Our friends over at NOVAC created this video of the grand opening of our new Youth Writing Center on August 26th (826 Day!) The video features some shots of the space, including our writing lab and Haunting Supply Co. storefront. They also facilitated a whimsical tale of a family and a hungry dragon by having guests of the event add a new line to the story.
$25 would support the needs of our afterschool programming by offering our students new supplies like paper, pencils, and paint. Students grades 1-3 join us four days a week for homework help, creative writing, arts and crafts, games and more.
$50 would help us print five publications written by our afterschool students. Our afterschool students work on their writing projects twice a week – about anything from ghost stories to food reviews. They all get to become published authors.
$100 supports our most ambitious project of the year: our Young Authors Book Project. Partnering with 70 students in the 11th grade at G. W. Carver High School, students are choosing a local hero – whether it be their mom or a politician – to write and publish a book about.
$250 allows one student to be a part of the Young Writers’ Council (YWC) for an entire semester. The YWC, a group of local high schoolers, tackle two book projects a year – from its idea conception to writing and reviewing submissions to editing and publishing.
826 New Orleans is seeking a brilliant, tenacious, creative, humorous, resourceful, and inspired leader with a ferocious commitment to young people, who knows how to manage a team and resources with flair and finesse, to lead our next chapter. See the PDF job description here, or read on. You can find a letter from our outgoing Executive Director and our Board of Directors here.
Executive Director Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
826 New Orleans (formerly Big Class) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and supporting the voices of New Orleans’ writers ages 6-18 through creative collaborations with schools and communities. We offer free writing programs and publishing opportunities at our Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward and in schools across the city. Our staff and volunteers help students improve their literacy skills, become published authors, and understand the power of their voices on and off the page. Since 2010 we’ve served over 4,000 students and created over 100 publications of student work with the help of over 400 volunteers.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director has overall responsibility for 826 New Orleans’s operations and strategic plan. The successful candidate will combine a proven track record in nonprofit and/or education leadership with an understanding of 826 New Orleans’s mission and program offerings to improve and expand the organization’s impact across the city.
After major growth in recent years, opening our Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward and joining the acclaimed 826 Network, 826 New Orleans is in a strong and steady position with a progressing strategic plan, a talented staff, an engaged board, and well-established funding and community relationships.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy
Work with the 826 New Orleans board to develop, implement, and track the progress of a strategic plan for the organization and lead a forward-thinking approach to its staff, leadership, and the entire organization.
Report to the 826 New Orleans board of directors on programming, fundraising, finances, events, publications, personnel, strategic planning, and other matters; enlist their support as needed.
Work with 826 National to coordinate the work of 826 New Orleans with the other 826 chapters; represent 826 New Orleans at 826 National meetings, executive director meetings, staff conferences, and other convenings.
Expand the value of 826 New Orleans’s resources for the benefit of underserved youth across Greater New Orleans.
Fundraising and Financial Management
Ensure prudent fiscal management of 826 New Orleans, including establishment of salaries, management of expenses, strategic financial planning, and preparation of monthly financial reports and annual budgets.
Partner with Development Director to create and implement 826 New Orleans fundraising strategy, including grant applications, corporate and private philanthropy, individual donations, and special events.
Successfully and directly ask individual and other funders for financial gifts; Cultivate and support donors through every stage of a gift; Deliver authentic gratitude, timely information, and individualized attention to donors in our community of supporters.
Programming
Partner with Program Director to establish robust educational objectives, and works to achieve them, in support of New Orleans youth and guided by organizational guidelines and 826 National chapter standards.
Partner with Program Director to oversee all programming, including after-school, in-school projects, field trips, and workshops, including ensuring daily excellence and quality practices, and collecting qualitative and quantitative data.
Marketing/PR/Communications
Represent 826 New Orleans and its mission to students, families, funders, volunteers, the educational community, and the media.
Guide all external relations and collaborations, including website, annual fundraising appeals, and public relations; serve as spokesperson for media appearances and other public speaking opportunities; handle crisis communications.
Develop and maintain relationships with education and community leaders that will facilitate programming growth.
Operations/Supervision
Direct and support staff, interns, and volunteers, to pursue 826 New Orleans’s educational mission, in alignment with its values.
Supervise the staff’s work in the areas of programming, volunteer recruitment and supervision, development, publications, and special events.
