Executive Director

TITLE: Executive Director

ORGANIZATION: The ELM Project

LOCATION: Stamford, CT

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors

JOB TYPE: Full-Time

ABOUT THE ELM PROJECT:

The ELM Project enhances the lives of underserved youth living with sickle cell disease by providing an enriching summer camp experience and the tools for a healthy, independent future.

Founded in 1995, The ELM Project provides a residential summer camp and year-round programs for youth with sickle cell disease entirely free of charge. We began focused primarily on serving children with HIV/AIDS and adjusted our mission in 2024 to focus on children living with sickle cell disease. Our mission is to uplift and empower disadvantaged youth by equipping them with the tools to lead successful, independent, and productive lives. Our programs provide children with opportunities to obtain critical life skills, learn how to trust themselves and others, discover new strengths and passions and believe in their own potential.

Camp AmeriKids

Our annual summer camp provides children ages 8-16, who may not normally attend camp due to medical concerns, a jam-packed week of outdoor summer fun. The residential camp is staffed by an amazing team of doctors, nurses, social workers, program staff, and cabin counselors to ensure a safe and loving childhood experience. At camp, children improve social skills, are encouraged to participate in new activities, and gain a positive view of self and life.

Leader-In-Training (LIT) Program

This critical program for youth ages 16-19 emphasizes self-esteem, exposure to new opportunities, and helps teens stay connected with Camp AmeriKids year-round. Weekend retreats and cultural day trips provide our LITs the opportunity to grow within a supportive environment and get the tools they need to become successful, confident members of a community. During the summer, many LITs return to camp as Junior Counselors and LIT graduates continue to return to camp each summer as counselors and program staff.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership & Strategic Direction:
   1. Provide overall leadership, vision, and strategic direction for the organization.
   2. Work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational goals, objectives, and strategic plans.
   3. Represent the organization to external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, partners, and the public.
2. Operations & Management:
   1. Oversee day-to-day operations of the organization, including programmatic activities, fundraising, and administration.
   2. Develop and manage the organization’s budget and ensure financial accountability and sustainability.
   3. Recruit, hire, manage, and evaluate staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
3. Fundraising & Development:
   1. Develop and implement strategies to ensure the financial stability and growth of the organization through diverse revenue streams, including individual donors, foundations, grants, and fundraising events.
   2. Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding organizations.
   3. Manage grant writing and reporting.
   4. Responsible for the planning and management of annual fundraiser.
4. Board Governance:
   1. Support operations and administration of the Board by advising and informing Board members and interfacing between Board and staff.
   2. Assist in the selection and evaluation of Board members and support Board in their governance responsibilities.
   3. Provide regular reports on organizational performance, financial health, and program outcomes to the Board at quarterly meetings.
5. Community Engagement & Advocacy:
   1. Develop and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, partners, families, and volunteers.
   2. Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization in the media, at public events, and within the community.
   3. Advocate for the organization’s mission and ensure its relevance in addressing community needs.
6. Program Oversight:
   1. Ensure that Camp AmeriKids and Leader-in-Training program and services are effectively delivered, meet high standards, and are aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
   2. Continuously evaluate program effectiveness and make adjustments as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; master’s degree preferred in a relevant field (e.g., nonprofit management, business administration, social work).
• At least [5-7] years of leadership experience in a nonprofit organization, with a demonstrated ability to manage staff and volunteers, finances, and operations.
• Proven track record in fundraising, development, and donor relations.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management and budgeting processes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with various stakeholders (donors, volunteers, hospital partners, and participant families).
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and understanding governance structures.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic and collaborative small team environment.
• Capacity to learn new technology systems.
• Experience recruiting and managing large groups of volunteers.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Passion for our organization’s mission!

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an office environment, as well as attend events and meetings within the surrounding area and states.
• Some travel may be required for fundraising and outreach activities.
• Must attend Camp AmeriKids session each August in Monticello, NY.

To apply, please submit BOTH a resume and cover letter to careers@elm-project.org. Only complete applications will be considered. We will not review applications submitted through Idealist, we will only review those sent to the email address provided.

For more information about The ELM Project, visit our website: www.elm-project.org.

Health Insurance