Overview of Head to Speech Careers

Head to Speech, Incorporated is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Approved Continuing Education Provider, headquartered in Bowie, Maryland. We proudly serve the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area and beyond through our in-person, live streaming, and self-study programming. 

We are experiencing explosive growth as we work to help student, professional and former athletes, and their support systems affected by sports concussion, the effects on cognitive-communication skills, and overall brain health.

Join our team if you are seeking an exciting opportunity to work directly with nationally recognized board members, executive leaders, interprofessional task force speakers, and Ambassadors. 

We offer a variety of volunteer and paid positions: 

• National Board of Directors Positions and Committees 
• Executive Leadership and Administrative Staff Positions 
• Independent Contractor and Commission-based Resource Development Job Positions 
• Continuing Education Instructor Positions 
• Brain Workout Instructor Positions with Community Outreach and Corporate Wellness, Brain Health and Fitness Opportunities 
• Interprofessional Task Force Advising and Speaking Opportunities
• Workforce Development, Lifelong Learning and Mentoring Opportunities 
• Ambassador-driven Committees and Volunteer Opportunities 

JOIN THE BOARD

Explore our Current Head to Speech Board Positions and Committees 

Benefits of Serving on the Board of Directors

• Gain a personal and professional connection with athletes and their support systems by seeing issues from other side, learning on the job and brainstorming solutions to the most pressing issues and challenges that they face throughout the continuum of care and lifetime. 
• Advance your career, credibility, reputation, knowledge, and visibility in non-profit management, administration, social impact leadership, prevention and wellness, advocacy and outreach, education, research, innovation, collaboration, supervision and facilitation of support groups and counseling. 
• Expand relationships with other highly successful leaders from difference backgrounds and leverage experiences to expand your network, connections and more leads within your community and for your business. 
• Receive a sense of accomplishment in building a strong effective board that achieves short-and-long term outcomes. 
• Gain inside exposure to Head to Speech's operations and real time knowledge of industry trends that can be used in your own career by participating in the board meetings and  overseeing our Interprofessional Task Force and Ambassadors at programs. 
• January Board Meeting: Judge for our Ambassador Pitch Competition and Distribute Collaborative Research and Innovation Seed Grants and Head to Speech Awards  
• March Board Meeting: Judge for our Public Service Announcement Challenge, as well as a Breakout Session Facilitator and Speaker at the Head to Speech Interprofessional Task Force Summit 
• July Board Meeting: Guide the strategic priorities for the governance, internal affairs, and external affairs committees at the Head to Speech Board Retreat 
• September Board Meeting: Recruit and mentor future professionals within our area of expertise for our Career Pathways Program 
• November Board Meeting: Represent Head to Speech at our Exhibit and Open House and Networking Event

Additional Benefits Include:

• Influence our advocacy agenda and the interprofessional conventions and events that Head to Speech participants in to carry out our purpose, mission and vision
• Access to Head to Speech Academy and Continuing Education for three years 
• Collaborative Research and Innovative Seed Grants Awards Brunch Honoree at the end of the three year term
• Monthly and annual opportunities to support the board with our give and get policy and charitable giving qualifies for tax deductions 
• Opportunities to provide in-kind donations and connect your career with our organization
• Eligible for traveling stipends for programs, national conventions, exhibitions, speaking engagements and media appearances, and other authorized out-of-pocket expenses. 

How to Apply 

Board of Directors Nomination Process 

Head to Speech seeks qualified individuals to serve on the Head to Speech Board of Directors. This is an opportunity to lead the non-profit organization and help to bridge the gaps between communication sciences and disorders, athletics and other related professions who work with athletes and their support systems.

The Board is the strategic governing and policy body of Head to Speech. Members of the Board are instrumental in the following:

• Overseeing the purpose, mission and strategic directions
• Establishing policy, nominating elected officials and committees
• Approving all action pertaining to the business
• Identifying opportunities to advance the inclusion of speech-language pathologists and audiologists within sports concussion management
• Continually improve and expand programs and services that support interprofessional education and collaboration

How to Submit a Nomination 

• All are welcome to serve on the board who believe in our mission.  

• Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominees are reviewed at the July Board Retreat each year. Nominees must complete and submit the following materials by April 30th each year to receive an invitation to the July Board Retreat: 

  • Review all criteria used for the selection of board of directors’ candidates.
  • Nomination Form
  • Submit completed application, current resume or abbreviated curriculum vitae and two letters of support to [email protected] (Letters do not need to be attached to the nomination but must be received by April 30th. Letters should address the candidate’s professional leadership experience and abilities, ability to serve as a director and ambassador for Head to Speech, and the candidate’s ability to engage in collegial, strategic discussion and debate.)
  • To submit a nomination, please email [email protected] with "[Your name]; Submitting Nomination" in the email subject line. 
  • For additional information, please email [email protected]. No phone call inquiries, please.

