HYPOTHEkids (Hk) is an education and youth skills development 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to inspiring, educating and preparing K-12 students with the hands-on science, technology, engineering, art & design, and math skills and experiences necessary to pursue 21st century opportunities in NYC. Hk was established in 2013 as the outreach initiative of Harlem Biospace, a biotech incubator for early-stage life science companies. Hk connects students from the most underserved communities to today’s cutting-edge biomedical science industry.

Alumni of our programs have been accepted into prestigious institutions such as Columbia, Harvard, Yale, Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, and Cornell. Since 2014, 91% of our high school alumni have gone on to pursue four-year science and engineering degrees. Some have continued on to post-graduate STEM programs. To date, we have served over 18,000 NYC students through eight programs.

Why this is a great job

• Inspiring mission: HYPOTHEkids is deeply embedded in the Harlem community it serves. The Executive Director sees and feels the impact of their work everyday.
• Entrepreneurial track record: This is a chance to take ownership of and scale an organization that has operated successfully for 10 years. The Executive Director will manage three full-time employees and 30+ part-time contractors.
• Leadership continuity: Founding Executive Director Christine Kovich will remain available in a consulting or part-time capacity, reporting to the new Executive Director, to permit a smooth transition of institutional knowledge, funder relationships, and support networks.
• Columbia University connections: HYPOTHEkids has a long-standing relationship with Columbia University that offers students rare opportunities and access to world-class lab space, experiences, and people.
• Funder relationships: HYPOTHEkids enjoys the support of several institutional funders. The incoming executive director will build upon approximately $500k in renewable foundation funding.
• Approved vendor: HYPOTHEkids is an approved vendor for the NYC Department of Education. This status unlocks a wide range of opportunities to engage directly with the schools that serve the city’s 1m+ public school students.
• Distinguished board: The HYPOTHEkids board of directors includes an impressive collection of community and business leaders who are highly motivated and eager to offer insight, funding, and access to their professional networks.

• Oversee all HYPOTHEkids programs and operations
• Hire and manage teams to deliver HYPOTHEkids programs
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders
• Perform all administrative functions, including setting budgets, bookkeeping, payroll. Ensure audit is completed and that all federal and state tax filings are made on a timely basis
• Identify opportunities for HYPOTHEkids to grow and move its mission forward
• Identify new funding sources from foundations, individual donors, and earned revenue opportunities. Write grant proposals and grant reports
• Work with the Board of Directors to maximize HYPOTHEkids’ potential

Qualifications/skills

• 10+ years of experience working in educational administration, nonprofit management, or other business
• Familiarity with the New York City school system and government
• Commitment to serving under-resourced communities
• Interest in STEM/STEAM educational programming
• Experience with managing up to a $1mm budget
• Comfortable moving among many worlds (e.g., university officers, public-school administrators, donors, parents, students)
• Leadership: the ability to inspire confidence and rally a small but mighty team
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Solid project management skills
• Resourcefulness and equanimity
• A strong network of contacts

Salary & Benefits

• Annual salary: $85,000–$95,000. Salary is expected to rise as the organization budget increases.
• Full health insurance

Reports to: HYPOTHEkids Board of Directors

Workplace conditions / physical, mental, and visual demands

• General: Office environment
• Physical: Repetitive movements of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Mental/Visual: Concentrated mental and/or visual attention; work involves performing tasks to very close accuracy and quality specifications
• Machines and equipment: Ability to use common office equipment, such as telephone, computer, and copier.
• Computer programs to include MS Office, Mac programs, Google Docs
• Travel: Rarely, if ever, beyond the five boroughs of New York City

To apply: Please send a cover letter and CV to: director@hypothekids.org.