Executive Director

Executive Director – Job Description

Reports to: Board of Directors

Status:  40 hours/week Exempt

Salary:  $100,000-$120,000

About Jeff’s Place

We are a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to walking alongside individuals, children, and families navigating the profound loss of an immediate family member. Jeff’s Place offers hope and healing in a supportive community for grieving children, teens, young adults, families, and individuals.

We are seeking an Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization at a pivotal transition moment as we continue to evolve from a founder-led organization 15 years ago to the leading grief organization in the MetroWest Community. Our unique model is providing individual and group counseling and support services delivered by trained Masters-level clinicians.  Our next Executive Director will bring not only leadership experience, but also empathy, integrity, and a genuine commitment to serving families at their most vulnerable moments. This role is an opportunity to shape the future of an organization that changes lives every day.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and chief development officer of the organization. The ED is responsible for overall strategic leadership, financial sustainability, and operational excellence. This role carries primary accountability for fundraising and revenue generation to ensure the long-term success of Jeff’s Place.

The ED directly supervises the Clinical Director and Operations Manager and is responsible for aligning programs, operations, and development to advance the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate and decisive leader with a strong track record in major gift fundraising, board partnership, and team leadership.

Key Roles

• Inspire and steward the organization’s vision and strategy, honoring the work that has already been built while bringing fresh ideas for the future.
• Build long term financial sustainability.
•  Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador, building relationships that generate philanthropic support and fuel the mission.
• Lead with heart and clarity, ensuring operational excellence, team cohesion, and strong collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with the Board and staff to implement and evolve the Strategic Plan so it remains a meaningful and adaptable guide for organizational growth.
• Keep the Board well-informed about operations, finances, programming, and development activities with transparency and timeliness.
• Elevate issues requiring Board action promptly and thoughtfully.
• Serve as an ex officio member of the Board; attend and participate in all board and relevant committee meetings.
• Build strong, trusting relationships with board committee chairs, empowering them to lead effectively.

Operational Planning & Management

• Provide day-to-day leadership for all operations, ensuring an environment that is safe, welcoming, and supportive for families, staff, and volunteers.
• Oversee all safety and security protocols, ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of those we serve.
• Develop a cohesive Operations Plan that includes:
• Collaborating with the Finance Committee to prepare an annual operating budget aligned with strategic priorities.
• Managing insurance policies and risk mitigation in partnership with the Board.
• Overseeing legal matters and ensuring compliance with all regulations and policies.
• Ensuring reliable, appropriate technology systems by maintaining strong vendor relationships.
• Hire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports in accordance with personnel policies, fostering a healthy, mission-centered workplace culture.
• Provide compensation and benefits recommendations that help attract, retain, and support dedicated staff.

Fiscal Management

• Oversee organizational expenditures and safeguard the financial health of the organization.
• Support the Board Treasurer in presenting accurate, timely financial updates to the Board.
• Ensure bookkeeping processes are thorough and timely and closely communicate and collaborate with the Treasurer
• Ensure revenue projections are realistic and fundraising strategies support long-term financial sustainability.

Development & Fundraising

• Design and lead a sustainable development plan that strengthens annual giving, grant revenue, major gifts, and community support.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with funders, major donors, and corporate partners.
• Lead the preparation of grant proposals and timely completion of all required reports.
• Expand and enhance Jeff’s Place Annual Appeal to deepen donor engagement and broaden the base of individual supporters.
• Oversee development events
• Monitor development metrics and report progress regularly to the board.

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as a warm, relatable, and authentic spokesperson for Jeff’s Place.
• Deepen relationships with community partners, mental health providers, civic leaders, and supporters.
• Create, manage, and inspire participation in special events that elevate visibility and strengthen community engagement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of demonstrated fundraising success, closing five and six figure gifts
• 5+ experience as an Executive Director or senior leader in a human service or community-based organization
• Demonstrated success in the areas outlined above—strategic leadership, financial and operational management, fundraising, and team development.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills, grounded in empathy and professionalism.
• A genuine passion for supporting grieving families and a commitment to fostering a compassionate, inclusive, trauma-informed environment.