Develop 826 New Orleans’s culture as a learning organization, providing consistent professional development plans, learning opportunities, regular feedback, advice, and performance reviews.
Manage all legal and operational issues, including contracts, employment matters, technology, leases and building management, publication and other agreements, and oversight of retail operations.
Serve as chief organizational signatory.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Charismatic and inspirational leader and collaborator, who has led healthy, dynamic organizations through growth stages.
Significant leadership experience in the worlds of education, youth development, and/or the arts.
Strong and diverse network of connections throughout Greater New Orleans.
Ability to balance multiple, conflicting priorities with patience.
Community builder who works to build support systems in which everyone can thrive.
Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Proven record as a successful fundraiser who generates innovative ideas to help meet or exceed fundraising goals.
Experience working with many different cultures and constituents, including donors, partners, families, teachers, youth, volunteers, and staff.
Creative, resourceful problem-solver who knows how to access and apply community expertise for the good of the organization.
Passionate about writing and creativity, and its crucial role in social and racial justice, as demonstrated through previous work and/or volunteer efforts.
Works to cultivate a sense of possibility that allows for creativity, joy, humor, and weirdness.
TIME FRAME
This is a full-time, exempt position.
SALARY
Salary for this full-time position is $65,000, negotiable with commensurate experience. Benefits include health care, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
826 New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 New Orleans does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send cover letter, resume, and three professional references to the 826 New Orleans Board of Directors at boardofdirectors@826neworleans.org.
Are you passionate about youth writing, creativity, education, and mobilizing communities of support? We’re seeking a visionary Development Director to lead fundraising and resource development into our next chapter. Learn more about the role from our beloved outgoing Development Director Kortney Morrow here, and download a PDF of the job description here.
Development Director Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
826 New Orleans (formerly Big Class) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating and supporting the voices of New Orleans’ writers ages 6-18 through creative collaborations with schools and communities. We offer free writing programs and publishing opportunities at our Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward and in schools across the city. Our staff and volunteers help students improve their literacy skills, become published authors, and understand the power of their voices on and off the page. Since 2010 we’ve served over 4,000 students and created over 100 publications of student work with the help of over 400 volunteers.
The Development Director is committed to the sustainable growth and advancement of 826 New Orleans through fundraising of major and annual gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director, the Development Director oversees all aspects of fundraising and external communications for the development, successful implementation, and maintenance of a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet organizational goals and ensure that 826 New Orleans’s staff and students have the resources they need to thrive.
After major growth in recent years, opening our Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward and joining the acclaimed 826 Network, 826 New Orleans is in a strong and steady position with a progressing strategic plan, a talented staff, an engaged board, and well-established funding and community relationships.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and execute annual and long-term fundraising plans, including individual and corporate giving, grants, and special events, to meet organizational goals;
Evaluate and analyze the existing development program and implement effective changes to increase overall development performance;
Participate as part of the organization’s leadership team in the development and management of the strategic direction for 826 New Orleans, and integrate the team’s work to support the organizational vision and mission;
Oversee preparation of high-quality grant proposals and reports and meet all deadlines;
Manage the donor database and ensure the accuracy of donor records;
Develop and cultivate relationships with donors and key-decision makers;
Supervise development staff, contractors, and volunteers in supporting the development department with grant applications, databases, and events;
Provide assistance and leadership to the Executive Director to build and maintain long term relationships with donors and to cultivate effective, meaningful relationships with prospects that result in measurable results;
Guide the board, staff, and volunteers in development best practices;
Support board participation and engagement, including managing the board fundraising committee;
Attend staff meetings, monthly 826 National Network Development Director calls, and other professional development workshops;
Coordinate the development and production of collateral materials related to fundraising campaigns, events, programs, and activities;
Update relevant sections of 826 New Orleans publication materials, including web site;
Provide updates to programming team as needed;
All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
A passion for the mission, vision and values of 826 New Orleans;
At least 3-4 years of fundraising experience;
Respect for youth and their home and school communities;
Ability to work with a culturally diverse population and a variety of stakeholders and audiences;
Proven track record of researching, engaging, soliciting, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders;
Ability to self-motivate, work independently, and lead a team;
Enthusiastic and creative problem-solving abilities;
Ability to successfully address challenges and make decisions in alignment with strategic organizational objectives;
Proven organizational, prioritization, and project management skills;
Experience with Salesforce a big plus;
A love of books, writing, and/or publishing.
