NAMI Southwest Florida - Executive Director

National Alliance on Mental Illness•Fort Myers, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

NAMI Southwest Florida (NAMI SWFL) seeks an experienced, visionary, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead one of the region's most respected mental health organizations. As the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI Southwest Florida offers education, advocacy, support, and public awareness programs that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness across Lee, Charlotte, and Glades counties. The Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief executive officer, strategic leader, and public ambassador, guiding NAMI SWFL through its next chapter of growth, sustainability, advocacy, and community impact. For more than 35 years, NAMI Southwest Florida has been a trusted voice in mental health advocacy and support. Through evidence-based education programs, peer and family support groups, Mental Health First Aid training, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) partnerships, public awareness initiatives, and advocacy efforts, NAMI SWFL helps thousands of individuals and families each year. The organization is committed to ensuring that no one affected by mental illness walks alone and that every person has access to hope, support, education, and community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, social work, public administration, business administration, communications, public health, or related field.
Minimum five years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, human services, advocacy, or related organization.
Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.
Experience managing organizational budgets and financial operations.
Strong public speaking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in a related field.
CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential.
Experience in mental health, behavioral health, healthcare, or community advocacy.
Personal or family experience with mental health challenges and recovery.
Knowledge of public policy, community organizing, and advocacy initiatives.

Responsibilities

Implement and advance the organization's strategic vision and goals.
Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, strategic planning, and organizational sustainability.
Foster a mission-driven culture grounded in accountability, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
Identify opportunities for growth, community impact, and program expansion.
Ensure organizational compliance with NAMI Affiliate Standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Serve as the chief fundraising officer for the organization.
Lead efforts across major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and special events.
Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
Work closely with the Board to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility for fundraising.
Diversify revenue streams to support long-term organizational sustainability.
Serve as NAMI Southwest Florida's primary spokesperson and public representative.
Build strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, schools, elected officials, foundations, businesses, and community organizations.
Promote public awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma through advocacy and education.
Represent NAMI SWFL at community events, conferences, coalition meetings, and public forums.
Advance policies and initiatives to improve access to mental health care and support services.
Oversee annual budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of organizational resources.
Ensure sound fiscal management and accountability.
Monitor organizational performance and outcomes.
Manage contracts, grants, risk management, and compliance requirements.
Ensure efficient and effective daily operations.
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
Support and empower volunteer leaders, facilitators, instructors, and advocates.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
Promote professional development and leadership growth throughout the organization.
Ensure the quality and effectiveness of all NAMI Signature Programs and community initiatives.
Monitor program outcomes and community needs.
Expand outreach to underserved and vulnerable populations.
Maintain alignment with NAMI National and NAMI Florida standards and best practices.