Presents.

Executive Director ~ HIRED

Ballinger|Leafblad is proud to present the following information on behalf of our client,

www.hired.org

www.ballingerleafblad.com

PRESENTING OUR CLIENT ~

Founded in 1968, HIRED provides job skills training and employment assistance to dislocated
workers, low-income adults, people making the transition from public assistance to work, and
recent immigrants and youth. By matching each client with a HIRED employment counselorwho
helps the job seeker meet his or her goals with a personalized employment plan, HIRED is
known for effective and innovative solutions. HIRED was originally established to help exoffenders find employment and avoid returning to criminal behaviors. In 1976, the
organizations mission expanded to assist a wide range of job seekers in becoming qualified for,
and obtaining, employment.
HIRED has continued to grow and today is a vibrant organization with a budget of
approximately $12 million and a staff of 114. With a main office in Minneapolis, HIRED also
serves clients from five locations in Hennepin County, three locations in Ramsey County, and
two locations in Dakota County. Eight other locations, co-located at high schools and other
educational facilities, also provide space for HIRED programs.
Since the late 1970s, HIRED has delivered services under every major state and federal
employment program including:
The Comprehensive Employment and
Training Assistance Program (CETA)
The Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)
The Minnesota Emergency Employment
Development Program (MEED)

STRIDE
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity
Act (WIOA)
The Minnesota Family Investment Program
(MFIP)

Through these state and federal programs

and the support of private funders and the
Greater Twin Cities United Way HIRED has
consistently assisted people in the community
who are striving to support themselves and
their families. HIRED has taken its services to
correctional facilities, high schools,
community centers and businesses.

Today, HIRED assists nearly 9,000 individuals annually from sites throughout the Twin Cities,
offering hope and results for the unemployed and underemployed.

A forerunner of todays focus on career pathways and sector initiatives, in 2004, HIRED,
Hennepin Technical College and local manufacturing companies developed a demand-driven
and employer-focused training program for the next generation of workers in the precision
manufacturing industry. The program, M-Powered, has won numerous awards and is a model
for both domestic and overseas programs.
HIRED has identified a variety of career fields where jobs are in high demand. In collaboration
with colleges and other training partners, HIRED offers a number of opportunities for career
training in these fields. Its programs follow a sector model, meaning they have been
developed in partnership with local employers to quickly prepare people for in-demand jobs.

President Obama visited HIRED in 2014,

recognizing the organization for its
innovative programs.
http://www.nationalskillscoalition.org/resources/
multimedia/video/pres-obama-sen-franken-visithired-in-minneapolis

HIRED is funded by public agencies, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic

Development, Minnesota Department of Human Services. In addition to Hennepin
County, HIRED is also funded by Dakota County, Ramsey County and the City of
Minneapolis.
Additionally, funding comes from a number of private contributors, including the Greater
Twin Cities United Way, the Pohlad Foundation, Otto Bremer Foundation, Tennant
Foundation, Ameriprise, Associated Bank, Carlson Companies, and Xcel.
Staff members at HIRED are dedicated and committed to serving others. The organizational
culture at HIRED can be described as mission-driven and focused. Different locations have
unique work environments, but all share a common drive for doing good work and helping
clients. A new, bright headquarters location downtown Minneapolis seeks to be a
welcoming place for visitors.
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS ~
Hospitality Pathways Training Program
In the State of Minnesota, there are more
than 250,000 full and part-time jobs in the
tourism industry representing almost $4.5
billion in wages. These include entry-level
service jobs up to high paying executive
positions.

In partnership with Normandale Community

College and Carlson Cos, HIRED offers
hospitality training to fast-track students
into positions in the hospitality, travel and
tourism industries. The program also
includes a 150- hour hospitality/tourism
internship. This gives students hands-on
experience from industry pros and
introduces them to technical and
administrative skills needed by employers.

Professional Manufacturing Training

HIRED and its partners offer state-of-the-art
training in high-demand manufacturing
occupations for Computer Numerical
Control (CNC) and Precision Metal-forming
Technicians. These Career Pathway
programs teach students the skills to find a
job in todays fast-paced manufacturing
industry.
Healthcare Career Pathways Training
HIRED has partnered with Hennepin
Technical College to offer a foundational
training program for career pathways
in healthcare. Continuing education
trainings are available for clients looking
to advance along the healthcare pathway.
Professional Customer Service Training
HIRED offers training for
individuals interested in high-demand
customer service jobs in many sectors.
Program graduates may continue into
advanced training, including the Hospitality
Pathways Training Program or Culinary Skills
Training.

Culinary
Skills
Training
HIREDs
culinary
skills
training program, offered in partnership
with Adult Basic Education partners,
provides a strong foundation for a career in
the growing culinary field. The program
combines customer service training, Math
for Culinary Skills, and Food Manager
Training to help students quickly find a job
and advance in a culinary career.
OfficePRO
OfficePRO provides specialized training
from HIRED and Saint Paul College
instructors to prepare students for a variety
of positions, including administrative
assistant, customer service representative,
and office clerk. This four-week curriculum
teaches core office skills and soft skills to
quickly move students toward career goals
in administration.

