Executive Director - Career Blazers Nonprofit Search

Executive Director 
   

 
 
Position Overview

Be a part of a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to adults, children, and veterans with disabilities and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. As Executive Director, you will oversee the planning, coordination, and management of fund development, community outreach, and general administration for the center’s region. This role ensures effective regional development, administration, and support for program functions in alignment with national management. 
 

 
Responsibilities 

• Advance the organization’s mission, vision, and values within the region 
• Oversee operations to achieve and exceed regional goals in revenue, donor and volunteer engagement, and community outreach 
• Partner with National teams on marketing, public relations, and fundraising initiatives 
• Recruit, manage, and retain a high-performing team, fostering a culture of integrity, excellence, and innovation 
• Collaborate with the Program Director to create an inclusive, cohesive campus environment where departments interact and train together 
• Develop and manage the regional budget in partnership with National leadership, analyzing financial performance and ensuring alignment with goals 
• Implement comprehensive regional fundraising plans in collaboration with the Chief Development Officer, targeting major gifts, corporate partners, and foundations 
• Lead regional fund development activities, including donor cultivation, grant writing, events, and volunteer engagement 
• Support and empower the regional board and volunteer groups in fundraising and outreach efforts 
• Serve as the primary regional representative, building public awareness, partnerships, and donor relationships 
• Travel regionally to cultivate communities, donors, and partnerships through presentations, meetings, and events 
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, standards, and best practices 
• Promote interdepartmental collaboration and teamwork, supporting National program and development initiatives 
• Lead facility management and foster collaboration between program and development teams 
• Coach and develop staff in alignment with organizational policies and employment laws 
• Regularly communicate progress on regional initiatives, ensuring accurate documentation and reporting 
• Strengthen community engagement with volunteers, donors, and the public 
• Achieve or exceed fundraising goals, including major gifts and regional contributions 
• Foster a unified, collaborative, and high-performing regional team 
• Align regional activities with National strategies, ensuring consistency and effectiveness 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred 
• 5+ years of demonstrated success in staff leadership and management with knowledge of fundraising principles and practices 
• 7+ years of professional fundraising and/or business development experience in a mission driven environment   
• Proven ability to secure charitable gifts of $100,000 and above 
• CFRE preferred 
• Proven ability to attract and optimize relationships with community, corporate and foundation leaders, donors and volunteers 
• Experience in event planning and organization and volunteer management preferred  
• Believe in the mission and encourage innovation and growth 
• Possess strong knowledge of disability etiquette 
• Demonstrate accountability and understanding of financial performance, including planning, budgeting, and forecasting 
• Effectively attract, engage, develop, evaluate, and retain staff and volunteers 
• Maintain balance and composure amidst complexity, competing priorities, and high expectations 
• Exhibit decisiveness, particularly in managing performance and addressing challenging situations 
• Delegate tasks effectively while overseeing project execution 
• Analyze, interpret, and prepare financial and fundraising reports and goals 
• Lead and educate staff and volunteers to drive initiatives toward success 
• Excel in written and verbal communication, with proficiency in public speaking 
• Showcase strong project management and organizational skills 
• Display meticulous attention to detail by organizing records, completing documentation, and meeting deadlines 
• Uphold confidentiality and handle sensitive information responsibly 
• Be trustworthy, approachable, and reliable 
• Thrive in a matrixed environment, contributing to a collaborative "one team" culture 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and various donor management tools and software 

Compensation 

• Salary: $115,000-$140,000 
• Comprehensive benefit program including employer-paid medical, dental and vision for staff 
• 14 paid holidays, including an Inclusion Holiday 
• 17 paid days off during your first year (Paid time off, PTO), including hours to serve your community 
• Employer matched 403(b) retirement plan 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee dedicated to ongoing efforts to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace by setting actionable goals and evaluating progress 

 
Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintains a broad focus so that your search can be thorough, and inclusive of all relevant options. We carefully consider your desired outcome, skills, and experience. The professionals at Career Blazers Nonprofit Search maintain your confidentiality and will not send your resume to a client without your approval. 
 
Career Blazers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.