Do you have what it takes to lead the largest LGBT Pride fest in the Southeast? Atlanta Pride is still celebrating what was deemed the largest event in its 42 year history but now must move on to business in its search for a new, full-time executive director.

Buck Cooke, the managing director during this year's successful Pride event that saw large crowds and beautiful weather, took over the top spot after James Parker Sheffield stepped down to take a position with the Health Initiative.

Glen Paul Freedman, chair of the Atlanta Pride board, says plans are for the board to hire a new, full-time ED by year's end. Deadline for applications is Nov. 7.

From the Atlanta Pride Board:

Job Description:
The Atlanta Pride Committee an Atlanta, Georgia nonprofit, tax-exempt, organization is seeking an Executive Director who is responsible for the leadership and management of the Atlanta Pride Committee and supports the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the day to day operations necessary to achieve the goals set by the Board of Directors.

Reporting directly to the Chairman of the Board, the Executive Director will provide leadership, vision, direction, administration and implementation in support of the organization’s mission, business, fundraising, development and programmatic mandates. As part of this mandate, the Executive Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of a strategic plan in conjunction with the board of directors.

The Executive Director’s general responsibilities include, but are not limited to: cultivation and management of development and fundraising, grants administration, financial management and reporting, Board development and communication and oversight of all programs and staff.

Qualifications

The successful candidate is a proven leader with demonstrated results in leading a team to achieve progressive revenue growth through relationship management as well as cohesive fundraising and communication programs. The ideal candidate has a track record of success in personally cultivating and soliciting in philanthropic support from individual donors and corporate
funding.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or higher, a minimum of five years progressive management in non-profit, LGBT non-profit, education, arts, culture and humanities and/or related event planning industry with a proven track record in development, strategic
partnerships, fundraising, financial management and keen understanding of business models and trends in large outdoor festivals and events. Superb interpersonal and communication skills and ability to manage and delegate are a must.

Candidates must also possess demonstrated skill and ability to:
• Write professional, clear and compelling proposals and other solicitation materials,
acknowledgments, reports, public announcements and routine business correspondence
• Present well-conceived, persuasive oral arguments for internal and external constituencies,board members, potential donors and corporate giving representatives
• Execute strong leadership, management and strategic thinking that values a collaborative working environment and relationships with staff, sophisticated community leaders and donors
• Knowledge and understanding related to operating and maintaining arts or other non-profit organizations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Confidence in dealing with a broad variety of people at all levels in pressure situations,
ability to exercise confidentiality and discretion as appropriate
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and assignments simultaneously, manage time efficiently, and deliver on deadlines

Qualified candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter, resume, and salary requirements to [email protected] All applications are to be submitted via email. No phone calls will be received.

The timeline includes screening of application materials with invitations to selected applicants for in-person interviews beginning in early November 2012 with an offer of employment extended to the successful candidate by late November 2012.

Photo: The Atlanta Pride kickoff party at the Georgia Aquarium attracted more than 3,000 people. (Photo by Brent Rence Corcoran/RNZ Photography)