Mission: At The Telling Room (TR), we empower youth through writing and share their voices with the world. Focused on young writers ages 6 to 18, we seek to build confidence, strengthen literacy skills, and provide real audiences for our students. We believe that the power of creative expression can change our communities and prepare our youth for success both now and in the future.

Culture: The Telling Room is a creative organization dedicated to creating a supportive environment for all community members. We pursue excellence and have fun in the process, making sure to center joy and celebrate the accomplishments of our community. We nurture learning at all levels of the organization and highly value feedback. The Telling Room strives to build an antiracist organization that is culturally responsive, and that centers youth voices and historically marginalized perspectives. Our writing center is more like a living room than a classroom; it’s a safe and brave space for youth to explore their identities, tell their stories, and express their creativity. 

Commitment to Equity: As an organization dedicated to encouraging youth in their creative expression, personal growth, and academic success, The Telling Room values diversity at all levels and in all aspects of our work. In order to build and maintain a safe, supportive environment for youth, we commit to inclusion and equity as we strive to put our values into action through planning, decision-making, budgeting, and community-building.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Telling Room seeks a visionary leader who shares our belief that writing has the power to transform lives and communities. The Executive Director (ED) has overall strategic and operational responsibility for the Telling Room’s staff, programs, and implementation of its organizational goals. Relationship building is at the center of the role. We are looking for someone who can authentically connect with a variety of stakeholders that make up our community, including partners from Maine’s coastal and rural towns, and greater Portland’s diverse immigrant communities. The ED will lead The Telling Room into its next phase of growth, which includes the post-pandemic transition back to in-person learning and developing the organization's next strategic plan. We seek a courageous leader who will work collaboratively to advance racial equity work and continue to build an inclusive organization.

COMPENSATION

$75,000-$83,200

HOW TO APPLY

Click here for more information or to apply. In lieu of a cover letter, please answer the questions provided. You will be prompted to upload your resume and a list of three references at the end of the form. The Application deadline is July 10, 2021. Please email [email protected] with questions. No phone calls, please.We are an equal opportunity employer. We prioritize the leadership of people of color and LGBTQ individuals, and we strongly encourage people of all historically marginalized identities to apply. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any category protected by local, state, or federal laws.