Criteria Used for the Selection of Board of Directors Candidates

Candidates should invest sufficient time and effort to submit a thorough and high-quality application. Directors must be committed to attending meetings. In reviewing candidates, the Head to Speech nominations committee will consider the following:

You may or may not be asked to discuss the following: 

• Discuss your previous contributions and commitments to the inclusion of speech-language pathologists and audiologists within the sports concussion management and/or the ability to become an ally using your personal and professional experiences and connections in allied health, sports medicine, sports management, and other related fields. 
• Discuss your leadership attributes, ability to work collaboratively, and engage in debate and discussion
• Discuss your experience and involvement with non-profit organizations and any previous opportunities with Head to Speech 
• Discuss your ability to strategically envision opportunities and plan experiences to further  Head to Speech's strategic priorities, purpose, vision and mission
• Discuss your experience and perspectives on diversity, equity and inclusion 

Head to Speech Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

Head to Speech seeks a diverse board that is able to address the issues of athletes and their support systems affected by sports concussion, the effects on cognitive-communication skills, and overall brain health.

We believe in celebrating the diversity within the sports community. We seek to provide speech-language pathologists and audiologists with a history of playing sports themselves or a strong connection to sports with a sense of belonging both personally and professionally.  

BOARD POSITION OPENINGS

All Board Positions are filled at this time. 

Overview of Board Committees

1. Internal Affairs Committee

Finance

• Ensure annual financial targets are achieved.

Human Resources

• Annual review of the HR manual.
• Ensure manuals are in compliance with local, state, and federal laws.

Facilities/Capital

• Ensure facilities and capital projects are aligned to the organization’s mission and vision.
• Ensure overall organizational goals are achieved.

2. External Affairs Committee: 

Fundraising 

• Ensure annual fundraising goals are clear and accurate. 
• Ensure the board and the committee actively participates in fundraising. 

Marketing & Communications 

• Ensure that the organization has proper marketing materials in place to articulate its message. 

Advocacy 

• Organize opportunities for the organization to be featured publicly. 

3. Governance Committee:

Board Recruiting and Retention 

• Ensure the board is properly staffed, provide on-going training to board members and develop board materials. 

Performance evaluation of the board

• Ensure overall organizational goals are achieved. 
• Ensure the board evaluates itself on its performance.

Advisory Council

The Advisory Council consists of members who are interested in our mission, pediatric and adult brain injury and other topics related to neurogenic disorders within educational and healthcare settings, as well as brain health coaching, dual tasking methods, and cognitive rehabilitation within athletic settings worldwide. 

This opportunity is open to the following professionals who have held positions in Business administration, management, social entrepreneurship;  Academia, research, clinical education, continuing education; Leadership at national or state organizations; and/or Community service as either a chair, director, coordinating member on a committee, board or council. 

• Speech-language pathologists and audiologists 
• Other health and rehabilitation sciences professionals, such as sports medicine, physical medicine, and rehabilitation physicians, nurses, neurologists, neuropsychologists, sports psychologists, athletic and fitness trainers, and physical and occupational therapists. 
• Public health and culturally responsive specialists, academic advisors, vocational counselors, social workers
• Sports management, entertainment and legal professionals, such as athletic directors, coaches, former athletes, sports journalists, marketing managers, publicists, agents, and attorneys

STAFF POSITIONS 

Explore our Current Head to Speech Staff Positions

Benefits of Serving on the Executive Leadership Team

• Experience non-profit management

How to Apply 

If you are interested in consideration for any of our exciting opportunities, please submit the following:

1. Letter of Interest on how your skills and experience meet the qualifications and will further our mission

2. Resume

3. Salary Requirements 

4. How you heard about this opportunity

All applications must be submitted to Dr. Tabia Pope, Executive Director/CEO at [email protected].

Include your name and the position title in the email subject line. No phone call inquiries, please.

Requirements:

Upon hire, all candidates are subject to complete the following:

1. Background check using (2) two professional references from either a previous employer, leadership position supervisor or another professional who can attest to your knowledge or eagerness to learn about our purpose, cause, vision and mission.

