Description :
Benetech (Benetech.org) has a unique and exciting opportunity for a General Manager for Bookshare.org, the world's largest collection of digital electronic books for the blind and print disabled. Benetech was founded in 1989 with an explicit goal to create new technology solutions that serve humanity and empower people to improve their lives. Led by Jim Fruchterman, a prominent social entrepreneur and MacArthur Fellow, Benetech's mission is to lead the world in creative, effective applications of technology to unmet social needs. We focus on projects that offer the greatest social return on funds invested.
In 2007 Benetech was awarded $32 Million by the Federal Government to expand Bookshare.org's online collection to over 100,000 additional volumes in support of all print-disabled students nationwide. Bookshare.org is one of the nation's foremost educational resources for disabled students in this country.
The General Manager for Bookshare.org is a key leadership position requiring an individual who has the ability to drive the Literacy Program to achieve and surpass its goals. Reporting to the CEO, the person in this position is responsible for day-to-day operations, including planning and directing all aspects of product and program management, with the primary objectives of assuring customer satisfaction, retention and growth via quality, schedule and product performance. In addition, this position is responsible for the attainment of short- and long-term strategic, financial and operational goals and directs the development of the programs to ensure future growth. As a general manager for a major segment of Benetech's enterprises, this role includes managing external relationships and partnerships, lessening the Literacy Program's dependence on relationships built by the CEO.
The General Manager is an integral member of the senior leadership team. This position is full time, and based in Palo Alto, California.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
*Lead and manage the work of the Literacy Program, primarily the Bookshare.org for Education (B4E) project. This includes strategic planning, budget development, resource allocation, marketing and management to ensure that business objectives are met.
*Implement recognized business planning methodologies, annual budgets and performance reporting based on key performance indicators.
*Set operational and performance goals for each area of responsibility which are aggressive, achievable and tied to long-term goals. Monitor performance to ensure progress is being made.
*Ensure that all activities comply with Benetech's goals and contract objectives.
*Establish processes to measure, learn from, and improve program effectiveness and impact.
*Ensure quality control of all programs, especially with regard to customer acquisition, retention and delivery of services.
*Manage multiple projects and priorities working to satisfy internal and external requests.
*Take a leadership role in articulating and implementing the vision and mission of the Literacy Program, including representing Benetech and the Literacy Program to outside constituencies, networking with business and community leaders, participating in industry events and public speaking. Manage all essential relationships with strategic partners.
*Advise the management team on key planning issues and make recommendations on important business decisions.
*Foster an achievement-oriented culture based on continuous learning principles where employees are motivated and rewarded for both individual and team contributions.
Qualifications:
*Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred
*At least 15 years of progressive management experience with five (5) in an executive level position such as general manager or vice president
*Solid working knowledge of budgeting, sales, business development, and strategic planning
*Combination of both business and nonprofit/philanthropic experience preferred
*Significant experience in the nonprofit sector as a manager, volunteer and/or board member and a personal commitment to Benetech's nonprofit goal of technology serving humanity
*Strong understanding of Benetech's mission, and ability to serve as a passionate, effective advocate within the community
*A record of significant accomplishment in building and managing effective programs in a start-up phase or environment, and a strong track record in business and management
*Confidence, flexibility, and the ability to lead, plan and manage change are essential
*Ability to work well within a multi-disciplinary team environment with high standards, integrity, and a sense of humor
*Experience in managing, guiding, and developing a professional staff with an emphasis on teamwork and teambuilding.
*Ability to generate respect and trust from staff and external constituencies
*Excellent judgment, strategic thinker, enthusiastic and entrepreneurial
*Exceptional interpersonal, communication, public speaking and presentation skills.
Salaries at Benetech are commensurate with education, experience and responsibility. An attractive compensation package will be commensurate with background.
If you would like to help us grow Benetech, please send your resume and a cover letter to [email removed] or Human Resources at 650/475-1066 (fax).
