Description

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW 

Performance Excellence Network (PEN, fka Minnesota Council for Quality, Inc.) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formed in 1987 following Governor Rudy Perpich’s Commission on Minnesota’s Economic Future. Since that time, PEN has grown to serve a wide range of organizations, including businesses, healthcare systems, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. In addition to administering the Performance Excellence Award application and evaluation processes, PEN also hosts conferences, workshops, roundtables, webinars, and networking events. PEN serves over 150 members from sole proprietors to large companies in Minnesota, North and South Dakota. In addition, PEN partners with surrounding states to form a strong collaboration of mission partners serving the Upper Midwest. PEN is one of 25 organizations that belong to the Alliance for Performance Excellence.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO manages an annual operating budget of $400-500K and the assets of PEN. The President and CEO also manages one paid staff member and nearly 100 volunteers.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

The President and CEO works in partnership with the Board of Directors to provide leadership, vision, and direction for PEN in a fiscally responsible and ethically sound manner. The President and CEO also manages the day-to-day operations of PEN, and ensures the delivery of programs, products, and services. Finally, the President and CEO represents PEN to the media, legislators, members, and other public entities. The primary responsibilities are:

• Strategic and Executive Leadership: Establish an organizational vision and implement the strategic plan of PEN, clearly articulating organizational goals for stability and growth in all areas; advise and support the Board of Directors in governing the organization; participate in strategic plan development; provide thought leadership on industry and community issues.
• Operational Planning and Management: Develop and propose annual and long-term action plans that meet or exceed organizational objectives; work with the Board to develop, monitor, and update organizational policies and procedures; monitor the planning, implementation, and evaluation of member programs and services using continuous improvement methodology.
• Financial Planning and Management: Protect and provide thoughtful stewardship of PEN assets; Oversee the development and management of the annual budget; undertake efforts to grow and sustain dues and non-dues revenue; keep the Board informed of financial and operational issues.
• Human Resources Planning and Management: Support, develop, and retain a qualified and excellent staff, including volunteers and contractors: educate key constituencies on the concepts of quality, continuous improvement, and performance excellence; establish a member-focused culture that supports innovation, career-long learning, and professional development in a safe and effective work environment.
• Relationship Management: Maintain strong and effective internal relationships, with the Board, staff, and volunteers; build and maintain strong external relationships with members, sponsors, mission partners, contractors, strategic allies, legislative members, and regulatory bodies; Serve as PEN ambassador to other organizations and to the general public.

PEN is committed to social, racial, gender, and economic justice and strongly encourages women, veterans, persons with disabilities, and individuals who identify as BIPOC or LGBTQ to apply.

Requirements

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Education

       A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

• Preference given to candidates with at least 10 years of leadership experience in a multi-faceted organization, including experience working with for-profit businesses or non-profit agencies, or relevant board experience.
• A proven track record in leading, building, and growing an organization through a collaborative and team-oriented leadership style.
• Demonstrated passion for, and commitment to, organizational quality improvement and effectiveness.  Knowledge of and appreciation for the Baldrige program and similar performance improvement systems.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising from corporate, foundation, and individual donor and experience in identifying and securing diverse streams.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to broadly conceptualize and articulate organizational goals to a diverse stakeholder base.
• Proven ability to drive and implement change and execute strategy.
• Willingness, presence, and capacity to be the organization’s face to the public, which includes being an effective communicator, a persuasive influencer, strong writer, and a good listener.
• Demonstrated financial management and budgeting abilities.
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent, productive relationships with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, members, the community, and program sponsors including public agencies and private corporations.
• Ability to build trusting relationships and to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and a broad range of constituencies.
• Has a general curiosity, a propensity for creative thinking and problem solving, and a desire to create innovative solutions that meet members’ needs.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and host educational and networking offerings/programming, including experience in planning and hosting large conferences.