2. W-9 form 

3. Copy of Driver’s License

4. Unofficial transcript

5. Professional licenses and/or certifications applicable to the position

6. Financial and non-financial disclosures to mitigate conflict of interests and non-disclosure agreement for confidentiality 

How to Prepare for Your Interview

You may or may not be asked to discuss the following: 

• Demonstrate a connection to our cause, purpose, vision and mission either through teaching, scholarship, service or lived experience as an athlete or support system to an athlete affected by sports concussion, the effects on cognitive-communication skills, and overall brain health. 
• Demonstrate how your experience will help our national efforts to increase the inclusion of speech-language pathologists and audiologists expand into sports concussion management using educational, scientific and charitable initiatives. 
• Demonstrate challenges with return to playing, learning, working or daily activities, as well as your belief in and commitment to the principles of brain health, preventative education, timely identification, assessment, post-concussion recovery and intervention, counseling, and/or long-term care. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Head to Speech, Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity of all kinds and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this opportunity. It is our policy to ensure that all individuals applying for jobs are considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status, and that all are given every opportunity to succeed.

Executive Assistant

(Virtual Assistants May Apply)

Position: Executive Assistant to the Executive Director (Virtual Assistants May Apply)

Department: Operations

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Executive Director and Indirectly to the Director of Operations

Availability of Position: Immediately

Schedule: Flexible, Hybrid, full-or part-time position. This position can be filled full-time, or by two people splitting the role: Virtual candidates and those who live in the Washington, DC Area seeking full-and part-time roles are encouraged to apply.

This is a 1099 Independent contractor position with availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Flexibility to work from home, up to 75% with considerable schedule flexibility. At least one virtual or in-person meeting once a month in Bowie, Maryland or a location within the Washington, DC area. Tech support using Zoom and Kajabi for hybrid annual and quarterly programming on Saturdays and Sundays. Attend hybrid monthly Ambassador meet and greets to discuss business during happy hours (5:00-7:00 pm EST) and attend other work-related conferences, entertainment and charity events with community members on behalf of the organization.

Ability to commute/relocate: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Optional).

Compensation: Ideal for a candidate who wants to work 15 hours a month earning between $25 – $35 an hour. This position will increase to 15-20 hours a week as the organization grows. 

May be eligible for annual commission-based bonuses based on meeting individual and team key performance indicators. 

Eligible for authorized out-of-pocket expenses 

Direct Deposit: Compensation comes directly from Head to Speech as a direct deposit to your bank account.

Flexible Options and Paths Forward: Depending on the candidate, this role can be expanded from the beginning, or over time. Promotion to full-time Resource Development Officer position based on commission of program ticket and sponsorship sales.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Assistant reports directly to the Executive Director, the Executive Assistant provides executive support in a one-on-one working relationship with the ED and Director of Operations.

The Executive Assistant serves as the primary point of contact for all internal and external matters pertaining to the Office of the ED.

The Executive Assistant also serves as a liaison to the board of directors and leadership team; organizes and coordinates executive outreach and external relations efforts; and oversees special projects.

Responsibilities

• Track the ED’s responsibilities and duties to ensure that his/her time is effectively prioritized and goals achieved.
• Track ED commitments, goals, projects, tasks and deadlines
• Ensure items are effectively delegated, reprioritized, or addressed, navigating conflicting demands and time pressure
• Maintain the ED’s calendar by planning and scheduling meetings, conferences, teleconferences, and travel
• Ensure his/her time is allocated to the highest priorities
• Handles executives’ requests and queries promptly and appropriately.
• Attend select meetings, take notes, capture action items, and ensure follow through
• Provides historical reference by developing and utilizing filing and retrieval systems, recording meeting discussions.
• Handle select matters expeditiously and proactively; follow-through to successful completion

Represent the ED in internal and external communications

• Maintains confidence and protects operations by keeping information confidential.
• Provide a bridge for smooth communication between the ED’s office and Board members, partners, staff, and others
• Draft and edit correspondence that is often sensitive and confidential
• Produces information by transcribing, formatting, inputting, editing, retrieving, copying, and transmitting text, data, and graphics.
• Manage websites and landing pages using the Kajabi learning management tool
• Enter data entry of leads into Kajabi learning management tool
• Manage automatization and content calendar of email marketing campaigns to schedule email marketing campaigns and social media posts
• Create or edit content and marketing materials using Kajabi and Canva Pro
• Social media management using LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook platforms
• Represent the organization at outreach activities, such as conventions and community engagement events

Manage administrative and logistical issues

• Undertakes the tasks of receiving calls, taking messages, and routing correspondence.
• Conserves executive’s time by reading, researching, and routing correspondence; drafting letters and documents; collecting and analyzing information, initiating telecommunications.
• Arrange complex and detailed travel plans, itineraries, and agendas
• Prepare expense reports for traveling expenses to programs and national conventions for exhibitions, speaking engagements and media appearances, food, car mileage, parking, office equipment, supplies, postage, educational courses, publications, and business subscriptions.
• Maintains office supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level, anticipating needed supplies, evaluating new office products, placing and expediting orders for supplies, verifying receipt of supplies.
• Assisting with maintaining the cleanliness and order of the office or program space with vacuuming, dusting, and trash removal.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories, evaluating new equipment and techniques.

