Executive Director

Together SC; North Charleston, Northern (SC, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

PTO & holidays

IRA retirement plan

Dog-friendly workplace

Hybrid scheduling

Job summary

Camp Rise Above seeks an Executive Director to lead administrative and operational functions, align programs with the mission, and partner with donors and the Board to advance growth in Charleston, SC. The role emphasizes trust-building, staff oversight, and strategic direction in a values-driven environment.

The successful candidate will oversee budgets, fundraising, grants, and community relations while championing inclusion and mission impact for children and adults with illnesses and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred; Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline required.
• 5+ years in nonprofit sector or mission-driven organization.
• 3+ years nonprofit leadership experience preferred.
• Strong financial acumen with budgeting and financial management.
• Demonstrated fundraising and grant-writing experience.
• Proven ability to develop relationships with major donors and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and advance the mission, vision and values of Camp Rise Above.
• Provide administrative and operational leadership to staff and volunteers.
• Oversee organizational performance reporting, risk mitigation and strategic planning.
• Manage budgets, fundraising, grants, and donor relations.
• Collaborate with the Board, community partners and funders to grow programming.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and regulatory standards.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising & donor relations

Strategic leadership

Education

Master’s degree preferred

Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline required

Job description

Join the Camp Rise Above team! Camp Rise Above is excited to announce its search for a passionate leader to serve as our next Executive Director. The ideal candidate for this position is an established nonprofit professional who easily builds trust with many stakeholders, effectively leads committed staff and volunteers, and defines the future of Camp Rise Above while valuing and celebrating its history and traditions.

Job Summary

The Executive Director is accountable for maintaining and advancing the mission, vision and values of Camp Rise Above. This position reports to the Board of Directors, and is directly responsible for the administrative and operational leadership of the organization. This includes providing timely, accurate communications regarding organizational performance and health, contributing to and supporting the strategic plan, mitigating risk, supporting day-to-day program needs and operational needs, and maintaining effective staff organization and performance. This is a full-time, exempt position.

About Camp Rise Above

Camp Rise Above (CRA) is a trusted provider of life-changing camp experiences for children and adults with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges. Through high-quality, inclusive summer camps, hospital programs, and other free events year round, the organization provides places of belonging for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Based in Charleston, SC, CRA serves hundreds of campers annually—offering connection, recreation, and access to inclusive opportunities. The organization is in a strong financial position and poised for growth, with a dedicated staff eager to expand programming, increase geographic reach, and deepen relationships with donors and community partners.

To learn more about CRA visit: https://www.campriseabove.org.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Daily Operations
  • Ensure organizational integrity and alignment with mission, vision, and values.
  • Develop, maintain, and deploy excellent and effective programs to achieve the primary mission of serving children and adults with disabilities.
  • Oversee the accuracy and soundness of the organization’s financial structure.
  • Oversee contracts and contract management with partners, vendors and funders.
  • Develop projects in close coordination with other community leaders and organizations.
  • Provide direct supervision of all CRA staff, including hiring, training, and providing supervisory oversight to staff in accordance with established policies and procedures.
  • Oversee the lease and use of facilities, the efficient use of supplies and utilities, and maintaining operations in compliance with health, safety, and fire code standards.
  • Manage relationships with donors, partners, media representatives, and community leaders to facilitate organizational growth.
• Employee Engagement
  • Provide professional leadership in service to the organization’s mission with strong servant leadership of all team members.
  • Ensure staff is adequately trained for all roles and responsibilities.
  • Supervise the onboarding, training, and performance of all volunteers.
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations of staff.
  • Oversee the management of employee compensation and benefits.
• Financial Management
  • Prepare and manage an annual budget, including justification and/or reports as required by funding agencies. Recommend necessary budget revisions to the Board.
  • Ensure long-term financial sustainability through fundraising, grants, investments, and partnerships.
  • Oversee grant reporting requirements and adherence to all grant funding guidelines.
  • Monitor financial performance and ensure fiduciary and regulatory compliance with all reporting requirements as mandated by various oversight authorities (i.e. IRS, Secretary of State, etc.)
  • Keep the Board informed of the organization’s financial status.
• Fundraising, Development and Community Relations
  • Oversee the Director of Development as she/he leads fundraising strategies including donor cultivation, grant writing, and event planning.
  • Partner with major foundations, corporations, local companies, and government to secure grant funding. Manage funds as directed/needed and provide grant funding reports to grantors.
  • Maintain and secure new general contributions from new and existing donors and organizations to obtain funding required to maintain services throughout the year.
  • Act as the liaison/point of contact between CRA and the community, becoming the "face" of CRA.
  • Maintain working relationships with other public and non-profit agencies.
  • Plan and execute at least two annual major fundraising community engagement events.
  • Educate the community on the organization’s services and mission.
  • Provide oversight of outreach initiatives, including social media campaigns.
• Board of Directors
  • Establish and maintain an effective system of communication throughout the organization and with the Board.
  • Assist the Board officers in planning and conducting Board meetings and other official meetings of the organization, attending as appropriate.
  • Keep the Board informed on the conditions and operations of the agency.
  • Support the Board in the onboarding and training of new Board members.
  • Perform other duties as deemed necessary by the Board Chair or Board of Directors.

Other Responsibilities

• Ability to work nights, weekends, and summer camp programs as needed.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand or walk frequently for varying lengths of time. The employee is required to participate in programs and activities that may require lifting and standing. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred. Bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline required.
• 5+ years working in a non-profit sector or mission-driven organization; 3+ years non-profit leadership experience preferred.
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budgeting and financial management.
• Demonstrated fundraising record and grant-writing experience.
• Proven track record in meeting annual fundraising goals.
• Ability to develop relationships with large individual and corporate donors, as well as camp families and key stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Access to health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off (PTO) and 13 annual paid holidays
• Simple IRA retirement plan option with company match
• Dog-friendly workplace
• Hybrid scheduling options (typically 1-2 days remote per week)
• A culture that prioritizes the mental and emotional needs of team members and their families

Our Camp Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Camp Rise Above (CRA) embraces and encourages diversity in many forms. CRA is a non-discriminatory organization committed to inclusion and equity. We strive to provide inclusive and equitable programs in a safe and supportive environment for everyone, regardless of their background, race, nationality, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, class, or socioeconomic status.