12th Annual Authors for Literacy Recap

What an incredible night with author Daniel Wallace. He gave a wonderful talk, including a self-deprecating reading from some of his early writing. 

See the highlights of the night generously taken by Jesse Kitt, Jesse Kitt Photography.

 

 

 

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The Literacy Council welcomes new Executive Director, Cindy Threlkeld

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County is pleased to announce the selection of their new Executive Director, Cindy Threlkeld. Cindy moved to Western North Carolina in 2011 to become the Executive Director of MANNA FoodBank and served in that capacity for five years. During that period, food distribution increased by 60% and the facilities were expanded through a $2 million capital campaign to increase the focus on healthy foods.

Cindy’s career has included overseas positions with the Peace Corps and international development organizations in six countries around the world, including Guatemala, Ecuador, Zambia, and The Philippines. 

“My work in WNC has been a stark reminder of the extent of poverty and inequality in our own community. Literacy is critical to break the cycle and open opportunities for education, employment, and healthy families. It is basic for those of us fortunate enough to take it for granted, and essential to those who struggle to attain it. I am excited to work with the Literacy Council of Buncombe County to create a community in which literacy is achievable for all.”

Threlkeld’s first official event will be at the Literacy Council’s upcoming Authors for Literacy Dinner & Silent Auction featuring Daniel Wallace on October 25 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Expo Center. Ticket information is available here.

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2019 Auction Item Preview

We are receiving so many exciting donations for the 12th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Silent Auction and we’d like to offer a preview of just a few of the items that will be up for bidding. Enjoy!

Lexington Glassworks Appalachia Vase
"A Time for Us", framed giclee by Phil DeAngelo
Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours for two
Optical Wonders handmade stained glass kaleidoscope
David Lee original watercolor on silk
Stephen Forbes-de-Soule Thrown Raku Vase
Gold, diamond, and ruby bracelet
Gold, diamond, and ruby earrings
Mark Gardner turned cherry bowl
Ikat pillows
Amolia Willowsong beaded bracelet and earrings
Jewels That Dance sterling silver/24K gold "Hoopla" earrings
Lexington Glassworks Appalachia Vase

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Literacy Council Executive Director Position Announcement

Our Vision

A community in which literacy is highly valued and achievable for all.

Our Mission

To increase comprehensive literacy and English language skills through
one-on-one and small group instruction by trained volunteers and access to literacy resources.

The Organization

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County is seeking an experienced and passionate candidate to lead the organization as executive director and add to its exceptional 30+ year history.

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County teaches individuals of all ages basic reading, writing, and English language skills through specialized instruction provided by trained volunteer tutors. Students gain self-confidence and develop self-sufficiency to transform their lives as individuals, parents, workers, and citizens. 

The Literacy Council, a non-profit organization accredited by ProLiteracy and serving the community since 1987, provides highly individualized tutoring to fit the needs of over 300 students annually through the skilled instruction of over 250 volunteer tutors. The Literacy Council is governed by a 17-member board of directors and staffed by five highly skilled professionals and one AmeriCorps member. The organization has an annual budget of $355,000. The organizational culture is collaborative, hardworking, mission-driven, and service-oriented. 

The Region

The Asheville area’s prime location in the spectacular mountains of Western North Carolina and the high quality of life enjoyed in the region makes it attractive as a place where lifestyle complements business opportunity. The area’s consistent and steady growth is the result of the collaborative vision of economic development and strong community partnerships. Health services are known to be the best in the region. In addition to being Western North Carolina’s business hub, the Asheville area is world-renowned as a bustling tourist destination, named one of “15 Coolest Places to Go” in the world by Forbes Magazine. Western North Carolina offers an eclectic arts and music scene and a wide variety of year-round outdoor activities.

The Position

The Literacy Council is poised to move to the next level of growth effectiveness with the inspired leadership of the right individual. The incoming ED, in partnership with Board and staff leadership, will be focused on long-range planning, strengthening and diversifying fundraising efforts, and growing the capacity of the organization. The ED is also the public face of the organization and is instrumental in recruiting new volunteers, tutors, donors, board members, and community partners.

The new ED must have proven, significant, and successful organizational development, fundraising, and nonprofit leadership experience, the ability to oversee day-to-day operations, and the skill to work collaboratively with the board to guide the organization. The ED must also possess the talent to communicate effectively and build relationships with multiple constituencies, including the board, staff, donors, government officials and community leaders.

