Executive Director

About the Organization and Role

First Friends of New Jersey & New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding the inherent dignity and humanity of immigrants who are impacted by the immigration enforcement system. We provide compassion and hope through visitation, accompaniment, material support, post-release support, advocacy, and community engagement. Our goal is to ensure that no one faces detention alone.

Founded nearly thirty years ago by volunteers, First Friends remains deeply rooted in a volunteer-powered model. While staff coordinate critical material supports, including bond, commissary and phone support, and direct aid to detained immigrants and their families, volunteers are central to advancing the organization’s mission of lessening the isolation and fear created by anti-immigrant policies.

As immigration policies and community needs continue to evolve, First Friends seeks a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter of impact and sustainability.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong emotional intelligence, a collaborative leadership style, and a deep commitment to the dignity and humanity of immigrants. They are equally comfortable representing the organization publicly, partnering with donors and community leaders, and managing the staff, systems, and operations necessary to sustain a growing nonprofit organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, sustainability, and impact of First Friends. This includes setting strategic direction, strengthening the organization's volunteer-powered model, developing staff, securing resources, stewarding finances, building partnerships, and working closely with the Board of Trustees.

Volunteer Engagement & Mobilization

• Strengthen First Friends' volunteer-powered model by advancing strategies to engage and retain volunteers.
• Build systems and leadership pathways that expand volunteer impact across programs.
• Foster a culture that recognizes volunteers as essential partners in mission delivery and organizational sustainability.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Supervise, coach, and develop a high-performing staff team.
• Establish clear goals, accountability measures, professional development plans, and regular feedback practices for all staff members.
• Conduct annual and mid-year performance reviews and foster a collaborative, inclusive, and healthy organizational culture.

Fundraising, Finance & Operations

• Lead fundraising strategy in partnership with the Board and Development Committee, including donor cultivation, grants, and special events.
• In partnership with the Finance Committee, ensure sound financial management, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, and responsible stewardship of organizational resources.
• Manage the organization’s bond program, including tracking bond requests, coordinating and documenting payments, tracking returned bonds.

Community Partnerships & Advocacy

• Build and maintain strong relationships with nonprofit partners, advocacy groups, faith communities, and community stakeholders.
• Represent First Friends in coalitions, public forums, community events, and advocacy efforts.
• Increase visibility and awareness of First Friends' mission, programs, and impact.

Board Partnership & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Trustees.
• Provide timely information, recommendations, and updates to support effective board decision-making.
• Partner with the Board on strategic priorities, governance, fundraising, organizational performance, and board development.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission of First Friends and a track record of effective nonprofit leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience
• Demonstrated success managing staff, volunteers, budgets, operations, and external relationships.
• Proven fundraising experience, including donor cultivation, grants, and institutional funding.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to lead strategically while managing day-to-day organizational priorities.
• Commitment to immigrant dignity, human rights, and social justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years experience in nonprofit, community-based, advocacy, or mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in immigrant rights, detention support, refugee services, legal services, or related social work.
• Experience leading volunteer-intensive organizations.
• Familiarity with the immigration landscape in New Jersey, New York, and nationally.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and governance structures.
• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish
• Candidates with lived experience navigating the immigration system are strongly encouraged to apply

Working Conditions

• Day-to-day work may be performed remotely, with regular availability for virtual meetings, staff supervision, board engagement, and organizational operations.
• In-person attendance is required for key activities, including community events, fundraising events, board meetings, volunteer engagement activities, partner meetings, and public representation of First Friends.
• Travel throughout New Jersey and New York is required.
• The organization supports a healthy work-life balance while recognizing the flexibility required in nonprofit leadership roles.

Location: Northern New Jersey / NYC Metro Area (Hybrid)

Equal Opportunity Employer

First Friends of New Jersey & New York is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Annual Healthcare Stipend

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Parental Leave