PRESIDENT / CEO

“Confidence, Independence and Compassion” are the key mission words of the Pathway School.

Founded in 1961, the Pathway School is a nonprofit, approved private school which was the first in the Philadelphia area designed exclusively for the learning disabled child as well as the first in the nation to integrate the disciplines of psychology, psychiatry, medicine, social work, and education. It is situated in a lovely 15-acre suburban setting located west of Philadelphia near historic Valley Forge National Park.

Serving a 150+ day and residential population ranging in age from 9-21 years, Pathway is an innovative institution known for its multi-disciplinary approach to instruction, integrating a combination of clinical, behavioral and educational specialists to meet each student’s needs. Pathway provides a comprehensive quality program of services for children for whom mainstream public and private school education is insufficient to meet their needs. These students display severe neuropsychiatric disorders and complex learning issues necessitating focused learning environments. Each year 10-25 young adults graduate with a high school diploma.

The Pathway School seeks a new president who will be responsible for the mission, leadership, daily operation and outcomes of The Pathway School.  He/she will be a compassionate, experienced and proven leader motivated to develop and implement Pathway’s comprehensive strategic plan with a high degree of integrity, professionalism and sensitivity.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the president will be expected to possess the following key characteristics:

Strong Leadership

• Is a strategic thinker who can envision and implement change and innovation;
• Teams with the Board on matters of governance, mission, strategy, fundraising and policy;
• Demonstrates sound judgment and decisiveness in his or her decision-making style and uses key data and information where appropriate;
• Holds self, people and the organization accountable to high standards for fulfilling mission, goals and objectives.
  

Management Acumen

• Manages day-to-day operations including program and personnel development, public relations and improvements to the physical plant;
• Establishes and oversees a budgetary process that provides measurement, accountability and program creativity;
• Persuades, motivates, evaluates and develops strong leadership teams;
• Monitors the financial health of the organization and ensures that sound financial  controls are in place and followed;
• Ensures that educational, residential and clinical departments provide well-integrated programs and services that help students maximize their individual and unique potential;
• Collaborates, delegates and facilitates cooperation within management teams;
• Leads fundraising activities effectively and enthusiastically.
  

Superior Communications

• Is an open, honest communicator with all constituents;
• Builds strong relationships/partnerships/alliances with key internal and external groups, e.g., school districts, donors, foundations, government and agencies;
• Is an articulate and persuasive spokesperson, representative and marketer of The Pathway School;
• Advocates public policies that improve the lives of children, youth, and adults with special needs;
• Anticipates issues/challenges and communicates with Board in a timely manner.

Candidates for this unique opportunity should have these personal characteristics and experience:

•  Unquestioned integrity
• Compassion
• Sense of humor
• Executive presence
• Knowledgeable about the Pathway population 
• Business acumen
• A graduate degree and a minimum of five years experience in executive leadership, preferably in an educational or other non-profit institution. A background in special education is helpful but not required.

An Invitation to Apply:

This is a national search for a President/CEO who would be expected to assume responsibility as early as August 31, 2008 but for the right candidate, the timing of the start is flexible. Compensation and benefits will be competitive within this market.  Inquiries are strictly confidential and should be directed to:

John C. Littleford

Senior Partner

Littleford & Associates

P.O. Box 14806

Baton Rouge, LA 70898

1-800-69-TEACH

JLittleford@aol.com

John@JLittleford.com

AWAKE NIGHT COUNSELOR

Applicant would be responsible for student care and supervision, assisting with morning routines, student transport and emergency response. Minimum of associate’s degree preferred; high school / GED required and some experience in child or health care services preferred. Must have the ability to work with minimal on-site supervision, the ability to exercise good judgment in crisis situations, have a valid PA driver’s license and be physically able to perform all duties. Position includes securing cottage, performing room and telephone checks, assist students with medical, behavioral or hygiene problems as appropriate; communicates information to appropriate staff and perform simple housekeeping / cleaning chores in non-sleeping areas.

Send resumes to:
Human Resource Director

THE PATHWAY SCHOOL

162 Egypt Road

Norristown PA 19403

  or

fax 610-539-4167. EOE

Last updated: 04/29/2008