EBC Associates is proud to partner with STREETS INTERNATIONAL in the search for an In-Country (Vietnam) Executive Director, based in Hoi An, Vietnam. This is a terrific opportunity for an experienced, mature professional, looking for an exciting and challenging ‘encore career.’
STREETS INTERNATIONAL is an innovative social enterprise initiative with the purpose to develop, operate and model sustainable programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in SE Asia and throughout the world. STREETS has been recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative, Hyatt Global Awards, the World Travel and Tourism Council, and has been the subject of numerous newspaper and magazine articles, including the Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the New York Times, and National Geographic.
Formed in 2007, as a US-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, STREETS prepares vulnerable, orphaned, trafficked, out-of-school and other disadvantaged young people for careers in hospitality.
In developing economies around the world, tourism is often one of the first and largest sectors to experience growth and expansion. The STREETS initiative is designed to match the resource demands of the growing hospitality sectors with the needs of disadvantaged youth. It provides them with the highest levels of training to prepare them for careers in culinary arts and hospitality service.
The program incorporates many components, including classroom instruction, hands-on work experience, and housing, along with social and community support. This is the first real chance for many disadvantaged young adults to transition from poverty and life on the streets to the dignity of self-sufficiency that comes with a successful career in hospitality.
During the 18-month training program, each Trainee is provided housing, food, clothing, basic medical care, financial support and active community support. Dorm-style housing with supervisory ‘house-parents’ is an essential component of the support and mentoring that all Trainees receive as part of the overall STREETS community. Trainee development is not only a classroom and practice objective but integrated into all the various components of the comprehensive program, increasing the Trainees’ sense of dignity, community and responsibility.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
The Executive Director will report to the Founder & Chairperson, Neal F. Bermas, Ph.D.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
The Executive Director will oversee the day-to-day management, programs, and operations of the organization in Vietnam. Other key duties may include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.
Responsible for leading STREETS in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s purpose and mission as defined by the Board of Directors.
Report to and work closely with the Founder and Chair to ensure the objectives and established, award-winning standards are maintained.
Responsible to carefully maintain the service and operating standards of all STREETS enterprises, including the restaurant, bakery cafe, and culinary demonstration tours.
Direct, manage and collaborate with the entire STREETS team of over 50 Vietnamese staff. While executing attention to the details that have been proven to create one of the most successful programs of its kind.
Ensure the ongoing education, residential and Life Skills program components are carefully managed to STREETS’ established international standards.
Prepare the annual budget with the in-country management team and ensure its monthly performance objectives are achieved.
Maintain all employment and administrative policies and procedures according to STREETS and as applicable the laws of the US and Vietnam.
Establish and maintain on-going relationships with various tourism, hospitality, and NGO organizations to support and enhance STREETS’ mission.
Oversee marketing and other communications, including social media.
Provide input into strategic development plans and other duties as assigned by the Chair.
QUALIFICATIONS & QUALITIES
The successful candidate for the Executive Director position will have:
A desire, motivation, and passion to transition to this encore executive career opportunity in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Executive experience and demonstrated ability to use business skills to lead and manage on-going and innovative programs.
Prior experience in hospitality, tourism, food and beverage or other service industry/and or educational background.
Creative, energetic, especially well organized, demonstrated attention to detail with a service orientation.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills.
Demonstrated ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, & Excel.
KEY COLLEAGUES
Neal F. Bermas, Ph.D., New York, NY
Neal F. Bermas is the founder and chairperson of STREETS International. STREETS is an innovative social enterprise with a mission to operate sustainable hospitality programs for street kids and disadvantaged youth in Southeast Asia and throughout the world. The first program and training restaurant opened in Vietnam in 2009. As an independent management consultant and educator with international experience in the hospitality and tourism industry, his clients have included The Walt Disney Company, Sheraton, and Le Meridien Hotels. Bermas was a Director with the world-wide consulting and financial services firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (formerly Coopers & Lybrand). He has also owned and operated his own notable restaurants. Dr. Bermas has been quoted frequently and highlighted in publications including: The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Gourmet Live, Asia Life (Vietnam), Cong An (Vietnam), The Examiner (Australia), and Tiger Tales (Singapore). He has taught and lectured at New York University, The Institute of Culinary Education, UCLA, and the University of Southern California. Bermas earned his Ph.D. from The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University in Boston, MA. and was appointed to its Board of Overseers.
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume to liz@ebcassociates. net
The position can provide living allowance, honorarium and yearly round-trip air transport home. Requires a minimum of 1 year commitment, flexible work schedule with ample time for regional travel. Proficiency in Vietnamese is not necessary. STREETS is a 100% No Smoking environment for all staff.