Green Construction Trades Course

Job Seeker Services

HIREDs 128-hour Green Construction Trades

Course provides instruction that gives
students exposure to various aspects of
todays construction industry.

Training and coaching services help

individuals navigate the sometimes
complicated job transition process. HIRED
provides tailored career planning and
personal counseling to clients, along with
workshops and seminars on topics related to
job seeking and job transition.

Whether students want to learn

construction basics or expand an existing
set of skills, the Green Construction
Trades Course gives them the marketable
skills they need to advance their career.

A searchable database of career

opportunities is also available to help clients
get started on finding their new career.

MISSION ~
A PERSONALIZED APPROACH
HIREDs mission is to provide personalized and innovative work solutions. The first step in
achieving this mission is to acknowledge each potential client as an individual, and to findthe
programs and services that will best meet his or herneeds.
HIRED advocates for Minnesotas disadvantaged job seekers at public forums, at the state
legislature, and through the media. During general elections, HIRED provides nonpartisan voter
education & registration. Through its work with thousands of people of color, HIRED advocates
for equality in employment. HIRED programs are designed to reduce racial disparities.

THE POSITION ~
Reporting to the HIRED Board of Directors, the Executive Director has overall strategic and
operational responsibility for HIRED staff, programs, financial resources and execution of its
mission. A separate Employer Advisory Board provides guidance to the Executive Director
regarding workplace needs. The Executive Director provides visionary leadership and guidance
to the organization and represents HIRED in a variety of external settings with stakeholders
such as board members, elected officials, community and business leaders, funders and
individual donors.
This position is open due to the retirement of long-time leader Jane Samargia.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning
o Work closely with the board of directors and management staff to develop and
implement multi-year strategic plans that establish goals, define objectives and
detail actions that move HIRED toward its vision
o Develop and implement a system for tracking and reporting on the progress of
the strategic plan implementation
o Provide frequent updates to board and staff regarding the organizations
progress toward its goals

Board Relations:
o Cultivate a strong and transparent working relationship with the board and
ensure open communication about issues such as the measurement of financial
and programmatic performance against goals, senior staff development,
environmental factors impacting the organization, and the like
o Attend all board meetings; prepare board agendas andpresentations
o Involve senior staff in board meetings and presentations
Leadership:
o Provide positive and inspirational leadership to all HIRED staff. Be a visionary
leader who shares organizational goals and celebrates successes
o Create and maintain a collaborative team culture that attracts and retains staff
members
o Hire, train, and provide coaching, development and performance feedback to
senior staff members
o Reward and recognize staff members; create a positive work environmentthat
brings out the best in staff
o Exhibit and encourage cultural competence, equity and inclusion in all of HIREDs
work activities
Fundraising and Development:
o Develop annual fundraising strategies and, with members of the board,ensure
effective execution of the fundraising plan
o Expand revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing
program operations and future growth.
o Attract and solicit financial resources for HIRED by implementing strongprogram
plans and strategies that attract revenue
o Develop and execute comprehensive marketing, branding and communications
strategies that partner with fundraising efforts and ensure consistency and
encourage engagement and interest from a variety ofstakeholders
Financial Oversight:
o Ensure the fiscal vitality of HIRED through the development, tracking and
management of budgets, grants, and capitalassets
o Work with the staff and finance committee and the board in preparing theannual
budget
o Provide sound fiscal management to the organization so that adequate funds are
available to permit HIRED to successfully carry out its work
Operational Management:
o Ensure the delivery of high quality services to clients and stakeholders
o Encourage staff development and education and assist program staff inrelating
their specialized work to HIREDs mission and core business
o Manage metrics around program quality, timeliness andclient feedback
External Relations:
o Represent HIRED interests in community initiatives and public policy-making
efforts
o Present and share information regarding conditions, barriers and limitations
confronting unemployed and disadvantaged people