TIME FRAME
This is a full-time, exempt position.
SALARY
Salary for this full-time position is $50,000, negotiable with commensurate experience. Benefits include health care, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send the following materials to Doug Keller, Executive Director at doug@826neworleans.org indicating your interest in the Development Director position in the subject line.
Resume and detailed cover letter highlighting your interest and relevant experience
Writing/grant samples
Three references
Position will be open until filled.
826 New Orleans is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply. 826 New Orleans does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, veteran status, or gender identity or expression.
826 New Orleans is seeking applicants for a new Director of Development. Learn more from our beloved outgoing Director of Development Kortney Morrow, including her proudest 826 moment, what she’ll miss, and some words of wisdom for her successor.
How long have you been with the 826 Network?
It’s been four life-changing years with the 826 Network. I started my journey at 826 Chicago. After helping grow their annual fund, I joined the Big Class team to help them become the 8th Chapter of the 826 Network. Two years later, Big Class is officially 826 New Orleans and we’re opening a brand new Youth Writing Center in the 7th Ward on August 26th (8/26 Day). Now I’m heading to Toronto to be with my family, but I hope to still be involved with 826 New Orleans from afar. Consider me your first prospective donor!
What’s a proud moment you’ve had with 826 New Orleans?
One time, the founder of the Krewe of Muses attended one of our fundraising events, and then a few weeks later one of our students was invited to speak at a Muses luncheon to a crowd of 500+. Our Program Director even got to ride in the parade! I love introducing people to our organization and seeing how their interests and resources align with our growth and needs. It’s always amazing when students get the opportunity to share their creative writing with new audiences. That was by far one of the most memorable “New Orleans” resource development moments and I’ll never forget it. Any time I’ve felt really proud of my work, it’s because there’s been an immediate programmatic impact.
What are you going to miss about 826 New Orleans?
So much! The students first and foremost, as they are some of the most authentic and eager people that I’ve ever met. Starting in September, they’ll have a 4,400 square foot space to write, create, and imagine. It’s been a journey to get that space open on the fundraising side, and I’m really sad to miss out on seeing our students taking ownership over that space. It also would have been really special to show the wonderful village of Capital Campaign supporters their advocacy in action. This is what you have to look forward to!
What advice do you have for interested candidates? What disposition should they bring to their work and what expectations should they have of this position (and working with 826 New Orleans in general)?
If you’re willing to advocate for young people and their stories, you view resource development as so much more than just bringing dollars to the organization, and you are ready to set strategies and lead a young team– apply for my job!
This year, Big Class asked New Orleans youth to respond to the parish-wide school board unification by asking questions such as, what is the purpose of school?
After visiting over a dozen New Orleans schools and receiving writings from students in grades 1-12, the inaugural class of the Young Writers’ Council—our application-based writing program for teens—combed through the submissions, selected common themes, and chose those pieces that best represented their individual themes.
Whilst pulling themes, the YWC made another discovery: most of these pieces were written about, for, or to teachers. The audience of the book shifted, and the YWC quickly realized that in addition to students, they wanted this book to be for and by teachers as well. After all, isn’t it our teachers who are closest to us? Although it’s oftentimes administrators and unseen entities that create rules, isn’t it up to the teacher to enforce?
This is where you come in.
The YWC invites teachers from all over New Orleans to contribute to this year’s Good Troublemakers’ publication. Keeping in mind the themes (listed below) chosen by the YWC, please respond to one (or several) of the following questions. Don’t worry about penning the next Great American Novel; we’re asking for short, personal responses.
Themes:
Problems Outside Our Textbooks: How mental health and problems at home affect performance in school.
Sticks, Stones, & GPAs: How bullying affects performance school. Addressing the fact that both students and teachers can be bullies.
Raised By the Bell: Identifying a student’s journey throughout school and how they become disinterested and apathetic by high school.
Chosen Family: When does school become like family? When does that line become blurry and how can teachers be both professional and friendly?
It’s All About Protocol: How can we increase understanding between students and teachers? How does trauma affect a students’ ability to handle stress and triggers? What happens when you share your trauma with your teacher and they still write you up.
The Rules We Need To Break: Who comes up with the rules? Why do we have them? When do rules become arbitrary? When does the “crime” not fit the punishment?
