Executive Director

Homeword; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NAMI North Carolina seeks an experienced nonprofit executive to lead statewide advocacy, education, and support programs, with a passion for lived experience and community engagement.

The Executive Director will strengthen governance, drive strategic initiatives, oversee staff and volunteers, and partner with boards, affiliates, and partners to expand impact across all 100 counties and ensure financial resilience.

Qualifications

• Seasoned nonprofit executive experience preferred.
• Strong governance, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proven ability to lead organizations with multiple affiliates and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Lead NAMI North Carolina's statewide mission, advocacy, education, and support initiatives.
• Strengthen governance, accountability, and strategic planning with the Board and staff.
• Oversee operations, finances, and program delivery across 100 counties.
• Foster collaboration with affiliates, partners, and volunteers to maximize impact.
• Represent the organization publicly and build broad community and philanthropic support.

Job description

Mission:

NAMI North Carolina is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all people affected by mental illness build better lives through support, education, advocacy, and public awareness. As part of the broader NAMI network, NAMI NC works alongside local affiliates, individuals, families, peers, professionals, and community partners to strengthen mental health understanding and access across the state. The organization elevates lived experience, supports affiliate leadership, and advocates for policies and practices that improve outcomes for individuals and families navigating mental health challenges. Through its mission-centered work, NAMI NC serves as a trusted voice for hope, connection, and change. NAMI NC provides mental health advocacy, education, support, and public awareness so that all individuals and families can build better lives.

Reporting Structure:

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors.

Total Staff and Budget:

10 staff members and an annual budget of $2.5 million

Working Environment/Location:

The position is based in Raleigh and requires regular in-person leadership and statewide travel. Up to two days of remote work per week may be available.

NAMI North Carolina seeks a collaborative and experienced nonprofit executive to serve as its next Executive Director. The right leader will pair a deep respect for lived experience and grassroots leadership with the operational discipline, emotional intelligence, and strategic vision needed to guide a complex statewide organization. The organization has a strong and recognizable mission, a passionate and knowledgeable staff, respected evidence-based programs, an established advocacy voice, and a network of dedicated local affiliates and volunteers. These assets offer a powerful platform for growth and greater statewide impact. NAMI North Carolina also has important opportunities to strengthen Board governance, clarify roles, improve communication, and deepen alignment among the Board, staff, affiliates, and volunteer leaders. Building on work already underway, the next Executive Director will help strengthen internal systems and accountability practices while guiding a transparent and inclusive process that honors lessons from the past and moves the organization forward together.

What Success Will Look Like

During the first 18–24 months, the next Executive Director will work with the Board, staff, affiliates, and key partners to:

• Build relationships, trust, and alignment.
• Establish consistent communication, clear expectations, and productive working relationships across the Board, staff, affiliates, peer leaders, and volunteers.
• Strengthen culture and accountability. Create a workplace where people feel respected and supported, roles and performance expectations are clear, and organizational concerns are addressed constructively and fairly.
• Advance a shared statewide vision. Translate the organizational vision and 2025-2028 Strategic Plan into measurable priorities that connect state-level advocacy and capacity with affiliate-led community impact.
• Deepen affiliate partnership. Build on the role-clarification work already underway, strengthen two-way communication, expand practical support, and recognize affiliates and volunteers as essential partners in mission delivery.
• Improve financial resilience. Strengthen financial oversight and internal systems while diversifying revenue beyond major public funding sources through philanthropy, corporate partnerships, grants, and individual giving.
• Grow NAMI North Carolina’s influence and reach. Expand the organization’s credibility, partnerships, membership, volunteer leadership, advocacy impact, and ability to serve communities across all 100 counties.