Executive Director

Nashua Center; Nashua (NH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nashua Center in Nashua, NH seeks an Executive Director to lead the agency, drive strategy, secure funds, and ensure high-quality disability services. The role partners with the Board to steward resources, build a leadership team, and advance the organization’s mission in the community.

The candidate will demonstrate a track record in senior operations, financial oversight, and successful fundraising, including capital campaigns, while upholding dignity and rights of people with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree required in a relevant field or equivalent executive leadership experience.
• At least five years in senior management with budget responsibility.
• Proven fundraising and capital campaigns experience.
• Commitment to the dignity, inclusion, and rights of people with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary, strategic leadership for mission, programs, operations, personnel, and financial performance.
• Lead development and implementation of multi-year strategic, programmatic, and financial plans with Board-approved policies and monitor progress toward goals.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management, maintaining strong internal controls and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead fundraising and revenue development, including individual, corporate, foundation, and government support, and build a culture of philanthropy with Board and staff.
• Plan and lead capital campaigns, including feasibility, goal setting, major gift solicitation, and donor stewardship, in partnership with the Board.
• Partner with the Board to support governance and policy development, with timely, transparent reports on performance, finances, and risks.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a qualified, diverse workforce and leadership team, with leadership development and succession plans.
• Foster an inclusive, ethical, and accountable culture grounded in trust that supports engagement, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Build and sustain relationships with state agencies, legislators, funders, referral sources, and community partners to expand reach and impact.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson and advocate, promoting open, respectful communication among people served, families, employees, and partners.
• Maintain high standards for health, safety, quality, accessibility, and compliance with laws, regulations, and contracts.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Ethical leadership

Education

Graduate degree in related field

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Executive Director is the Agency's chief executive and strategic leader, accountable to the Board of Directors for the Agency's vision, mission impact, financial health, and organizational integrity. Working in close partnership with the Board, the Executive Director sets a compelling long-term direction, stewards financial and organizational resources, ensures high-quality, person-centered services, and builds a high-performing leadership team. The Executive Director is the Agency's principal voice with funders, government partners, families, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate degree in human services, special education, developmental disabilities, health administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent education and executive leadership experience may be considered.
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible senior management experience, including accountability for programs, staff, and budgets.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue development, including experience leading or playing a significant role in a capital campaign.
• A demonstrated commitment to the dignity, inclusion, self-determination, and rights of people with disabilities.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Experience in the developmental disabilities field, including familiarity with its service system, funding, and regulatory environment, is highly valued but not required. Candidates from other human services, healthcare, or nonprofit settings who demonstrate the competencies below are encouraged to apply.

CORE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic & Visionary Leadership: Articulates a compelling vision for the Agency's future, translates it into clear strategy and measurable outcomes, and inspires the Board, staff, and partners around a shared mission.
• Financial & Organizational Acumen: Exercises sound judgment in managing budgets and mitigating risk; builds strong systems, leadership depth, and succession planning for long-term sustainability; and has a proven record of diversifying revenue through fundraising, major gifts, and capital campaigns.
• Community Engagement, Advocacy & External Relations: Serves as a credible, visible advocate; cultivates lasting relationships with state agencies, legislators, funders, families, and community partners.
• Integrity, Trust & Self-Awareness: Models the highest ethical standards, leads with humility, seeks and acts on feedback, and builds a culture of trust.
• Communication & Transparency: Communicates openly, clearly, and consistently with the Board, staff, families, funders, and the public.
• Relationship Building & Collaboration: Builds respectful, productive partnerships, works across differences to reach consensus, and fosters teamwork inside and outside the Agency.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide visionary, strategic leadership for the Agency's mission, programs, operations, personnel, and financial performance.
• Lead development and implementation of multi-year strategic, programmatic, and financial plans consistent with Board-approved policies, and monitor progress toward goals.
• Oversee budgeting and financial management, maintaining strong internal controls and long-term financial sustainability.
• Lead the Agency's fundraising and revenue development, including individual, corporate, foundation, and government support, and build a strong culture of philanthropy with the Board and staff.
• Plan and lead capital campaigns, including feasibility, goal setting, major gift solicitation, and donor stewardship, in partnership with the Board.
• Partner with the Board to support effective governance and policy development, and provide timely, transparent reports on performance, finances, and risks.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a qualified, diverse workforce and leadership team, with leadership-development and succession plans.
• Foster an inclusive, ethical, and accountable culture grounded in trust that supports engagement, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Build and sustain relationships with state agencies, legislators, funders, referral sources, and community partners to expand the Agency's reach and impact.
• Serve as the Agency's chief spokesperson and public advocate, and promote open, respectful communication among people served, families, employees, and partners.
• Maintain high standards for health, safety, quality, accessibility, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and contracts.
• Ensure that participant intake and service decisions are fair, person-centered, and informed by program capacity and individual needs.

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest in the position and relevant experience.

Please note that Nashua Center is not utilizing external recruitment agencies or search firms for this position.