Strategic Leader for Community Education Center

HireCulture; Cambridge (MA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE) seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter, building on its strong foundation in the Cambridge community while ensuring financial strength and educational excellence. The ED will oversee programs, finances, staff, and facilities, while driving enrollment and revenue growth and guiding long-term sustainability.

The role includes fundraising leadership, donor engagement, and strong collaboration with the board and

Qualifications

• Experience leading a multifaceted educational organization.
• Strong financial and operational skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships across a diverse community.
• A genuine commitment to lifelong learning and CCAE’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Oversee programs, finances, staff, facilities and day-to-day operations.
• Lead fundraising efforts in partnership with the Board to strengthen donor engagement.
• Cultivate relationships with students, instructors, donors and community members; advocate for the organization.

Skills

Fundraising

Financial management

Operational leadership

Board collaboration

Donor engagement

Job description

Description:

The Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE), one of the oldest adult learning centers in the country, seeks an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director will build on CCAE’s strong foundation and place in the Cambridge community while ensuring the organization’s continued financial strength, educational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

With approximately $3 million in annual revenue and over 2,000 classes offered per year, CCAE seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization, working in close partnership with the board, staff, instructors, and broader community to advance its mission and long-term goals. The Executive Director will oversee CCAE’s programs, finances, fundraising, staff, facilities, and day-to-day operations while strengthening enrollment and revenue and identifying opportunities for growth and improvement.

As CCAE’s chief executive, public face and leading advocate, the Executive Director will cultivate strong relationships with students, instructors, donors, community members, and other key constituents. The Executive Director will lead CCAE’s fundraising efforts in partnership with the Board and development staff, strengthening donor engagement, expanding philanthropic support, and helping the organization achieve its fundraising goals.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and collaborative leader with strong business sense and an understanding of the complexities of running a multifaceted educational organization. The successful candidate will bring strong financial,fundraising, and operational skills, and the ability to build productive relationships across a diverse community. A genuine commitment to lifelong learning and enthusiasm for CCAE’s distinctive mission and role in the community are essential.

The next Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on CCAE’s rich history and strong community presence while helping shape its future and expanding its impact on Cambridge and beyond.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $165,000, depending on experience and qualifications. CCAE offers a competitive benefits package.

How To Apply:

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [e-mail]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note that this is an on-site position based in our offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

CCAE is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.

Apply by:

Apply by:

December 01, 2026

Salary:

$140,000 - $165,000 / Per year

About this Organization:

Since 1870, Cambridge Center for Adult Education has been dedicated to providing the widest range of high-quality, low-cost learning opportunities for the diverse adults of greater Boston. At a time when digital and virtual experiences have become omnipresent, Cambridge Center for Adult Education (CCAE) remains deeply committed to place-based, person-to-person, experiential learning. CCAE is a nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of $2.5 million and a staff of over 15 FTEs. We run nearly 2,000 classes over 4 terms, taught by over 250 professionals who are experts in their chosen fields. CCAE owns and operates two historically preserved properties in vibrant Harvard Square. (More information about CCAE can be found at www.ccae.org/about)

Homepage banner image: Detail of glassworks by Carrie Gustafson (Mass Cultural Council Crafts Fellow 2011).