Organizational Priorities

The Board of Directors of the Literacy Council of Buncombe County has identified the following as the highest priorities for the new executive, the board, and the staff over the next 12 to 18 months:

  • Conduct a financial sustainability assessment
  • Develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for growth
  • Continue to diversify fundraising efforts
  • Improve engagement and effectiveness of the board
  • Maintain the high level of organizational culture

Ongoing Responsibilities

  • Vision, Mission, and Strategies – Work closely with the board and staff to translate the Literacy Council’s mission and vision into clear strategic directions, goals, and initiatives.
  • Accomplishment of Management Objectives – Oversee operational and program objectives that support the organization’s strategic goals and lead the staff in their implementation.
  • Fund Raising and Resource Development – In partnership with the board and staff, develop and implement appropriate and diversified fund-raising and financial development strategies.
  • Fiscal Management – Ensure that solid planning and budgeting systems continue so that income is managed wisely and that the organization’s goals serve as the basis for sound financial planning. Ensure that systems and staff are in place to accurately monitor, assess, and manage the financial health of the organization.
  • Human Resources Management – Foster and maintain a strong staff built on teamwork and collaborative decision-making in a positive and empowering environment. Oversee staff development activities that build leadership skills and motivate performance. Ensure adherence to the personnel policies in all hiring and employment practices.
  • External Liaison and Public Image – Serve as primary spokesperson and public face for the Literacy Council, representing it locally and regionally. Develop dynamic working relationships with diverse constituencies, including government, education and nonprofit groups that support the work of the Literacy Council.

Required Qualifications

  • A history of leadership or management success in the nonprofit sector
  • Strong fundraising and relationship building skills with proven experience in foundation, government, corporate and individual giving
  • A high degree of financial literacy and management experience
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal and public speaking skills, and experience with diverse populations and multiple constituencies
  • Collaborative leader with an exceptional ability to foster a spirit of cooperation with external partners and among board members and staff
  • Demonstrated ability to work with and facilitate strong board development and leadership
  • An innovative problem solver, flexible, and capable of adapting to changing priorities
  • A visionary leader with strong strategic thinking, organizational development, and planning skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • A working knowledge of office technology including Microsoft Office suites, Quick Books, Gmail suite, and other technology-based systems
  • A demonstrated commitment to a strong culture of teamwork and staff development
  • A selfless and inclusive leader with a bias for action

Preferred Qualifications

  • Background in human services, childhood or adult literacy, or nonprofit organization leadership
  • Leadership and coordination of a volunteer, service-based workforce
  • Program evaluation experience
  • Marketing and PR experience
  • Experience in working with diverse communities and cultures
  • Bilingual skills
  • Bachelor’s Degree or higher

Compensation

The salary for this full-time position is $55,000.  The Literacy Council offers a flexible work environment and a generous time-off package.

Application Process

To apply, please send a letter of interest, resume, and salary history via email only to: [email protected]. Please, no phone calls.

Submissions have now closed.  August 18, 2019

Download Position Description PDF

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting a diverse pool of qualified candidates for the position.

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Become an AmeriCorps member at the Literacy Council in 2019/20

Are you looking for the opportunity to make a difference? The Literacy Council has an exciting opportunity to join our team for a year! Apply today to become the Literacy Council’s next Recruitment and Awareness Coordinator through AmeriCorps. Please follow the link below to fill out your application.

 

Join AmeriCorps and “get things done”! Become a NC LiteracyCorps member at the Literacy Council of Buncombe County and improve literacy and English language skills in our community.

The Literacy Council of Buncombe County will host one full-time NC LiteracyCorps (an AmeriCorps Project) member beginning September 2019. The application period is now open and closes August 1.

The NC LiteracyCorps places members at literacy organizations, providing literacy tutoring to youth and adults while building program capacity through volunteer management. The Literacy Council of Buncombe County’s member will: 

• provide direct service tutoring 
• recruit and orient volunteers
• recruit and support students 
• develop community partnerships 
• conduct visibility campaigns 
• manage a book gifting program 
• participate in national days of service

The Literacy Council’s full-time member will provide 1,700 hours of service with a 10-month commitment, receiving a living allowance of up to $13,992. Upon successful completion of requirements, the member will be eligible to receive an additional educational award.

Requirements to serve with the NC LiteracyCorps are that the member must:
• be at least 17 years old
• have a high school diploma or equivalent
• successfully pass statewide and national criminal background checks
• be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Legal Permanent Resident of the United States

The Literacy Council is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Please follow the link for more details and to apply online: http://nclc.web.unc.edu/join-nclc/americorps-member/ You may also contact Nureena Faruqi ([email protected]) or Ashley Lasher ([email protected]).

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