Executive Director

Executive Director

Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan and Ulster (CCOSU) is seeking an experienced and strategic Executive Director to provide mission-centered leadership across a complex, multi-county service environment. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director bears ultimate responsibility for organizational effectiveness, financial sustainability, fundraising and resource development, staff leadership, and community presence.

The Executive Director will also provide support and strategic oversight to Catholic Charities of Dutchess County (CCDC), working in partnership with that agency's Board to strengthen its positioning and long-term viability. The Executive Director will work closely with boards of regional agencies and key stakeholders, including parishes and community partners.

A key initial priority for this role is leading a comprehensive review of the current Hudson Valley regional structure and developing a clear coordination framework to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery across the region. The ideal candidate will bring senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector or in multi-entity organizations, and demonstrate strength in fundraising, organizational change, stakeholder relationship management, and mission-focused operational leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

1. Assess community needs and collaborate with parishes, government entities, and partner organizations to develop and adapt programs that respond to emerging needs. Maintain a current working knowledge of trends and developments in human services.
2. Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute a long-range strategic plan that advances the agency's mission with measurable and timely progress.
3. Lead the comprehensive review of the Mid-Hudson Valley regional structure, identify opportunities for greater coordination and efficiency, and develop a framework for strengthening multi-agency alignment.
4. Carry out plans, programs, and policies jointly with the Board Chair and Board and provide regular progress reports to ensure informed governance, including with federal, state, and local regulations.

Fundraising and Resource Development

1. Develop and execute a comprehensive annual and multi-year resource development plan encompassing government contracts, foundation grants, corporate giving, donor cultivation, and special events.
2. Personally cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, institutional funders, and government partners. Serve as the primary external representative for significant funding relationships.
3. Identify, pursue, and manage government contracts and grants at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring compliance with all applicable reporting and programmatic requirements.
4. Build and strengthen foundation and corporate giving relationships, including prospecting, proposal development, and ongoing stewardship.
5. Ensure the agency has sufficient and diversified revenue to sustain operations, meet programmatic goals, and build financial resilience. Report fundraising progress to the Board with appropriate transparency.

Managerial and Administrative

1. Oversee the preparation, monitoring, and stewardship of the agency budget in collaboration with staff and the Finance Committee. Ensure fiscal integrity and sound financial management.
2. Maintain high-quality services through active program monitoring, staff supervision, Board engagement, and systematic review of service outcomes.
3. Bear overall responsibility for recruitment, hiring, supervision, development, and, when necessary, separation of all personnel, both paid staff and volunteers.
4. Jointly with the Board Chair and Secretary, conduct official correspondence and execute legal documents. Maintain official records and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

People Leadership and Organizational Culture

1. Establish and sustain a performance management culture in which individual and team goals are clearly set, regularly reviewed, and connected to the agency's mission and strategic priorities.
2. Provide consistent coaching, feedback, and development support to direct reports and, through them, to the broader staff team. Identify and cultivate internal leadership talent.
3. Foster an organizational culture characterized by mission alignment, accountability, collaboration, and respect. Model and reinforce the values of Catholic Charities in all aspects of leadership.
4. Ensure strong cross-functional coordination across programs, administrative functions, and geographic sites to minimize silos and promote organizational cohesion.

Parish Engagement

1. Maintain regular, substantive engagement with pastors and parishes throughout Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties. Educate parish communities on agency programming, understand local needs, and identify opportunities for collaboration and support.
2. Provide regular updates at semi-annual Deanery meetings and serve as an ambassador of Catholic Charities' work within the Church community.

External Relations and Board Partnership

1. Represent CCOSU to public and private constituencies to build awareness, credibility, and community support. Cultivate productive relationships with parishes, government officials, peer organizations, and community groups.
2. Work closely and collaboratively with the Board of Directors, keeping members informed, engaged, and equipped to exercise effective governance.

Education and Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Human Services, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience in a human services or nonprofit organization, including direct supervisory responsibility for staff teams.

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising across multiple channels, including government contracts, foundation and corporate giving, and individual donor development.

• Respect for and substantive understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and Catholic tradition.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership ability, including capacity to manage competing priorities and engage diverse stakeholders with credibility and cultural sensitivity.

• Strong fundraising acumen, with the ability to develop funder relationships, write compelling proposals, and sustain a diversified revenue base.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking, donor engagement, and Board-level reporting.

• Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal skills with the ability to lead across geographic and programmatic complexity.

• Deep commitment to serving those who are poor and marginalized, aligned with the mission of Catholic Charities.

Position Details and Working Conditions

• Full-time, exempt position. Core hours are generally 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday; additional hours are regularly required to meet organizational needs.

• Substantial travel required (approximately 50% of time) across Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster Counties, and to Dutchess County, to attend community meetings, parish visits, donor engagements, and program sites.

• Stationary computer-based work constitutes at least 50% of time. Occasional stair use and outdoor exposure required.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace that honors the dignity of every person. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure fair consideration without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.