Executive Director
An established nonprofit organization in Connecticut is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead its next phase of growth. The organization has an established history of supporting inclusive entrepreneurship for nearly two decades. Through accelerator programs, mentoring, coworking, and community leadership, this organization has helped over 500 small businesses launch and thrive.
The organization prioritizes supporting local entrepreneurs from under-invested communities by offering rigorous business education, leadership development, and mentorship that foster economic empowerment and community transformation.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We are growing our team and seeking a mission-driven, human-centered leader who believes business can be a force for positive change and is deeply committed to the organization’s values, goals, and entrepreneurial spirit. The Executive Director is the chief strategist and primary public representative of the organization. In close partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) advances the mission by developing and implementing organizational strategy, overseeing day-to-day operations, managing staff and volunteers, handling the budget and financial planning, and leading fundraising and development efforts.
A great candidate will be curious, positive, and creative, bringing an entrepreneurial mindset, a commitment to continuous learning, and a strong dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will be excited to help strengthen an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem grounded in principles of business as a force for good. Experience in social entrepreneurship or impact investing is required; nonprofit or startup leadership is highly desirable. Strong fundraising, fiscal management, marketing/branding, and spokesperson skills are essential.
This hybrid role requires both in-person and remote work and an ability to travel throughout Connecticut as needed. Some evening and weekend hours may be required.
Strategic Vision and Stakeholder Engagement
- Champion the organization’s vision and mission, ensuring they shape all organizational decisions and activities.
- Proactively engage funders, community partners, alumni, elected officials, donors, and other key stakeholders to sustain and expand partnerships.
- Represent the organization externally, enhancing visibility, credibility, and advocacy efforts in the community and sector.
- In partnership with the Board, lead long-term strategic planning while aligning budgets, staffing, and priorities with core mission objectives. Keep up to date with stakeholder feedback, community trends and other external forces in order to stay ahead of the curve.
- Maintain a strong, transparent working relationship with the Board, providing timely information and analysis to support effective governance, including reporting out at bi-monthly board meetings and regular committee meetings.
- Partner with the Board Chair and Governance Committee to cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and well-engaged Board representative of the community.
Finance and Development
- Lead fundraising strategy, ensuring diverse revenue streams through philanthropy, grants, donor engagement, contracts, and partnerships.
- Cultivate and manage high-level donor and partner relationships to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.
- Working closely with the contracted grant writer and program team, align financial resources with strategic priorities, ensuring funds are allocated to present needs and future opportunities.
- Oversee fiscal management, including budget development, forecasting, monitoring, controls, and reporting; provide clear financial updates to the Board at Finance Committee meetings. Includes complex tracking of multiple restricted grants and contracts, supported closely by outsourced accounting / auditing firms and other key personnel.
Infrastructure and Operations
- Ensure delivery of high-quality services and prepare the organization for future growth.
- Hold the people operations function in conjunction with HR, accountants. Manage and support staff with a focus on empowerment, accountability, collaboration, and professional development. Includes creating and updating job descriptions, goal setting, performance reviews, and other tasks related to ensuring a strong and healthy team.
- Foster a positive, multicultural workplace that promotes strong internal communication and alignment across programs and operations.
- Refine, uphold, or establish as needed, clear decision-making processes, operational systems, and data practices that ensure organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
- Oversee financial planning and prioritization to meet both programmatic and staff needs while maintaining sound fiscal practices.
- Guide organizational design and change management to adapt people, processes, and systems for evolving demands.
Program and Impact Leadership
- Oversee program development to ensure alignment with mission, responsiveness to social entrepreneurs’ needs, and delivery of high-quality experiences and outcomes.
- Safeguard programmatic standards and ethos across the organization to maintain consistency and integrity.
- Ensure programs are financially viable through innovative business models, grants, and partnerships.
- Establish as needed, and maintain measurable goals for programs and track impact in alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives.
- Develop standards, tools, and systems to improve program efficiency and visibility, strengthening the organization’s overall impact.
WHO YOU ARE
- Must be based in CT.
- A BA is required, with an MBA, MPA, or related advanced degree preferred.
- Spanish fluency is a bonus, not required
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- This is an exempt position with a salary range of $85-95k commensurate with experience
- Access to medical, dental, vision insurance and annual professional development stipends
- 403b retirement plan
- Hybrid work schedule requiring both in-person and remote work in Connecticut, mainly in greater Hartford, greater New Haven, and other cities as needed.
- Dynamic entrepreneurial team!
To apply, submit your cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].
We are committed to growing an organization centered in diversity, equity, and inclusion, in which our business leaders, and the organization as a team, are reflective of the community we serve and live in. We especially encourage members of historically marginalized communities, including women, to apply even if you may not think you meet 100% of these qualifications.