Executive Director

Nashua Center•Nashua, IA

9d•$130 - $170

About The Position

The Executive Director is the Agency's chief executive and strategic leader, accountable to the Board of Directors for its vision, mission impact, financial health, and organizational integrity. In close partnership with the Board, the Executive Director sets long-term direction, stewards financial and organizational resources, ensures high-quality, person-centered services, and builds a high-performing leadership team. The Executive Director serves as the Agency's principal voice with funders, government partners, families, and the community. The role provides leadership across the Agency's mission, programs, operations, personnel, and financial performance. It leads strategic and financial planning, fundraising and capital campaigns, Board partnership, workforce development, community engagement, advocacy, and the maintenance of high standards for service quality, safety, accessibility, and compliance.

Requirements

Graduate degree in human services, special education, developmental disabilities, health administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent education and executive leadership experience may be considered.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible senior management experience, including accountability for programs, staff, and budgets.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue development, including experience leading or playing a significant role in a capital campaign.
Demonstrated commitment to the dignity, inclusion, self-determination, and rights of people with disabilities.
Strategic and visionary leadership, including developing a compelling vision, translating it into strategy and measurable outcomes, and inspiring stakeholders around a shared mission.
Financial and organizational acumen, including sound budget management and risk mitigation, strong systems, leadership development, succession planning, and revenue diversification.
Ability to cultivate relationships with state agencies, legislators, funders, families, and community partners, and to serve as a credible advocate.
Integrity, humility, self-awareness, ethical leadership, responsiveness to feedback, and ability to build trust.
Open, clear, and consistent communication with the Board, staff, families, funders, and the public.
Ability to build respectful partnerships, collaborate across differences, reach consensus, and foster teamwork.

Nice To Haves

Experience in the developmental disabilities field, including familiarity with its service system, funding, and regulatory environment, is highly valued but not required.
Candidates from other human services, healthcare, or nonprofit settings who demonstrate the stated competencies are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Provide visionary, strategic leadership for the Agency's mission, programs, operations, personnel, and financial performance.
Lead development and implementation of multi-year strategic, programmatic, and financial plans consistent with Board-approved policies, and monitor progress toward goals.
Oversee budgeting and financial management, maintaining strong internal controls and long-term financial sustainability.
Lead the Agency's fundraising and revenue development, including individual, corporate, foundation, and government support, and build a strong culture of philanthropy with the Board and staff.
Plan and lead capital campaigns, including feasibility, goal setting, major gift solicitation, and donor stewardship, in partnership with the Board.
Partner with the Board to support effective governance and policy development, and provide timely, transparent reports on performance, finances, and risks.
Recruit, develop, and retain a qualified, diverse workforce and leadership team, with leadership-development and succession plans.
Foster an inclusive, ethical, and accountable culture grounded in trust that supports engagement, growth, and continuous improvement.
Build and sustain relationships with state agencies, legislators, funders, referral sources, and community partners to expand the Agency's reach and impact.
Serve as the Agency's chief spokesperson and public advocate, and promote open, respectful communication among people served, families, employees, and partners.
Maintain high standards for health, safety, quality, accessibility, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contracts.
Ensure that participant intake and service decisions are fair, person-centered, and informed by program capacity and individual needs.