.
- Business Operations Expertise: Production and/or warehouse management, recycling, sustainability, or waste management sector is a plus.
- Knowledge: Reentry programs, criminal justice issues, and employment training for workforce reentry is highly desirable.
Personal Qualities
- Comfortable with ambiguity and new experiences.
- Collaborative, approachable leader – culturally sensitive, empathetic and engaging.
- Visionary and inspirational servant leader, capable of managing people through organizational
- Outstanding communicator – articulate, persuasive, open, transparent and
- Strong interpersonal, relationship building and communication skills to effectively interact and engage external and internal constituents.
- Trustworthy, honest and believable with the highest standards of ethics, integrity and
- Able to draw the best skills and talents out of others.
- Collaborative and inclusive decision-making style. High emotional intelligence.
- Strong commitment to DEI, particularly in supporting a diverse workforce.
- Balance, perspective, a good sense of humor.