Executive Director
Youth Automotive Training Center
Deerfield Beach, Florida
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Youth Automotive Training Center to recruit the organization’s next Executive Director.
About Youth Automotive Training Center
The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC) is a Deerfield Beach, Florida based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of YATC is to train and educate at-risk youth in basic automotive repair skills, academic remediation, job readiness and life management skills. YATC conducts 9-month classes comprised of 30 diverse participants, ages 16 – 21. The training is provided in a modern facility through a staff of 11—3 Automotive Instructors, 2 Student Service Advisors, 2 Academic Instructors, 1 Manager of Graduate Assistance, 2 Administrative Support Personnel and the Executive Director.
YATC was founded in 1984 by Jim Moran, a legendary automotive executive in South Florida. Mr. Moran was fond of saying, “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.” The wrap-around support provided to participants ensures the greatest opportunity for success to those at-risk youth who enter into training. The support offered can even go beyond the participants to others in the family, if deemed to be important/helpful. The culture clearly reflects the desire of the founder to do whatever is reasonable to help participants succeed, and, thus, support can continue on after training at YATC has been completed. The culture at YATC is very much “family like.”
The agency has an annual operating budget of roughly $2M. All the costs of operating the Center are met through fundraising, which is conducted by the Board of Directors. Because of past and current fundraising success YATC has developed reserves to support current and future programming. YATC students pay nothing to participate in the training.
The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC) is not broadly known in the community, but among those aspects of the community in which it is known, YATC is very highly regarded. Individuals can refer themselves, but the typical route for a youth to learn about the opportunity is through a prior participant or their family, community leaders in the juvenile justice arena or someone involved in the automotive industry.
Overview of Position
The current Executive Director has been with the organization for 3 decades, but has decided to retire. The ideal candidate for the post has an automotive and training background, as well as experience in working with populations who require guidance/support. The Executive Director oversees all aspects of the development, implementation and management of the YATC program, and works with the Board and staff to support the students in being successful. The Executive Director maintains the YATC mission, develops curriculum, oversees the staff, manages contracts and budgets, and helps to coordinate and advocate for the students/alumni. The ideal candidate assists with the preparation of Board of Directors meetings and supports the work of the Board. The ED prioritizes inquiries and requests, tracks “high level relationships” and correspondence, troubleshoots conflicts and makes recommendations to ensure smooth operations.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
- Articulate the Youth Automotive Training Center vision, mission and objectives to staff, students, families and community leaders to enhance understanding and garner support
- Maintain the YATC mission, visionary strategy and innovative thinking while overseeing day-to-day operations
- Maintain an approved annual budget
- Supervise 5 department heads
- Handle scheduling, time sheets, vacation and sick leave, performance reviews and staff development
- Plan, organize and deploy resources to accomplish the organization’s educational and technical goals
- Oversee selection, counseling, discipline and termination of YATC staff and students
- Approve/renew insurance contracts for employees and facility
- Maintain required contracts and permits for services rendered on the campus
- Identify, authorize and oversee any campus repairs and maintenance
- Help to oversee, and participate in, YATC related events
- Schedule, prepare materials for and participate in quarterly meetings of the Board of Directors
- Report on developments regarding current students, staff, graduates, and scheduled events
- Maintain community awareness and outreach by being an ambassador for YATC, and
- Keep in contact with YATC graduates and support their needs.
Professional Qualifications and Attributes Sought
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and experience required.
Education and Experience
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree
- Significant experience in automotive service and repair, including being ASE Certified
- Experience working in an educational or similar setting
- History of effectively supervising small to medium sized teams
- Knowledgeable regarding working with youth
- Demonstrated competence with fiscal management, data reporting, program development, and marketing
- Able to work collaboratively with a Board of Directors
Key Attributes
- Passion for the vision
- Approachable personality that works well with referral sources, participants, and a volunteer Board of Directors
- Skilled at selecting, training and guiding organizational personnel
- An effective ambassador —a strong internal and external representative for the organization
- Strategic decision maker who can bring vision, direction, and a collaborative atmosphere to move the organization forward
- High-level senior leader who knows how to inspire, empower and galvanize both staff and volunteers
- Strong written and verbal language skills
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, analysis and reporting
- Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Well organized and detailed oriented
- Able to safely lift and position up to 50 pounds
Challenges
YATC is broadly viewed as a highly effective, very financially secure and stable provider of training to area at risk youth, ages 16 – 21. There is no “crisis/problem” looming. The principal challenge will be to successfully transition from one long-time, well-regarded leader to a new Executive Director. That will include building a positive relationship with the Board and staff, as well as transitioning external relationships the organization has in the community. The other challenges include continuing to foster a diverse organization and accomplishing the goals contained in the strategic plan.
Living and Working in the Area
Deerfield Beach is sandwiched between Pompano Beach to the south and Boca Raton to the north. It’s far enough away from Fort Lauderdale and Miami to offer an affordable seaside lifestyle minus the expense of the southern reaches of the peninsula. The city covers 16 square miles and has a population around 81,000, at the last estimate.
Deerfield Beach combines small-town charm with traditional southern hospitality. It’s not as cosmopolitan as Miami, but provides a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to shops and restaurants, plus a beach culture. Overall, it’s a quieter community than its livelier southern neighbors.
The city’s beach and pier are significant draws, and there is plenty of daytime activities within the city boundaries. The terrain is low-lying with mangrove forest and plentiful lakes and waterways, providing many opportunities for watersports, swimming, and lakeside living. Southern Florida enjoys a balmy subtropical climate, with summer highs in the low nineties made tolerable by the easterly sea breezes.
The gulf stream forms the city’s northern boundary and Deerfield Beach is just a few miles from the Florida Everglades Wildlife Reserve. Homes in Deerfield Beach range from trailer parks to modern housing developments. Florida also has the advantage of being a state with no income tax for residents.
Compensation
Salary range is $100,000 - $130,000. Compensation package includes company vehicle, annual bonuses, and generous 401 K contributions. Benefits include vacation, personal time (for illness, family illness and medical appointments,) short and long-term disability plans, dental coverage and 10 holidays, one of which is a “floating holiday.”
Non-Discrimination
YATC is committed to providing equal opportunity employment for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, citizenship status, disability or status as a veteran. All Human Resource decisions including, but not limited to, recruitment, selection, placement, compensation, training, promotions, transfer and termination are based solely on job-related qualifications.
Application Process
The search for the Executive Director of the Youth Automotive Training Center is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions should be directed to Don Harkins, Senior Search Consultant, The Moran Company at don (at) morancompany.com. To apply for this position, respond to the application questions, submit a resume and cover letter to Don Harkins, The Moran Company. APPLY NOW
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