Executive Director

Families First; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Families First in Missoula, MT seeks an Executive Director to serve as the chief executive and organizational leader, overseeing financial health, fundraising, grant management, and program effectiveness. The ED works with the Board to ensure sustainability and alignment with mission.

In addition to governance, the ED will lead Family Education programming, partnerships with schools and community organizations, and oversee operations, staffing, and communications to advance the organization's

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
• 3–5 years nonprofit management experience, with leadership of staff and collaboration with the board.
• Proven success in fundraising and securing new revenue streams.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; public speaking ability.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Board of Directors on strategy, policy, financial oversight, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.
• Oversee the annual budget, cash flow, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Lead fundraising and development across individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and events.
• Lead grant research, writing, submission, administration, and compliance.
• Direct leadership of Family Education programming, planning and partnerships.
• Oversee operations, HR, staffing, onboarding, and policy implementation.
• Represent Families First in community outreach, coalitions, and public forums.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Strategic planning

Financial management

Public speaking

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

About Families First

Families First is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families through education, connection, play, and partnership. Located in the Missoula County Public Library, Families First serves as a vital community resource and makes a lasting impact on families in the region.

Position Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and organizational leader of Families First, with responsibility for financial health, fundraising and development, grant management, strategic direction, operations, personnel, community partnerships, and overall program effectiveness. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure organizational sustainability and alignment with Families First's mission and strategic priorities.

In the current staffing structure, the Executive Director also provides direct leadership and management of Family Education programming, including program planning, implementation, partnerships, participant outreach, facilitator coordination, evaluation, and grant compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Board Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors on organizational strategy, policy, financial oversight, fundraising, and long-term sustainability.
• Lead and support Board and committee meetings and provide timely information regarding finances, programs, staffing, funding, risks, and opportunities.

Financial Performance and Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual budget, cash flow, financial performance, and allocation of restricted and unrestricted resources.
• Work with bookkeeping and the Finance Committee to ensure accurate financial reporting, responsible planning, and informed financial decision-making.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead fundraising and revenue development through individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, grants, events, and other opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, funders, sponsors, and community partners; oversee donor stewardship, sponsorships, and fundraising communications.

Grant Management and Compliance

• Lead grant research, writing, submission, administration, and closeout for foundation, state, and federal awards.
• Manage grant scopes, budgets, deliverables, reporting calendars, performance measures, financial and programmatic reports, reimbursement requests, and supporting documentation.
• Monitor grant expenditures and compliance in coordination with bookkeeping and program staff, ensuring expenses and activities align with approved awards and funding restrictions.
• Serve as the primary contact for funders and grant managers and coordinate amendments, budget revisions, scope changes, extensions, and other award modifications.

Family Education Program Leadership

• Provide direct leadership and oversight of Family Education programming, including Dads & Dialogue, Circle of Security, and other offerings as capacity and funding allow.
• Coordinate program schedules, facilitators, registration, participant communication, attendance, supplies, meals, sponsorships, and other program logistics.
• Develop and maintain referral and program partnerships with schools, courts, counselors, social-service providers, and community organizations.
• Monitor participation, outcomes, feedback, budgets, evaluation data, and grant requirements; use community need, organizational capacity, and available funding to guide program planning.

Organizational Leadership, Operations, and HR

• Lead strategic planning and translate organizational priorities into actionable plans aligned with Families First's mission and capacity.
• Oversee daily operations, organizational policies and procedures, contracts, records, vendors, and systems necessary for effective program delivery.
• Supervise direct-report staff, including performance management, workload support, professional development, recruitment, onboarding, and policy implementation.

Community Outreach and Communications

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for Families First and represent the organization at community meetings, coalitions, events, and public forums.
• Build strategic partnerships that strengthen referral pathways, program access, organizational visibility, and community support.
• Oversee organizational marketing and communications related to programs, fundraising, community impact, and mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of nonprofit management experience, including leadership of staff and collaboration with the board.
• Proven success in fundraising, relationship-building, and securing new revenue streams.
• Financial management skills, including experience overseeing a large budget and managing financial reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with public speaking ability.
• High level of energy, commitment, and dedication to the mission of Families First.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Families First is an equal opportunity employer. It is Families First's policy that all individuals are entitled to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, and training and career development programs, as required by federal and state laws.

Employment verifications, reference checks, and background checks

Prior to any offers of employment, Families First conducts thorough employment verifications and reference checks and may contact organizations and individuals not listed on an applicant's application or resume. Additionally, Families First conducts post-offer criminal background checks.