Executive Director

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Riverdale Neighborhood House

Executive Director

Bronx, NY

ABOUT RIVERDALE NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE

For over 150 years, Riverdale Neighborhood House ("RNH") has served as the only non-sectarian, multi-service agency in Riverdale. Located in a vibrant and diverse area bordered by the Hudson River, Van Cortlandt Park, Manhattan, and Yonkers, RNH strengthens community by delivering responsive programs, building meaningful connections, and fostering equity and belonging across generational, cultural, racial, and economic lines.

Operating with an annual budget of $6M, RNH serves more than 6,000 neighbors each year through educational, youth development, food justice, arts, wellness, and civic engagement programs that bring together residents across generations and backgrounds. Programs include no-cost preschool education and afterschool programming, internships and college readiness support, enrichment and volunteer opportunities for adults and older adults, and community-centered initiatives such as the Food & Farm Hub, which includes a teaching garden and farm stand.

As a longstanding settlement house, RNH's programs are shaped by ongoing community needs assessments, partner input, and deep relationships with neighborhood residents. Approximately 70% of RNH's staff live in the surrounding community, reflecting the organization's strong neighborhood roots and culture of connection.

RNH continues to expand its programming, strengthen operations and infrastructure, and deepen its role as a trusted neighborhood anchor. The organization recently adopted a strategic plan focused on fostering social connection, belonging, and community life, while also advancing a master plan for campus redevelopment. In support of this momentum and vision, RNH was recently awarded a Yield Giving grant from MacKenzie Scott.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

At this exciting moment in the organization's rich history, RNH seeks a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven and dynamic leader to help shape the future of a beloved community institution known for responding thoughtfully and creatively to evolving community needs.

Reporting to and partnering closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee a staff of110, including a collaborative senior leadership team, and seven direct reports. Serving as a visible ambassador for the organization throughout Riverdale and the broader Bronx community, the Executive Director will strengthen relationships, elevate RNH's visibility, and advance its mission and impact.

The next Executive Director will play a critical role in advancing RNH's strategic vision by translating ideas into action in key areas, including strengthening fundraising and external engagement, deepening community partnerships, fostering a collaborative and community-centered culture, and ensuring strong operational leadership.

Key responsibilities include:

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Vision
• Drive excellence across RNH's diverse portfolio of education, youth development, arts, wellness, food justice, and community-building programs.
• Partner with the Board and senior leadership team to advance RNH's strategic plan and long-term priorities.
• Lead implementation of key strategic initiatives related to program growth, community engagement, fundraising, and campus planning.
• Identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, and neighborhood engagement in response to evolving community needs.

Fundraising, External Relations & Community Engagement
• Serve as the organization's primary external ambassador with donors, elected officials, community leaders, and institutional partners.
• Lead fundraising efforts across individual, foundation, government, and corporate sources, while helping position RNH for a future capital campaign.
• Partner with the Board on fundraising, relationship-building, and organizational advancement.
• Cultivate strong relationships across Riverdale and the Bronx, serving as a visible and trusted presence within the community.

Team Leadership & Organizational Culture
• Lead, support, and inspire a dedicated team while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, and open communication.
• Serve as a visible, approachable, and unifying leader who builds strong relationships across teams, departments, and program areas.
• Foster collaboration and communication across the organization while encouraging innovation, responsiveness, and strong operational practices.

Financial, Operational & Administrative Leadership
• Ensure continued financial strength through oversight of budgeting, compliance, reporting, contracts, and coordination with an outsourced financial services provider.
• Provide strong stewardship of public and private funding resources.
• Coordinate across programs, facilities, and administrative operations to support effective and responsive community services.
• Lead long-term planning related to facilities, campus improvements, and space utilization.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of strategic and operational leadership, fundraising experience, and a genuine belief in the power of neighborhood-based institutions to strengthen community life.
• Senior Leadership Experience - Significant leadership experience within nonprofit, community-based, public sector, and/or similarly complex mission-driven organizations.
• Fundraising & External Engagement - Demonstrated success cultivating donors, foundation partnerships, government relationships, and community stakeholders, with the ability to serve as a visible and credible external ambassador.
• People Leadership & Team Management - Experience leading, mentoring, and developing teams while fostering trust, accountability, collaboration, and strong cross-organizational relationships.
• Strategic & Operational Leadership - Strong operational leadership experience overseeing complex, multi-program organizations, with the ability to balance long-term vision with thoughtful execution and organizational effectiveness.
• Financial Management & Oversight - Experience overseeing organizational budgeting, financial planning, cash flow management, government contracts, compliance, and financial reporting.
• Communication & Relationship-Building - Excellent communication, listening, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect authentically across staff, Board, funders, partners, and community members.
• Mission-Driven & Community-Oriented - An appreciation for the unique character, diversity, and vibrancy of Riverdale and the broader Bronx community, along with a leadership style grounded in visibility, accessibility, and engagement.

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, social work, education, or a related field is a plus.

COMPENSATION: The salary range for this position is $205,000-$255,000 , commensurate with experience.

LOCATION: This position is based in person the Bronx, New York .


TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and thoughtful cover letter in confidence.

Riverdale Neighborhood House is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected status under applicable law.