Executive Director

Executive Director

Organization: Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) – Milton, DE

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Reports To: Board of Directors

Position Focus: Strategic Leadership, Organizational Growth & Resource Development

Summary

Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Executive Director to lead the organization’s next phase of growth and impact. This role requires a visionary nonprofit leader who can balance long‑term strategy with hands‑on operational management while championing SDTR’s mission of improving lives through equine‑assisted services.

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership to advance Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR's) (https://www.sdtrhr.com/) mission, ensure long-term organizational sustainability, and strengthen its reputation as a premier nonprofit provider of equine-assisted services. Reporting to and working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director leads the organization's strategic, financial, operational, and fundraising efforts while fostering strong relationships with staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.

This position requires a visionary, collaborative leader with exceptional management, fundraising, and communication skills who is committed to excellence, safety, inclusion, and mission-driven service.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Development and Fundraising

• • Provide executive leadership for the organization's comprehensive fundraising strategy through annual development planning, revenue forecasting, and performance measurement.
  • Oversee a diversified resource development program that includes individual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, planned giving, and special events to ensure sustainable philanthropic support.
  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, community partners, and other strategic funding sources while serving as the principal relationship manager for key donors.
  • Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen fundraising engagement, expand philanthropic networks, and achieve annual development and revenue goals.
  • Ensure effective donor recognition, communications, reporting, and compliance with all applicable fundraising policies, regulations, and ethical standards.

Financial Stewardship

• • Provide executive oversight of the organization's financial health through sound budgeting, forecasting, and long-range financial planning.
  • Work closely with the Treasurer to prepare accurate financial reports, audits, tax returns, and required regulatory filings.
  • Maintain strong internal controls, financial policies, and risk management practices.
  • Ensure financial decisions support organizational sustainability and strategic priorities.

Board Partnership and Governance

• • Serve as the Board's primary advisor on organizational strategy, performance, and risk management.
  • Partner with the Board to develop, implement, and evaluate the organization's strategic plan.
  • Support effective governance by assisting with board recruitment, orientation, education, and committee development.
  • Prepare timely reports, dashboards, and meeting materials for the Board and its committees.
  • Ensure implementation of Board-approved policies, bylaws, and strategic initiatives.

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• • Align organizational priorities, staffing, and resources with SDTR's mission and long-term strategic objectives.
  • Establish annual organizational goals, key performance indicators, and systems for measuring progress.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable organizational growth.
  • Foster a mission-driven, inclusive organizational culture that promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Program Leadership and Impact

• • Ensure all programs maintain the highest standards of safety, quality, and participant experience.
  • Oversee program evaluation, outcome measurement, and reporting to funders and stakeholders.
  • Support staff and volunteers in delivering PATH Intl. Premier Accredited programs.
  • Encourage innovation in program development and expansion of services provided and community partnerships.

Operations, Compliance, and Risk Management

• • Provide executive oversight of daily operations to ensure efficient, effective service delivery.
  • Oversee facilities, equipment, property, and organizational assets to maintain a safe and functional environment.
  • Ensure effective technology infrastructure, including CRM systems, software applications, and information technology resources.
  • Maintain compliance with PATH Intl. accreditation standards, grant requirements, employment laws, insurance requirements, and all applicable federal and state regulations.
  • Oversee organizational risk management, including safety procedures, emergency preparedness, and administrative recordkeeping.

Staff Leadership and Organizational Culture

• • Lead, coach, and develop a small, but high-performing, staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and mission alignment.
  • Promote professional development, effective communication, and continuous learning.
  • Recognize and support the essential contributions of volunteers to the organization's success.
  • Develop succession planning and long-term workforce strategies to ensure organizational continuity.

Community Relations and External Affairs

• • Serve as the organization's primary spokesperson and ambassador.
  • Strengthen SDTR's visibility through public speaking, media relations, community engagement, and strategic partnerships.
  • Oversee marketing, communications, and storytelling that effectively communicate the organization's mission and impact.
  • Build and maintain relationships with civic organizations, businesses, government agencies, and community leaders.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Demonstrated senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector; experience in human services, disability services, or a related field is preferred.
  • Proven success in fundraising, including major gifts, grants, special events, and donor cultivation.
  • Experience leading and managing multidisciplinary teams, including staff and volunteers.
  • Strong financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning experience.
  • Experience with horses or equine-assisted services is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• • Demonstrated experience in resource management and fundraising.
  • Exceptional leadership and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong strategic planning and organizational management abilities.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and lead organizational change.
  • Proven ability to cultivate donor relationships and mobilize community support.
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and participant-centered services.
  • High standards of integrity, sound judgment, resilience, and accountability.

Work Environment

• • Primarily onsite, with limited flexibility for remote administrative work.
  • Requires occasional evening and weekend hours for meetings, events, and organizational activities.
  • Must be comfortable working in a barn environment and around horses.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

For more information and to download the job description, visit https://www.sdtrhr.com/about/vacancy-recruitment.

If interested, email cover letter and resume to Linda Berdine, Board President, lberdine@sdtrhr.com.