Breakthrough Austin
Executive Director Search 2007

Breakthrough is seeking a visionary leader and seasoned manager to take our innovative program to new levels of excellence and sustainability. Proven skills in fundraising, systems focus, passion for creating educational opportunities a must. Competitive salary and benefits package. Send letter of interest, resume, names of three references and salary history to EDJobOpening@breakthroughaustin.org by April 18, 2007.

Please check out Breakthrough Austin to learn more about what they are looking for, and feel free to forward to others you believe would be qualified.

About Breakthrough

Breakthrough builds a path to college for low-income students who will be first-generation college graduates, starting the summer after their sixth grade year. Part of a successful national network , the Breakthrough Collaborative, Austin’s program was founded in 2001 and is a pioneer in many aspects of programming, governance and sustainability.

Breakthrough transforms potential high school dropouts into promising college candidates, making college possible for students who have not historically pursued higher education. As these students become college degree-holders, each will have the resources needed to enter a new economic class and impact his or her family for generations to come. This approach was celebrated in 2006 by the Austin Chronicle’s Best of Austin Awards, applauding Breakthrough as the “Best Education Money Can’t Buy.”

It is an exciting time in Breakthrough’s history! In 2007, Breakthrough will reach full enrollment, operating at capacity for the first time with 250+ students in grades seven through twelve. Additionally, the first senior class will graduate in May 2008. Breakthrough is ready to explore program expansion to serve more students in diverse communities, potentially through the concept of “Breakthrough in a Box” – a toolkit of best practices being designed to allow others to replicate the program model in new communities – while at the same time implementing the systems and infrastructure needed to effectively manage such growth.

Governed by a board of 13 local leaders, Breakthrough is managed by a staff of 10 FTEs, and supported by 20-30 seasonal employees and/or interns. The organization’s 2007 budget of approximately $740,000 reflects significant growth over previous years. Breakthrough is funded by private donations from foundations (50%), corporations (30%), and individuals (20%). The growth of individual donor income over the next three years is a key organizational goal.