QUALIFICATIONS~
The fully qualified candidate will possess a bachelors degree and at least ten years of
progressive leadership experience in a complex organization. This experience could be in
community-based human services, workforce development, or non-profit management.
Other work experience combined with relevant civic/board experience will also be
considered. Financial oversight and experience managing an annual budget of at least $5
million is preferred.
Proven leadership background, exemplary business and/or nonprofit operational
management skills, and a strong commitment and dedication to the mission at HIRED is key.
Specific skills sought for this role include:
o Strategic Planning-Background in working with a board of directors to set
strategy, communicate a vision, and manage to goals.
o Operational Leadership-Expertise in managing a complex, multi-program, multisite operation.
o Government Contracts-Expertise in soliciting, managing and working with
government contracts.
o Fundraising- Fundraising abilities including setting a fundraising strategy, executing
the strategy and tracking results.
o Customer Service The dedication and ability to meet the expectations
and requirements of internal and external customers.
o Decision Making The ability to make good decisions based upon a mixture of
analysis, wisdom, experience, andjudgment.
o Partnerships and External Relations- The ability to build and maintain
strategic relationships with partner organizations.
o Workforce Development- An understanding of the needs and issues for those in
the community requiring job skills training and support.
Characteristics Desired:
o Approachability The style of building rapport with others by being easy to
approach, warm, pleasant, and gracious.
o Communicator The facility to clearly present ideas, whether verbally or in writing,
into an organized and effective manner within a variety of settings. A propensity to
listen to gain understanding.
o Ethical and Values-Driven The willingness to adhere to, and act upon, an
appropriate and effective set of core values and beliefs at all times.
o Trustworthy The commitment and ability to admit mistakes, keep confidences, and be
seen as a trusted, truthful individual.
o Compassionate The attitude of being genuinely concerned and caring toward people.
o Motivational The tendency and intentionality to create a climate in which people
want to do their best; a bent toward encouraging diverse groups of direct reports and
team or project members, and empowering others.
o Externally Facing The ability to be effective in a variety of formal presentation
settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, with peers, direct reports, andbosses.

PRESENTING THE TWIN CITIES ~

The Twin Cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis are a unique blend of small town and major
cosmopolitan hub. Both urban cores boast a thriving business
atmosphere. Saint Paul, as the state capital, is home to state
government and has a more historical vibe. Minneapolis is the
larger and more commercial of the two cities. Outside of the
central downtowns, however, both cities have many distinct
neighborhoods, and residents identify more with their individual
neighborhood than with the larger city as a whole.

Both cities share a common root of being river towns - and the
great outdoors are still a major attraction for residents and visitors
alike. In addition to the mighty Mississippi River, there are more
than 100 lakes (more than 900 when including the suburbs), more
than 250 parks, and miles of biking and walking trails.
Nearly every weekend in the summer there are several outdoor
active events for participants and spectatorstriathlons, biking
races, running races,
boat races, water skiing
competitions, golf
tournaments, and more.
Neighborhood events
and family events round
out a full schedule of
opportunities.

The active lifestyle of Twin Cities residents doesn't lie dormant during the winter either. There
are miles of cross-country skiing trails, several downhill ski areas within an hours drive, ice
skating, snowmobile riding, sledding, andof courseice fishing.
For those who prefer activity of the spectator variety, the Twin Cities is home to several major
sports teams: Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Timberwolves,
Minnesota Lynx, Minnesota United FC (soccer), and Minnesota Swarm (lacrosse).
There is also a minor league baseball team, the Saint Paul Saints. The regions has hosted the
World Series, Super Bowl, NCAA Basketball Finals, the USGA U. S. Open, PGA
Championships and the Special Olympics. In 2014, Target Field was the setting for baseball's Allstar Game. In 2018, the Super Bowl will be played in a newly built state-of-the-art stadium.

But the Twin Cities have more to offer than participatory and spectator sporting events. There
are countless arts and culture offerings here. The Grammy Award-winning Minnesota Orchestra
has a reputation as one of the top orchestras in the world. The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra is
regarded as one of the finest chamber orchestras in the world.
Since the early 1960s, the Guthrie Theatre has staged A-plus shows from the classical to the
contemporary. Popular national shows and performers also tour through the Twin Cities year
round at stages in both Minneapolis and Saint Paul, and at the University. There are over 30
theatre venues, 10 dance companies, and 30 classical music groups in the cities of Saint Paul and
Minneapolis alone.

For the museum-goer, there are more than 60 museums in the Twin Cities. The Science Museum
of Minnesota and the Minnesota Children's Museum (both in Saint Paul) are highly interactive
learning and fun experiences for the entire family. The Minnesota History Center is an
interactive museum for all ages with permanent and changing exhibits, lectures and events.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts has a collection of more than 100,000 pieces. The Walker Art
Center has been called possibly the best contemporary art museum in the U. S. by Newsweek,
and has over 11,000 pieces. The University of Minnesota's Weisman Art Museum is also a
contemporary art destination.
Beyond the outdoor, sports, entertainment, and culture, perhaps the biggest attraction for the
Twin Cities is the lifestyle. Forbes hailed Saint Paul and Minneapolis 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 (several chefs have been regional James Beard Award
winners). In addition to the popular Mall of America, there are plenty of unique shopping
districts in both cities and in the suburbs.

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

Marcia Ballinger, PhD
Co-Founder/Principal
651-341-4840
marcia@ballingerleafblad.com

Lars Leafblad, MBA

Co-Founder/Principal
612-598-7547
lars@ballingerleafblad.com

HIRED is an equal opportunity employer and believes each individual is entitled to equal employment opportunities
without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age,
veteran status, religious beliefs, or disability. The right of equal employment opportunity extends to recruiting,
hiring selection, transfer, promotion, training and all other conditions of employment.