Support partner relationship development

• Conduct research and analysis on potential partners and sponsors
• Follow up on contacts made by the ED; support the cultivation of ongoing relationships
• Track relationship developments in Kajabi and Salesforce (e.g. adding contacts, creating accounts, updating notes)

Help key ED meetings and teams – board and Leadership Team – to be effective

• Confirm that attendees will be present and complete preparatory work, such as agendas and committee reports
• Research and prepare select reports and materials by collecting and analyzing information.
• Secure offsite locations and support travel logistics as needed
• Ensure compliance with bylaws; prepare minutes
• Help build the strongest possible team
• Support ED-led recruiting; onboard new team members, Ambassadors, and volunteers
• Manage select HR initiatives
• Manage team management tool, like Trello or Asana
• Assists with submission of proposals for fundings to build the capacity of the organization and its programs
• Perform other related duties as requested or responsibilities dictate

Characteristics of an Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as an assistant working remotely or relevant role
• Passion for and familiarity with the nonprofit sector and our mission
• Proven ability to use outstanding interpersonal, political navigation, and communication skills to build strong relationships and negotiate challenging situations, often with board members, partners, sponsors, Ambassadors and volunteers, in a friendly and professional way
• Highly organized, and highly detail-oriented with strong project management and organization skills; able to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly
• Expert-level verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated proactive approaches to problem-solving with strong decision-making capability
• Emotional maturity
• Strong research skills
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently
• Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Comfortable in a high performing, fast-paced and quickly growing organization; demonstrated ability to achieve high performance goals, meet deadlines and adapt to changing circumstances
• Strong ability to execute work with a diversity, equity, and inclusion lens.
• Knowledgeable or willing to learn about speech-language pathologists’ and audiologists' role in managing sports concussion, the effects on cognitive-communication skills, and overall brain health.

Ideal candidates will have the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelor’s degree preferred with two years experience in an executive level administrative position with progressive responsibility, OR equivalent related work experience.
• Highly proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, preferred experience with Calendly, Kajabi, Givelify, Canva Por, Salesforce, Trello or Asana, and be able to pick up other applications quickly

Resource Development Officer

Position: Resource Development Officer

Department: Operations and Resource Development

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Executive Director and Indirectly to the Director of Operations

Schedule: Flexible part-time position, 15 hours a month (minimum 3 hours a week)

This is a virtual, part-time, 1099 Independent contractor position with availability on Mondays, Wednesdays and/or Fridays. At least one videoconference once a month. Option to attend events virtually or in-person in Bowie, Maryland or a location within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area. Annual and quarterly programming on Saturdays and Sundays. Attend monthly Ambassador meet and greets to discuss business during happy hours (5:00-7:00 pm EST) and attend other work-related conferences, entertainment and charity events with community members on behalf of the organization.

Compensation: Ideal for a determined commission-based candidate with a strong nonprofit development background to coordinate fundraising, sales, and marketing goals for a team of 1-5 representatives.

The candidate will work 15 hours a month earning between $25 – $35 an hour. This position will increase to 15-20 hours a week as the organization grows. 

Commission-based Bonuses: There is no cap on your income due to commission. You can earn bonuses every 3 months based on meeting individual and team key performance indicators. For example, 10% commission based on personal ticket sales, product sales, fundraising team building bonuses, sponsorships and exhibitions. This encourages you to get funds in and inspires you to keep marketing programs, sustaining donations, and selling sponsorships, exhibit booths, and Ambassador boxes.

Eligible for authorized out-of-pocket expenses 

Direct Deposit: Compensation comes directly from Head to Speech as a direct deposit to your bank account.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Resource Development Officer works with the Executive Director, Director of Operations and the Head to Speech Board to develop and maintain a successful corporate sponsor, partnership and individual donor solicitation program and to develop and manage a portfolio of corporate sponsors and partner prospects and individual donors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build a sustainable financial giving model for the organization

• Build a successful giving program by identifying prospects, designing and initiating strategies, and producing materials, proposals, and applications as needed

• Ensure the programs have a total sponsorship financial target of at least $50,000 (or there are multiple programs with these demographics).

