Bridge For Youth - Executive Director - Position Profile

Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, The Bridge for Youth, and its
retained search for an Executive Director
PRESENTING OUR CLIENT THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH
The Bridge for Youth was founded in 1970 when Sister

Rita Steinhagen noticed a growing number of
unaccompanied youth on the streets of Minneapolis
who were increasingly vulnerable to exploitation,
prostitution, violence, and illness.
The Bridge is a safe and welcoming place for youth ages 10-17 in
the Twin Cities who have no one to turn to, nowhere to go.
Current programs include:
Responding to the need, Sister Rita opened The Bridge

in the West Bank neighborhood, one of the nations first
refuges for runaway and homeless youth. The Bridge
relocated to the East Isles neighborhood in 1975. In the
decades that followed, tens of thousands of youth and
their families have benefited from the innovative and
comprehensive services of The Bridge.
Today, The Bridge for Youth is nationally known for its
innovative programs and services for youth in crisis. For
example, The Bridge recently earned recognition from
Guidestar and Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, ranking
#2 on their List of Minnesota non-profits impacting
education for at-risk youth.
Emergency Services 24-hour hotline, Walk-In Counseling,

Crisis Shelter
Transition Services housing and support for 16-17 year

old youth who need extra time before reconnecting with
family or transitioning to an alternative living space
Youth, Parent & Family Counseling The Bridge for Youth

uses a strengths-based counseling approach to help young
people and families identify their strengths and develop
self-confidence to increase their chances for success.
Through counseling, kids and families can explore issues in
a safe environment where both sides feel heard.
Teen Health Program All youth arriving at The Bridge

receive a physical and mental health assessment within 24
hours.
Group Counseling Weekly support groups give youth a

safe place to talk about challenges and find peer support.
BY THE NUMBERS
Between 10,000 and 12,000 young people under 18 in
Minnesota have experienced at least one episode of
homelessness on their own.
60 dedicated staff work at The Bridge for Youth (plus
interns and volunteers!) serving thousands of youth and
family members
Outcomes include:
o
o
72% of youth in emergency shelter reunited with family

68% of youth in transition shelter reunited with family
or obtained safe, secure housing
The annual budget for the organization is around $3

million (2/3 from government contracts and 1/3 from
grants and donations).
The Bridge for Youth has 2 locations; a main
location/headquarters in Minneapolis and a new
Southwest location in Chanhassen.
Named a Top Non-profit in the Philanthropedia
Fundraising list in 2013
KNOWN FOR ITS LEADING EDGE PROGRAMS, THE

BRIDGE IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON NEW INITIATIVES
SUCH AS:
TEXT-FOR-HELP PROGRAM
EXPANSION LOCATION TO SW SUBURBS
NEWLY BRANDED TRAINING PROGRAMS
UNIQUE TRANSITIONS PROGRAM SERVING YOUNGER

HOMELESS YOUTH
STAR PROGRAM TO ASSIST YOUTH AT RISK FOR

SEXUAL EXPLOITATION
ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION AND CULTURE

MISSION
ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
We help youth in crisis.

VISION
The Bridge for Youth is the premiere resource for
youth and their families in ending homelessness.
Staff at The Bridge for Youth describe the

organizational culture as:
Full of passionate people
VALUES
Changing; never static
We love working with youth and their families!
New, exciting projects and initiatives
We value the ideas, contributions, and potential

of young people.
Leading edge; national reputation
Growing
Teaching, training, learning
Resourceful; hard work with limited

resources
Sensitive to staff self-care in the midst of

doing trauma work
Valuing of diversity and diverse thought
We honor the worth, strengths, and bonds of

families in all their forms.
We welcome, understand, and encourage the
diversity and gifts of our staff, clients, and
colleagues.
We promote excellence with our staff,
volunteers, interns, and community partners,
and celebrated their contributions.
PRESENTING THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Bridge for Youth has a rich history and an exciting future. The
organization is searching for a new Executive Director to take a long-term
view and lead the organization in its work of providing programs for
runaway and homeless youth.
The Executive Director will be responsible for programmatic leadership,
fundraising, financial oversight and overall management of this complex
multi-program organization. This leader will be responsible for
maintaining excellence in services, building and maintaining relationships
with non-profit, business and community leaders across the state and
strengthening ties with partner organizations.
The Executive Director reports to The Bridge for Youth board of directors
which is made up of a variety of business and community leaders. The
position oversees a committed staff of full-time, part- time and volunteer
professionals. Roles reporting directly to the Executive Director are:
Director of Programs, Director of Finance and Administration, Director of
Development and Communications.
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

