MADISON – The Board of Directors for Madison Visionary Partners or MVP has started a search for a candidate to fill the vacancy for Executive Director.

Deadline for qualified candidates to apply is Aug. 16.

Melanie Thornton, outgoing MVP Executive Director, has accepted a new position, which she will start at the end of August. “It has been my greatest pleasure leading MVP into its next stage of growth, and I am proud of all we have accomplished,” Thornton said in a statement.

To summarize the job description, MVP Executive Director “is mission-driven, collaborative and a visionary leader.” The scope . . . requires establishing and maintaining relationships with corporate and major donors, nonprofit partners, Madison City officials and Madison residents.

“A primary focus is to advance and grow the work of community impact in quality of life, basic needs, education, financial stability and health. This position will serve as the ambassador . . . and develop strategic goals and long-term vision,” according to the MVP release.

This abbreviated list states the Executive Director’s primary areas of responsibility:

* Lead aggressive fundraising campaigns for important community-based projects.

* Confirm positive public relations; engage residents with thoughtful communications.

* Collaborate with MVP Board of Directors for organization’s direction; reports results to board.

* Earn trust and confidence from Madison community.

* Communicate with local non-profits, civic groups, schools, churches and volunteers to ‘connect people who care with projects that matter.’

* Comply with corporate legal and ethical standards.

The candidate must satisfy certain credentials (this is a partial list):

* Hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

* Have five years minimum in management and leadership, preferably in nonprofit domain

* Experienced extensively in fundraising, leadership and management of organizations of comparable size and mission.

* Capable of diversifying revenue, increasing philanthropic support and grant writing.

* Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and interest in innovative approaches.

The MVP Executive Director will work 25 to 30 hours per week with flexible schedule. The successful candidate will negotiate for salary.

Candidates should submit resumes to chair@mvpmadison.org by 5 p.m. on Aug. 16.

To view the entire job description, visit mvpmadison.org, and click the box for “Executive Director Search.” In the next window, click the job posting’s link.

“I am proud of the work that Madison Visionary Partners has accomplished under my tenure as Executive Director,” Thornton said. “From completing the Kids Kingdom inclusive playground to spearheading the city’s first public art murals, MVP has left a lasting impact in Madison.”

“We also implemented the community impact grants, which granted seven deserving organizations $25,000 in grants,” Thornton said. “And finally, we breathed new life into volunteerism in Madison by recognizing all of the good work being done in our community through the Madison Visionary Awards.”

“I am grateful to all of our community partners for being collaborators in Madison’s success,” Thornton said.