Executive Director

The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1979 to provide mediation and conflict resolution services in Greater Boston. As one of Massachusetts’ oldest community mediation centers, CDSC promotes collaborative, proven ways to understand and resolve conflict through skilled teams of volunteer mediators and conflict managers, training programs in mediation and conflict management, and broad community outreach.

CDSC is ready to hire an Executive Director who understands the opportunity to bring conflict resolution skills and proven techniques to address a wide variety of conflicts that impact the people and organizations of Greater Boston. This leader has demonstrated commitment to working in the non-profit sector, is committed to having a positive impact in Greater Boston, and understands that CDSC thrives at the intersection of community building and the justice system.

This posting is a summary of the opportunity. Detailed information is available to anyone interested in learning more.

Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director has overall strategic and operational responsibility for CDSC, including its staff, programs, fundraising, donor relationships, community networking, legislative advocacy, and community advocacy and leader for accessible peaceful conflict resolution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Maintain a collaborative workplace environment where team members support each other to accomplish priorities. Crosstrain team members as appropriate.
• Direct CDSC’s human resources responsibilities, including hiring, developing, and evaluating staff, establishing goals, and updating salaries, benefits, job descriptions, and the like as needed.
• Manage the relationship with the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration, the Massachusetts Trial Courts and the Office of the Attorney General.
• Promote continued growth and development of diversity initiatives at CDSC.
• Responsible for all communications including press releases, social media, newsletters, CDSC’s website, community announcements, and promoting the significant positive impact CDSC has in the community.
• Providing leadership as an advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and connecting the community to conflict resolution solutions by attending local events and networking groups.
• Direct the annual budgeting process and ensure financial integrity, cash flow, and overall financial operations.
• Lead revenue-generating and fundraising activities, drive revenue through fee-based services, pursue grant opportunities, and develop a robust private donor base.
• Work openly and collaboratively with the Board to create and implement a strategic plan to achieve CDSC’s goals.

Desired candidate qualifications include:

• Experience in a position equivalent to the C-suite or senior level management in a non-profit organization.
• Established connections to decision makers in local and state government.
• The ability to be a collaborative leader while making informed, confident decisions in a timely manner.
• Experience working with, or serving on, a board of directors.
• Fundraising experience, including strong donor relations skills, and an understanding of the funding community.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting.
• A successful track record of recruiting, hiring, and developing team members.
• Strong written, oral, and public speaking skills.
• Experience with program oversight, development, planning, and evaluation.
• Experience working with diverse groups of people.