Executive Director, Asheville Young Adult Service Year

Organizational Overview

Hands and Feet of Asheville (HFA) is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that cultivates young adult transformation at the intersection of faith, service, and justice. Born out of the Presbyterian Church (USA) tradition, HFA welcomes participants of all faith and spiritual backgrounds. HFA places young adults (ages 21-29) in year-long fellowships at local nonprofits serving critical community needs throughout the Asheville area. Through intentional community living, spiritual and vocational discernment, and a commitment to social justice, Fellows are equipped to lead lives of purpose and compassion with a deeper understanding of service. Hands and Feet of Asheville’s values are respect, curiosity, community, anti-racism, inclusivity, and equity.

After 14 years of transformative program work and community-driven impact, Hands and Feet of Asheville is entering a season of growth. In response to the needs of our region following Hurricane Helene, we are expanding our organizational capacity and deepening community ties by hiring our first full-time Executive Director. This role will unify strategic priorities for programming, development, and operations under one collaborative, values-aligned leader. The Executive Director will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors and a to-be-hired Mentorship Manager to help shape the vision and sustainability of HFA at a pivotal moment.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic, operational, and spiritual leadership for HFA. The ED directs all facets of the organization’s mission—from program oversight to fundraising, communications, partner recruitment, and financial stewardship. The ideal candidate is a relational leader with strong organizational skills, deep integrity, and a heart for young adult transformation rooted in interfaith justice work.

Compensation: $68,000 salary with benefits package, including 15 days PTO and options for health insurance support

Status: Full-time exempt

Reports to: Board of Directors of Hands and Feet of Asheville

Desired Start Date: August 4, 2025

How to Apply: Apply via Idealist or apply directly by emailing a cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Board Chair Emma Goldrick at egoldrick22@gmail.com

Preferred Application Deadline: July 18, 2025

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the chief executive officer of HFA, reporting to the Board of Directors
• Lead and manage all organizational operations, programs, and strategic initiatives
• Supervise staff and contractors, including the to-be-hired Mentorship Manager and potential development, communications, or grant contractors
• Collaborate closely with Board leadership on HR, administration, and governance

Program & Partnership Development

• Hold the primary relationship for non-profit employer partners; recruit and steward existing and new partner sites
• Lead recruitment of young adult Fellows in collaboration with the Mentorship Manager, Board Chair, and the Board’s dedicated Recruitment Coordinator role
• Collaborate with Mentorship Manager to support Fellows throughout the program year, including Orientation Week, Community Days, Retreats, and Closing Celebration
• Guide the development and execution of Community Day curriculum in close collaboration with the Mentorship Manager, placing a special emphasis on Hurricane Helene’s impacts, disaster recovery, and community healing

Fundraising & Financial Management

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Board of Directors
• Supervise and expand an emerging grant program, including grant writing, reporting, and management, with the option to contract for certain services depending on the ED’s skillset
• Manage donations, receipts, acknowledgments, and ongoing donor stewardship
• Oversee budget planning, financial reporting, and QuickBooks in collaboration with the Board’s Treasurer and contracted bookkeeping support, Legacy Bookkeeping Inc

Communications & External Relations

• Maintain and grow institutional connections within strategic networks, including the PC(USA), ecumenical and interfaith partners, local non-profits, and community partners
• Lead regular communication efforts, including social media, quarterly newsletters, and website updates (Wix)
• Represent HFA publicly and build relationships with funders, churches, colleges, and local organizations

Administrative & Governance Support

• Prepare monthly Board reports and attend Board meetings (monthly)
• Participate in Finance Team and other committee check-ins
• Maintain accurate organizational records and ensure compliance with nonprofit best practices

Regular Time Commitments

• Weekly: Check-ins with the Mentorship Manager, Board Chair, and other contractors or board members as necessary
• Monthly: Finance Team meeting with contracted bookkeeping team, HFA Board meeting and reporting, Young Adult Transformation Collective (YATC) Board meeting, and YATC trainings
• Seasonal: Check-ins with the Fellows, Recruitment and Interviews (Jan–June), Employer Partner check-ins

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated executive leadership or senior nonprofit management experience
• Supervisory experience with a proactive and supportive employee management approach
• Experience and passion for working with or mentoring young adults
• Proven success in fundraising, donor development, and grant management
• Financial literacy and comfort managing budgets and spreadsheets (QuickBooks proficiency a plus)
• Strong relationship-building and partnership management skills
• Comfort navigating interfaith and ecumenical spaces with openness and humility
• Deep commitment to justice, equity, and community, especially anti-racism and economic justice

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with faith-based networks, community-centered non-profits, or other justice-minded communities in Western North Carolina
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High-level organizational and project management abilities
• Familiarity with disaster relief work and best practices
• Enthusiasm for digital communication tools (Wix websites, email marketing, social media)

Hands and Feet of Asheville is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), family responsibilities, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.