Executive Director, WISE

Job Description

Job Description

WISE Seeks an Executive Director About the OrganizationFor more than 50 years, WISE has been a steadfast advocate for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and trafficking, while serving as a regional leader in prevention education, legal advocacy, restorative practices, and community engagement. Across 23 communities in New Hampshire and Vermont's Upper Valley, WISE works to build safer, more just communities where all people can live free from violence and abuse.Since its founding in 1971, WISE has supported more than 10,000 survivors, trained over 5,000 first responders and other professionals, taught healthy relationship skills to more than 18,000 students, and engaged more than 11,000 community members through workshops, education, and outreach. At the heart of WISE is a belief that how the work is done is as important as the work itself. The organization strives to model the values and relationships it seeks to cultivate, recognizing that authentic connection, mutual respect, and shared accountability are essential to lasting change. Guided by the values of Courage, Compassion, Connection, and Curiosity, WISE fosters a culture that is deeply collaborative, mission-driven, and rooted in the transformative power of community.WISE enters this leadership transition from a position of considerable strength, with healthy finances, an engaged board, talented and committed staff, deep community trust, and a reputation for innovation and excellence. WISE is overseen by a dynamic, highly attentive 13-member board of directors. WISE employs 22 staff, many longstanding and widely recognized as experts in their area of work. Staff are described as professional, extremely supportive, friendly, deeply caring, and closely connected to the mission. WISE operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million and stable finances, including properties that provide emergency housing. WISE's work is sustained through a diverse and robust funding portfolio that includes foundation and government grants, and individual contributions. For more information about WISE, visit the WISE website. The OpportunityWISE seeks an exceptional leader to guide WISE into its next chapter of impact and innovation, recognizing we live in a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty. Following a long-tenured and highly respected leader whose influence has shaped the organization's culture, reputation, and relationships, the next Executive Director will inherit an organization deeply rooted in its survivor-centered approach and commitment to addressing the root causes of domestic violence and relationship abuse. The new Executive Director will have the opportunity to:Preserve WISE's valued culture while guiding the organization through forward-looking change and growth. WISE's next leader will partner with the Board and staff to plan and shape the future of survivor services, balancing innovation and growth with organizational stability, mission alignment, and the values and approaches that have made WISE successful.Lead a financially strong and operationally sound organization, while managing uncertainty surrounding public funding, grant requirements, compliance obligations, and changing regulatory environments. Steward, strengthen and grow critical relationships with funders, coalition partners, community leaders, donors, and stakeholders. Advance innovative programs and emerging areas of practice, including prevention education, restorative approaches, legal advocacy, and community education.Expand community partnerships, collaborations and adult educational outreach, and explore opportunities to deepen public engagement and visibility. Navigate increasing political polarization, and evolving public discourse over issues related to domestic and sexual violence and prevention education.Build upon WISE's reputation and role as a regional and statewide leader in survivor advocacy, prevention education, and systems change. Ensure WISE remains accessible, connected, and responsive to an increasingly diverse community, continuing its commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and survivor-centered practice.Support and develop a talented, mission-driven staff within the values and culture that have made WISE successful. Leverage an engaged, talented, and supportive board, dedicated volunteers, and strong philanthropic relationships to advance strategic priorities. The Ideal CandidateWISE seeks a leader who combines strategic vision with humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to relationship-centered leadership. Candidates must bring the curiosity, perspective, and leadership necessary to help WISE to continue to evolve and thrive. The strongest candidates will demonstrate: Mission and Values AlignmentGenuine commitment to supporting survivors and ending domestic and sexual violence.Understanding of trauma-informed, survivor-centered practices.Ability to lead with courage, compassion, connection and curiosity.Commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and dignity. Highly Relational, Collaborative LeadershipExceptional relationship-building skills and the ability to cultivate trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders: staff, board members, donors, volunteers, survivors, public policy representatives, nonprofit and coalition partners, and community leaders.Proven success leading, supporting, and growing teams.A facilitative leadership style that empowers others and thrives in a collaborative thinking and decision-making environment. Compelling Public-Facing Presence and Communication SkillsProven success as a visible, approachable, and collaborative ambassador, with strong communication capabilities for public speaking, storytelling, and sharing the needs of survivors.Experience sustaining and building external partnerships and leveraging the talents of others.  Strategic and Comfortable with Complexity Ability to think and act strategically and leverage opportunities for partnerships and resources. Proven experience bringing fresh perspective and thoughtful innovation to an organization.Experience navigating complex political and funding realities, ambiguity, and competing priorities.Curiosity and a thirst for learning about community needs, new approaches, staff wellbeing, and effective management. Courage to make difficult decisions while remaining collaborative and transparent. Strong Nonprofit AcumenUnderstanding of nonprofit funding models, grant management, and protocols for compliance.Sufficient financial literacy to oversee a complex organization, including budgets, audits, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.10 years of senior leadership and management experience.  Adaptable and Empathetic LeadershipExperience fostering an organizational culture that centers dignity, safety, and respect.Sound judgment, calmness, steadiness, and resilience under pressure.Leadership that is fair, caring, shows humility in personal and organizational relationships, and respects organizational history and institutional knowledge.Commitment to listening first, understanding culture, and leading thoughtfully.Honors shared humanity of "those served and those serving." Compensation, Benefits, and RequirementsThis is an at will, full-time, salaried, exempt position with a salary range of $110,000-125,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. WISE offers the following benefits package:Comprehensive health insuranceWorkers' Compensation7% employer retirement fund contributionShort and long term disability insuranceFour-week paid sabbatical after five years of continuous employmentEarned time off of 20 daysEight paid holidaysThis position is based in the WISE Program Center in Lebanon, NH. All new employees complete the 30-hour Foundations training on WISE's approach to its advocacy work. It is the policy of WISE to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against because of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, gender identity/expression, marital status, pregnancy, socio-economic status, disability, disabled or veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship, genetic information or other protected characteristics under law. Beyond any legal requirements, it is our intent to value diversity and breadth of life experience among staff members. WISE expect all staff members, including volunteers, to treat other staff members and survivors who come to us for service in a non-discriminatory fashion. Application ProcessCandidates must include a resume and a cover letter, both in PDF format, which describe how your qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of the WISE. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A criminal records background check will be required as a condition of hire. Upload required documents to: executive search is being conducted by Nancy Jackson, Eos Transition Partners consultant. All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential, and any questions can be submitted to Nancy Jackson (View email address on ziprecruiter.com).