Organizational Leadership
Strategic Planning
Fundraising and Financial Development
Relationship Management with External Stakeholders
Program Planning and Management
External Communications
Staff Leadership and Development
Financial Planning and Management
Board and Committee Communications and Relations
Community Relations
Public Relations and Collaborative Community Planning
Ethical Leadership and Compliance Oversight
The Bridge for Youth is seeking a visionary, empathetic, and enthusiastic

leader, with a background in nonprofit or community leadership and a
passion for the mission of The Bridge and the individuals served. The
Executive Director will lead The Bridge in executing its strategic plan and
will oversee the implementation of annual operating objectives. The
Executive Director will also oversee the continued emphasis on quality
and innovation.
The Bridge for Youth is the

premiere resource for youth and
their families in ending
homelessness
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
The fully qualified candidate will possess ten or more years of related
leadership experience with a non-profit service organization of
similar size and complexity, although comparable leadership
experience in other sectors will be considered.
The Executive Director will:
Experience with programs for runaway youth, homelessness, youth

trauma issues, family and childrens services and/or educational
issues preferred.
Experience managing a staff, managing a budget and engaging with

a board of directors is required.
Demonstrated experience with issues of diversity and inclusion

related to persons of other racial, cultural, religious, gender and
sexual orientation backgrounds and the ability to develop
productive and collegial relationships with various stakeholders
and constituencies is key.
Educational background includes a bachelors or masters degree in a

related topic or comparable community or certificate
education.
Have experience and understanding of the regional and

national runaway or homeless community or related
sector and the role of consumer-directedsupport
organizations within that landscape;
Bring a passion and experience in resource development
including having metand exceeded fundraising or
advancement goals;
Demonstrate a proven ability to build lasting
relationships with funding entities, such as state, county
and federal government officials;
Experience with managing, hiring, and effectively
structuring staff and staff positions; including executive
oversight of metrics relating to all employees
(compensation,turnover, recruiting, etc.)
A commitment to on-going development of staff skills
and abilities;
Experience managing successful strategic initiatives,
particularly in execution of strategic plan objectives;
Demonstrate excellent communication and
interpersonal skills with experience inpublic speaking
and communicating The Bridge for Youths vision of
being a premiere resource for youth and their families in
ending homelessness.
Have a proven record of excellence in staff
communication and staff relations;
Establish credibility within a wide range of communities
from demonstrated commitment to working with people
from a wide range of cultural, socio-economic, age and
professional backgrounds.
Characteristics of the new Executive Director:
Passion for the mission of service to youth in crisis
Ability to build bridges, remove barriers and

communicate broadly with staff at all levels
Commitment to diversity in all forms
Ability to build positive work teams
Skills and commitment to staff growth and

development
Positive and inspirational; strategic and visionary
Empathic and kind; understanding and inclusive
Flexible and adaptable
Excellent judgment and decision making skills
Strong public presence and public speaking

