Connecticut Radio Information System, Inc.  (CRIS)

www.crisradio.org

 

MISSION:       CRIS provides quality electronic reading services for blind and print-

                        handicapped people

 

 

SEARCH FOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Position Profile

 

Connecticut Radio Information System (CRIS) in Windsor, CT seeks an energetic, self directed, engaging executive director who shares its passion for their mission.  CRIS is looking for someone who is committed to increasing its listening audience, promoting statewide recognition of its value, and can help take CRIS to its next level of growth and development.

 

CRIS:  What is it?

 

CRIS is a statewide nonprofit organization which broadcasts free readings from daily newspapers and current magazines for persons who, because of visual or physical impairment, are unable to use the printed page for information and enjoyment.  The office and main studios are located in Windsor, CT with four satellite broadcasting locations in Danbury, Trumbull, Norwich and West Haven.  Over 400 committed volunteers contribute approximately 18,000 hours annually to provide both live and taped broadcasts.

 

CRIS: Its History and Services

 

Incorporated in 1978 as a private nonprofit corporation, CRIS began operations from a single studio and a 2-hour daily broadcast that was heard only in the immediate Hartford area.  Today, CRIS operates 24/7 and can be heard throughout the state via four options: a special pre-tuned CRIS radio provided free of charge to eligible listeners; cable television connected to the listener’s FM radio; a Telephone Reader service through any touch tone telephone; and Secondary Audio Program channel of CT Public Television. 

 

There are no fees to receive CRIS programs.  Commercial radio stations throughout Connecticut donate to CRIS free access to the commercially unused portion of their transmission signals, a value of $2.5 million.  There are three sections of the state where the CRIS signal cannot be heard due to lack of donated radio sidebands in those geographic areas.

 

CRIS estimates 50,000 eligible listeners in CT, including 1,000 children.  The current listening audience numbers at least 4,000 as determined by the specially-tuned radios CRIS has distributed.  Because of the variety of ways in which listeners can access the CRIS signal, it is difficult to know the true number of listeners.

 

The majority (72%) of listeners are older adults, over 55, who have become visually impaired or print handicapped later in life.  All programming is currently in English and geared for adults.

Recent Accomplishments

 

In January 2009 the staff moved into its own newly-constructed building in Windsor, which houses the administrative offices and seven studios.  The design and construction were financed by the organization.

 

CRIS conducted its first statewide in-depth survey of registered listeners in 2008.  Of 2000 surveys, the response rate was 9% and indicated, among other things, a 96% satisfaction rate with current services, along with a need for more listener support and contact from CRIS staff. 

 

The Organization

 

In addition to the executive director, there are two full-time and four part-time staff.  The operations director (FT), administrative assistant (FT), grants writer (currently vacant) and bookkeeper report to the executive director.  The program director and engineer report to the operations director.

 

The 24/7 operation runs successfully with 6 staff and over 400 dependable and highly- committed volunteers. 

 

The current operating budget is $408,000 annually.  Revenue sources are comprised of foundation grants (39%), government grants (27%), individuals and events (22%), and civic organizations (12%).  CRIS is diligent about living within its means, balancing its budget each year, and currently holds 25% of annual operating expenses in reserve. 

 

Opportunities for the New Leader

 

This is an exciting time for CRIS.  With the building construction completed, the board and the executive director can now focus outwardly.  The new executive will be charged with an agenda that includes expanding the funding base, raising community awareness, providing outreach to listeners, and building those relationships so critical to CRIS’ future success.

 

• Once the new executive director is in place, the board plans to develop a formal strategic plan.  In the interim, the board and staff have identified the following strategic goals:

Fundraising – increase revenue and expand the funding base

Outreach – increase the number and diversity of listeners

Programming - Add programs for children and in additional languages

Marketing - Increase the visibility of CRIS throughout the state

Technology – stay viable and relevant

Streaming – signal online through computers

 

• Critical to its future, CRIS expects its new executive director to lead the board in developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy geared toward increasing revenue and expanding its funding base, particularly individuals.  Included in the strategy will be a capital campaign for such major expenditures as upgrading technology, upgrading the website, installing a power back-up for the Windsor station, and streaming the signal online.

 

• There is a large, untapped audience in Connecticut that needs to be reached.  CRIS’ board and staff are committed to enhancing the organization’s value to the community by expanding the listening audience both in numbers and in diversity.  Up to now, the focus has been primarily on the blind, but there is an increasing population of print handicapped people that CRIS can serve.  There are 100 children added annually to Connecticut’s blind registry and, as CRIS’ programming has been geared toward adults, children’s programming will need to be developed.  Providing programs in languages other than English will enhance CRIS’ ability to appeal to a broader audience.

 

• There are several geographic areas that cannot currently receive CRIS’ signal.  The donation of additional unused commercial sidebands in those areas would address that issue.

 

• The board expects to work in partnership with the new executive director to both ensure that the board is providing the necessary support to the organization and is effectively carrying out its governance and fundraising responsibilities.

 

• CRIS is not immune to the fiscal realities of 2009 and the years ahead.  The challenges demand a mission-driven fiscal strategy that keeps focus on CRIS’ commitment to its constituents.

 

The Ideal CRIS Candidate:

 

Personal Profile

·         A change agent who shares a passion for the organization’s mission

·         A strong visionary leader who is organized, efficient and consistent

·         An experienced business and financial manager who has the ability to translate goals into action, and to manage in a cost-effective manner

·         An excellent oral and written communicator, who can effectively present and interpret the organization’s mission to all areas of the community

·         A creative, strategic thinker who can develop, communicate and implement a vision and a plan for the organization’s growth and development

·         An energetic consensus-builder who can work with diverse individuals and groups and who has the skills to build coalitions and partnerships with other organizations.

·         A team-builder who can effectively work with the board, staff, and volunteers

·         Ability to develop contingency plans for services and administration.

 

Experience

·         Minimum five years professional experience as an executive or senior administrator in a similar sized organization.

·         Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience

·         Demonstrated effectiveness in raising significant funds from a variety of sources

·         Experience working with persons with disabilities

·         Demonstrated leadership skills, including articulating a vision and designing and implementing strategies to achieve that vision

·         Demonstrated management experience in overseeing and providing direction for a professional staff

·         Proven experience in developing and managing a budget that is directly tied to measurable, strategic goals; and in understanding and implementing appropriate fiscal accountability and internal controls

·         Experience communicating with widely diverse audiences, both in written form and public presentations 

·         Demonstrated success at developing and maintaining external partnerships

 

The Application Process

 

Martey S. Rhine, Third Sector New England Transition Consultant, is coordinating the search for CRIS ’ Executive Director. For more information about Third Sector, go to www.tsne.org.

 

To apply, please visit
http://www.tsne.org/employment/ed/cris and scroll down to the application guidelines to submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements. Only electronic submissions in Microsoft Word will be considered.

 

All other inquiries regarding this search may be directed to Ms. Rhine at crissearch@att.net.

 

Resumes will be accepted until July 31, 2009.

 

Compensation is commensurate with the size of CRIS and is based on experience.

 

 

Connecticut Radio Information System, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of candidates.