WIndham Area Interfaith Ministry Executive Director

About WAIM

Incorporated in 1984, WAIM’s mission is to uplift and unite our community by providing caring service and resources to meet our neighbors’ needs with dignity and respect. Located in downtown Willimantic, WAIM is a highly respected organization, providing material goods such as furniture and clothing, emergency financial assistance for housing, utility bills, and transportation, mentoring, and other services. The annual operating budget is close to $500,000.

Our eight full- and part-time staff are supported by volunteers from more than 45 faith communities, small businesses, local colleges, and other organizations. Engaging volunteers is one of WAIM’s greatest strengths. For additional information visit: WAIM

Priorities

Key priorities for WAIM and its new executive director are to:

• Work with the board to establish a strategic direction for WAIM, which includes strengthening the organization’s retail program
• Review the business model and adjust to fit strategic priorities
• Drive the fundraising program; raise money from diverse sources; build and sustain donor relationships
• Build and implement best-practice policies (governance, human resources, finance, and fundraising)
• Sustain a leadership team that works cohesively to achieve priorities
• Tell the WAIM story to stakeholders; raise the organization’s visibility
• Assess facilities and determine how/if building can meet current and future needs

The Opportunity

The new executive director will have the opportunity to build on WAIM’s outstanding reputation, leading the organization strategically, managing operations, and being responsible for the success of the organization.

A compassionate and creative nonprofit leader, the executive director will have experience working and collaborating with diverse individuals and groups, and a deep commitment to our partners and volunteers. The executive director must demonstrate the ability to build nonprofit capacity, develop programs and projects, and align internal operations with capacity, i.e., have experience developing organizations in ways that promote excellence and result in sustainability and growth.

Desired background and skills

• Minimum of 3-5 years as a nonprofit executive director or senior nonprofit leader
• Demonstrated ability to devise, implement, and assess organizational outcomes
• Nonprofit budgeting and financial expertise
• Experience managing and supervising staff who have a variety of skill levels; experience working with dedicated community volunteers
• Proven experience leading effective fundraising efforts
• Management level retail experience a plus

Desired personal characteristics and qualities

• Strategic thinker and planner
• Ability to engage and inspire staff, board, volunteers, and community members
• Able to listen for understanding; consensus builder
• Adept at balancing passion for mission with focus on realistic goals and outcomes
• Ability to write effectively for a variety of audiences
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable

The salary range for this full-time position is $85-95,000, depending on experience.

Application Guidelines

Candidates must include a resume and a cover letter that describes how their qualifications and experience correspond to the skills and characteristics WAIM is seeking. If you don’t think you meet all the qualifications but do think you’d be a great match for us, please consider applying and sharing more in your cover letter. We’d love to talk with you to see what skills you can bring to WAIM.

This executive search is being conducted by Ampersand Consulting, Janna Pedersen, Transition Consultant.

Resumes and cover letters in Word or pdf format should be sent to ampersand@charter.net Questions can also be directed to this email address.

All submissions will be acknowledged and are confidential. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

WAIM considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, gender or gender expression, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, ability, veteran or familial status, prior criminal history, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.