abilities
PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

The Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul are a unique blend of small town and major cosmopolitan hub. Both urban cores boast a
thriving atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. Minneapolis is the larger and more commercial of the two cities, and Saint Paul, as
the state capital, is home to state government and has a more historical vibe. Outside of the central downtowns, however, both cities
have many distinct neighborhoods, and many residents identify with their individual neighborhood as well as with the larger city as a
whole. Unique architecture, arts and community groups contribute to make this a vibrant region. Further, there are over 60
institutions of higher education in the Twin Cities offering formal and informal educational programming.
Both cities share a common root of being river towns, and the outdoors is still a major attraction for residents and tourists alike to this
day. In addition to the mighty Mississippi River, there are over 100 lakes (over 900 including the suburbs), over 250 parks, and miles of
biking and walking trails. Nearly every weekend in the summer there are several outdoor active events for participants and
spectatorsfestivals, outdoor celebrations, triathlons, biking races, running races, boat races, water skiing competitions, golf
tournaments, and more.
The lifestyle of the Twin Cities residents doesn't lie dormant during the winter. Indoor and outdoor activities abound. Skiing, skating,
ice-fishing and other activities are popular, and the music and arts scene gets even better in the winter.
For those who prefer activity of the spectator variety, the Twin Cities are home to the major sports
teams: Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota
Lynx (current WNBA champions), Minnesota United FC (soccer), and Minnesota Swarm (lacrosse).
There is also a minor league baseball team, the Saint Paul Saints.
The Twin Cities have hosted the World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball Finals, the USGA U. S.
Open, the PGA Championship, and the Special Olympics. In 2014, Target Field was the setting for
baseball's All-Star Game, and, in 2018, the Super Bowl will be played in a newly built state-of-the-art
stadium.
There are countless arts offerings here. There are over 30 theatre venues, 10 dance companies, and 30
classical music groups in the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul alone. Penumbra Theatre illuminates the
human condition through the prism of the African American experience. Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie
Theatre has staged A-plus shows from the classical to the contemporary. The Grammy Award-winning
Minnesota Orchestra has a reputation as one of the top orchestras in the world. An exciting and innovative
pop music scene abounds, including the iconic First Avenue venue and Minnesota Public Radio, creator of A
Prairie Home Companion show and inventive station The Current. Popular national shows and performers
also tour through the Twin Cities year round at stages in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul. The new Cowles
Center for the Arts showcases local dance companies and other artists.
Beyond the outdoor, entertainment, and culture,
perhaps the biggest attraction for the Twin Cities is
the lifestyle. Forbes hailed Minneapolis and Saint Paul
as the nation's healthiest cities. USA Today named
Saint Paul as North America's "Most Romantic City.
The Twin Cities offer award-winning restaurants with
cuisines from around the world. In addition to the
popular Mall of America, there are plenty of unique
shopping districts in both cities and in the suburbs.
THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The compensation package is based on experience and includes participation in the The Bridge for Youths benefits plan.
BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD INVITES YOU TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Co-Founder
651-341-4840
[email protected]
Lars Leafblad, MBA

Co-Founder
612-598-7547
[email protected]
Civic Search. Reimagined

www.ballingerleafblad.com

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Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client, The Bridge for Youth, and its

retained search for an Executive Director

PRESENTING OUR CLIENT THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH

SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE BRIDGE FOR YOUTH

The Bridge for Youth was founded in 1970 when Sister

Responding to the need, Sister Rita opened The Bridge

Emergency Services 24-hour hotline, Walk-In Counseling,

Transition Services housing and support for 16-17 year

Youth, Parent & Family Counseling The Bridge for Youth

Teen Health Program All youth arriving at The Bridge

Group Counseling Weekly support groups give youth a

72% of youth in emergency shelter reunited with family

The annual budget for the organization is around $3

KNOWN FOR ITS LEADING EDGE PROGRAMS, THE

EXPANSION LOCATION TO SW SUBURBS

NEWLY BRANDED TRAINING PROGRAMS

UNIQUE TRANSITIONS PROGRAM SERVING YOUNGER

STAR PROGRAM TO ASSIST YOUTH AT RISK FOR

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION AND CULTURE

We help youth in crisis.

Staff at The Bridge for Youth describe the

Full of passionate people

Changing; never static

We love working with youth and their families!

New, exciting projects and initiatives

We value the ideas, contributions, and potential

Leading edge; national reputation

Teaching, training, learning

Resourceful; hard work with limited

Sensitive to staff self-care in the midst of

Valuing of diversity and diverse thought

We honor the worth, strengths, and bonds of

PRESENTING THE POSITION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:

The Bridge for Youth is seeking a visionary, empathetic, and enthusiastic

The Bridge for Youth is the

The Executive Director will:

Experience with programs for runaway youth, homelessness, youth

Experience managing a staff, managing a budget and engaging with

Demonstrated experience with issues of diversity and inclusion

Educational background includes a bachelors or masters degree in a

Have experience and understanding of the regional and

Characteristics of the new Executive Director:

Passion for the mission of service to youth in crisis

Ability to build bridges, remove barriers and

Commitment to diversity in all forms

Ability to build positive work teams

Skills and commitment to staff growth and

Positive and inspirational; strategic and visionary

Empathic and kind; understanding and inclusive

Flexible and adaptable

Excellent judgment and decision making skills

Strong public presence and public speaking

PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES OF MINNEAPOLIS AND ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

THE COMPENSATION PACKAGE

BALLINGER|LEAFBLAD INVITES YOU TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Marcia Ballinger, PhD

Lars Leafblad, MBA

Civic Search. Reimagined