FAVOR Inc.

Fio Partners is supporting the Executive Search for•Wethersfield, CT

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

FAVOR, Inc. supports, educates, and advocates for families of children with special mental, emotional, and behavioral health challenges and/or developmental and intellectual disabilities. Founded in 2002, FAVOR was established to address the need for leadership, coordination, advocacy, and support among family-led organizations across Connecticut. Its mission is to empower families to effectively advocate for their children and access family-driven, culturally responsive services that improve child outcomes and family well-being. FAVOR also serves as Connecticut’s state chapter of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. FAVOR delivers its work through several core programs: Family Peer Support Specialists (FPSS): Peer advocates who work directly with caregivers, helping them navigate schools, courts, and service systems while building their confidence and advocacy skills. Family Systems Managers (FSM): Staff who guide families in strengthening their ability to engage in systems and influence decisions affecting their children. FAVOR Learning and Leadership Academy: A training initiative that supports families, staff, and community partners, including certification for peer support specialists. The organization operates with an annual budget of approximately $2.2 million and a staff of 25 employees. Funding is currently highly concentrated in government contracts, with the Department of Children and Families representing most of the revenue. This is a unique opportunity for a leader who is energized by both mission impact and organizational building; someone who can honor FAVOR’s strengths while helping the organization grow into a more structured, sustainable, and cohesive future. The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief leader of FAVOR, responsible for strengthening internal operations, supporting staff, and ensuring the organization delivers high-quality, mission-driven services. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will guide FAVOR through an important period of transition—building strong systems, reinforcing a healthy organizational culture, and ensuring financial and operational integrity. This role requires a leader who can balance empathy with accountability, build trust across stakeholders, and bring structure and clarity to a growing and evolving organization.

Requirements

Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit or human services organization
Strong financial management experience, including budgeting, reporting, and grant oversight
Proven ability to lead and develop teams, improve morale, and manage through change or transition
Experience building or improving organizational systems and operations
Track record of working with external partners, funders, and public systems
Experience working with or supporting a Board of Directors
Demonstrated understanding of the needs of families navigating behavioral health, mental health, or neurodiversity; lived experience is valued but not required.

Nice To Haves

Steady, experienced leadership with the ability to navigate complexity and lead through transition
A commitment to transparency and trust-building, with clear and consistent communication
A structured, systems-oriented mindset that brings clarity and organization to the work
The ability to balance empathy with accountability, supporting staff while setting clear expectations
Confidence and sound judgment, including the ability to set boundaries and make difficult decisions
Strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally
A collaborative approach paired with the ability to move work forward decisively

Responsibilities

Lead, support, and develop a dedicated staff team, fostering a positive, professional, and accountable work environment
Establish clear roles, expectations, and consistent supervision practices
Set appropriate boundaries while maintaining a supportive, mission-driven environment
Promote clear, consistent internal communication across staff
Build and implement clear systems, processes, and workflows to improve consistency and effectiveness
Strengthen internal infrastructure, including HR, administration, and program operations
Ensure clear decision-making processes and organizational accountability
Ensure strong financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with grant and government funding requirements
Oversee accurate tracking and use of funds, strengthening transparency and accountability
Partner with finance staff and the Board to maintain fiscal health and sustainability
Build and maintain strong relationships with state agencies, funders, and community partners
Represent FAVOR with credibility and professionalism in external settings
Navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for families and the organization
Support and expand fundraising efforts, including grants and other funding opportunities
Help diversify revenue sources over time to strengthen long-term sustainability
Work closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance practices and engagement
Support the Board in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational oversight
Clarify roles and responsibilities between Board and staff