• Participate in the planning and executive of the annual programs

• Ensure sponsorship and exhibitor revenue goals for the annual programs are met

• Oversee research funding sources and trends, with foresight, to help position Head to Speech ahead of major funding changes or trends

• Support our community members in their fund development efforts through trainings, technical assistance and collaborative fundraising opportunities

Other expectations

• High energy and a passion for Head to Speech’s mission is essential

• Uphold the Mission Statement and Core Values of the Head to Speech

• Adheres to Head to Speech Policy and Procedures

• Acts as a role model within and outside the organization

• Exhibits core values of the organization

• Maintain staff, volunteer, donor and guest confidentiality at all times.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meet annual fundraising goals per the development strategic operating plan

• Develop and maintain a successful corporate, foundation, and individual solicitation program, including the developing a strategic operating plan, identifying priorities and prospects, and building resources and connections to implement the plan.

• Create and manage a portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual prospects, communicate with current and prospective donors to build relationships and secure grants and donations

• Design and implement a comprehensive plan for developing key external alliances by cultivating individual and philanthropic support.

• Develop strategic briefing and communication materials

• Serves as an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting Head to Speech.

• Deepen existing relationships and forge new relationships to build Head to Speech’s visibility, impact and financial resources.

• Establish and implement the infrastructure needed to grow the organizational budget through the solicitation of major contracts, corporate sponsorships and donor support.

• Expand and diversify Head to Speech’s donor base/pipeline and work closely with other team members to secure funding for new initiatives.

• Develop and track strategies for cultivating, soliciting, stewarding, and recognizing donors

• Maintain the integrity of donor relationships, including the understanding of the needs and interests of major donors

• Produce and manage donor correspondence, including annual campaign appeals

• Engage and support staff and Board in the soliciting and stewarding donors

• Work with the Executive Director, Director of Operations, the Board, and Interprofessional Task Force Summit planning committee to secure speakers, awards and scholarship recipients, and sponsorship of annual programs and special events

• Increase awareness of Head to Speech in the Washington, DC area and within the global community

• Coordinate events required to interact with donors (conferences, galas, house parties, etc.)

• Monitor all donor information and provide and present statistically analysis to board and executive director

• Work with volunteers and staff to maintain Givelify Donor Software

• Develop and execute all proposals and archive them with a long-term relationship-management approach

• Ensure the quality and timely submission of all sponsorship applications, reports and data

• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program

• Provide regular fundraising updates to Executive Director and Board

• Support efforts to recover after disaster

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree required, along with 3+ years and a proven track record in data management, communications, and/or raising money in a nonprofit environment, including direct mail or social media campaigns, donor relations, and corporate and partner relationship management.

• Compassion and commitment to the mission, programs and goals of Head to Speech

• Flexible and adaptable style, a leader who can positively impact both strategic and tactical fundraising initiatives

• Ability to communicate the mission of Head to Speech in writing and in a compelling way

• Upbeat, positive, and energetic approach to work

• Energized by the opportunity to build the development program for Head to Speech

• Comfortable operating in a nonprofit, resource-limited environment

• Maturity to work with highly visible civic, philanthropic, and business leaders

• Confidentiality in all areas, mandatory

• Results-driven with highly developed interpersonal skills, excellent oral presentation and written skills – especially correspondence with donors and prospects.

• Exceptional telephone and interpersonal etiquette are essential

• Work requires continual attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities, and meeting deadlines.

• Proven track record in fundraising and success in the general coordination and management of both small-scale and large-scale projects

• Skill with databases and presentations

• Ability to multitask and work both independently and on team projects with a diverse constituency of staff and donors

• Experience with nonprofit marketing and branding

• Strong proficiency and/or willingness to develop skills in related technologies and use: Microsoft Office programs (with strong current capacity in Excel), Givelify, Kajabi, Salesforce, Canva, and others as required. Training provided if necessary.

• Ability to demonstrate a past success with a corporate sponsorship, partnership for exhibition or donor campaign is a plus

• Valid Driver’s License and able to travel on work-related traveling assignments. 

AMBASSADOR COMMITTEES

Explore our Ambassador-led Committees and Volunteer Opportunities

The Benefits of Serving as an Ambassador

• Partnerships 
• Sponsorships 
• Ambassador Boxes