Missed Opportunities: What happens to the artistic student in a school with no art class? The aspiring computer geek with no coding classes? How do missed opportunities hurt students in the long run? What crucial role do teachers play in filling this gap?
Questions:
1. What is the purpose of school?
2. What is a moment you felt anger, sadness or disappointment in school?
3. What is a moment you felt great joy at school?
4. What is a time school didn’t give you something you needed?
5. Choose a theme below to respond directly to.
Please send all questions and submissions to shannelle@bigclass.org, no later than January 9, 2018. Your name, school and personal information will not be published and will be kept confidential.
Big Class is coming back into classrooms with a new workshop series, situated in the present moment in our city and our schools. As schools plan to unify under one central school district by the summer of 2018, it is an opportune time for those who will be most affected by this plan–students–to voice their concerns, hopes, and dreams for how schools should look.
A Good Troublemaker is a person who sees something that needs to be changed to make the world better, and does something to try to change it. There are lots of ways to be a Good Troublemaker; Big Class calls for change through writing.
This fall, Good Troublemakers workshops will be held in classrooms around the city to gather input from students ages 6-18 about their school and their thoughts about what schools in New Orleans can and should be. The writing produced in these workshops will contribute to a proposal for school redesign, written by young New Orleanians and published by Big Class.
Click here to apply and bring Good Troublemakers to your classroom.
As Big Class becomes 826 New Orleans in 2017, we will officially open the Haunting Supply Company–a one-stop-shop for the city’s ghostly denizens. Inside our creative storefront, you’ll find human disguises, pre-creaked floorboards, corporeal dust, and other staples for the supernatural.
This fall, Big Class’s Spooky Stories workshops will be coming to classrooms to write ghost stories inspired by images in and around New Orleans–the most haunted city in America. This collection of student writing will contribute to Big Class’s first ever anthology of ghost stories, to be released this October.
Bring local writers to your classroom to lead your students in writing their own eerie tales about the Crescent City. Workshops will begin after Labor Day and run for most of September. These workshops are open to grades 1-12, and will be tailored to age groups accordingly!
Big Class is searching for our next Young Authors’ Book Project for the 2017-2018 school year!
The Young Authors’ Book Project (YABP) is a collaboration between Big Class and a dedicated high school teacher to produce a professional-quality publication over the course of about six months. Teachers submit book ideas through a Request for Proposal, and are selected by Big Class staff. Students are involved in every step of the process, from writing pieces and sitting on an editorial board, to making critical decisions about the design and layout. The project culminates with a big publishing party.
Last year we collaborated with G.W. Carver to create History Between These Folds, which has gained national attention and distribution. How can Big Class help you and your students make something beautiful? Submit your idea at https://tinyurl.com/2017YABPrequest. The RFP will close at midnight on August 11.
$25 would support the needs of our afterschool programming by offering our students new supplies like paper, pencils, and paint. Students grades 1-3 join us four days a week for homework help, creative writing, arts and crafts, games and more.
What’s a proud moment you’ve had with 826 New Orleans?
One time, the founder of the Krewe of Muses attended one of our fundraising events, and then a few weeks later one of our students was invited to speak at a Muses luncheon to a crowd of 500+. Our Program Director even got to ride in the parade! I love introducing people to our organization and seeing how their interests and resources align with our growth and needs. It’s always amazing when students get the opportunity to share their creative writing with new audiences. That was by far one of the most memorable “New Orleans” resource development moments and I’ll never forget it. Any time I’ve felt really proud of my work, it’s because there’s been an immediate programmatic impact.
What are you going to miss about 826 New Orleans?
So much! The students first and foremost, as they are some of the most authentic and eager people that I’ve ever met. Starting in September, they’ll have a 4,400 square foot space to write, create, and imagine. It’s been a journey to get that space open on the fundraising side, and I’m really sad to miss out on seeing our students taking ownership over that space. It also would have been really special to show the wonderful village of Capital Campaign supporters their advocacy in action. This is what you have to look forward to!
What advice do you have for interested candidates? What disposition should they bring to their work and what expectations should they have of this position (and working with 826 New Orleans in general)?
If you’re willing to advocate for young people and their stories, you view resource development as so much more than just bringing dollars to the organization, and you are ready to set strategies and lead a young team– apply for my job!
