Executive Director

Company/Role Overview:

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Search has been retained by ProJeCt of Easton to identify an Executive Director to serve their team. The Executive Director is responsible for overall management and operation of ProJeCt. This includes advancing the organization's mission, strategic direction, financial sustainability, community impact, and organizational excellence. The Executive Director serves as the liaison of the agency to funding sources, government officials, donors, and the community at large.

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What You’ll Do:

• Lead the development and execution of strategic plans that advance ProJeCt's mission and community impact.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish and implement the organization's strategic vision, goals, and priorities.
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion of services.
• Monitor emerging community needs and position the organization to respond effectively.
• Ensure organizational decisions align with the mission, values, and long-term sustainability of ProJeCt.
• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and accountability to the senior leadership team.
• Build a high-performing organizational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement.
• Develop future leaders within the organization through mentoring, coaching, and professional development.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote operational excellence across all departments.
• Foster a workplace culture that supports employee engagement, professional growth, and mission alignment.
• Ensure programs effectively advance ProJeCt's mission and meet measurable outcomes.
• Utilize data and evidence-based practices to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Lead and foster collaborate with leadership teams to assess community needs and develop responsive services.
• Champion innovation while maintaining fidelity to proven practices and organizational standards.
• Provide oversight of the organization's financial health and sustainability.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Finance, Finance Committee, and Board of Directors to develop and monitor annual budgets.
• Ensure sound economic oversight, internal controls, risk management practices, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead long-range financial planning efforts to support organizational growth and stability.
• Serve as the organization's chief fundraiser and relationship builder.
• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies that include individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, special events, planned-giving, and endowment growth.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, government agencies, and community partners.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising capacity and achieve revenue goals.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities that support strategic priorities.
• Lead and oversee major capital campaigns, including campaign planning, feasibility assessment, donor cultivation, solicitation strategies, volunteer leadership engagement, and campaign execution to secure resources for organizational growth and long-term sustainability.
• Maintain a strong partnership with the Board of Directors and its committees.
• Support effective governance by providing timely information, recommendations, and strategic guidance.
• Assist in Board development, recruitment, orientation, and engagement efforts.
• Ensure compliance with organizational bylaws, policies, and applicable regulations.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its fiduciary and governance responsibilities.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of ProJeCt.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, elected officials, educational institutions, funders, businesses, and partner organizations.
• Promote awareness of ProJeCt's mission, programs, and impact throughout the community.
• Represent the organization at community events, meetings, speaking engagements, and collaborative initiatives.
• Advocate for issues affecting the populations served by ProJeCt.
• Ensure effective organizational systems, policies, procedures, and infrastructure are in place.
• Oversee organizational compliance with legal, contractual, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor organizational performance through data, metrics, and outcome measurement.
• Ensure effective management of facilities, technology, and organizational resources.
• Lead organizational planning and decision-making to support operational efficiency and effectiveness.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Social Work, and/or Human Services; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of diverse experience in nonprofit programming, human services, community development, education, or related field.
• Progressive leadership experience in providing oversight to a lean organization.
• Demonstrated success leading dynamic teams, strategic initiatives, and keeping mission orientation at the forefront.
• Proven experience in economic oversight, budgeting, and organizational planning.
• Successful fundraising and donor development experience.
• Strong supervisory, coaching, and leadership development skills.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public speaking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.
• Proven history with implementing best practices for a high-performing resolute team.
• Technical acumen in compliance, regulations and systems associated with mission driven institutions.
• Experience with financial statements, grant writing, and fundraising.