Executive Director, Community Action Pioneer Valley

Community Action Pioneer Valley, Executive Director

Access â—¼ Opportunity â—¼ Community

OPPORTUNITY

Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) is searching for a dynamic new Executive Director (ED) to fight poverty and advance social justice through a diverse range of programs, supported by a national network of community action agencies for collaboration and resources. CAPV’s commitment to the mission, quality programs, exceptional leadership and staff dedication, fiscal responsibility, strong brand reputation, and generous compensation package make this a unique and attractive opportunity.

As the largest human and social services nonprofit in the region, CAPV’s multi-service model positions the ED as a community leader with the opportunity to make a broad, holistic impact on diverse community needs. The ED will build upon CAPV’s existing strengths, guiding the organization through growth with a strong equity lens to create an inclusive, supportive workplace and play a critical role in influencing local, state, and federal policy to address root causes of poverty.

ORGANIZATION

CAPV is a non-profit social service agency that assists people who have low incomes to achieve economic stability and security while working to build communities in which all people have the opportunity to thrive. As the designated federal anti-poverty organization for Franklin and Hampshire counties, CAPV maintains over 25 locations and also provides select services in Berkshire and Western Hampden counties, and the North Quabbin area. CAPV serves as an umbrella agency to provide leadership, support, and coordination for many important services, working with other local groups to make positive changes in the community.

Originally established in 1965 as part of the nationwide Community Action movement founded during the “War on Poverty”, CAPV has expanded its services to address various community needs over the past six decades. CAPV has an annual budget of over $45M, over approximately 300 employees and a board of 15 serving over 30,000 people annually through 40 different programs, including:

• Head Start & Early Learning Programs, a comprehensive early education and childcare program
• Energy Programs, providing weatherization services, home rehab and heating repair
• Youth & Workforce Development Programs, offering job skills and placement for youth and adults, and programming for LGBTQIA+ youth
• Community Services Programs, delivering food pantry programs, free tax assistance, WIC and Fuel Assistance
• Family Support Programs, including home visiting, support for parents, and a Family Resource Center in Greenfield, MA.

THE ROLE

The next ED will help facilitate a smooth transition from the current ED of 13 years and work closely with the Board of Directors leading and overseeing the fiscal, operations, program services, and compliance of CAPV. Priorities for the next ED of CAPV include both immediate and long-range objectives.

Priorities

Strategic Vision & Leadership

Advance strategic vision to strengthen long-term planning, efficient operations, and sustainable growth. Increase engagement with external partners to strengthen resource sharing and amplify service impact. Foster an inclusive culture through courageous leadership and bold actions on racial and gender equity, civil rights, and social justice.

Funding & Financial Sustainability

Maintain CAPV’s strengths of successfully securing and responsibly managing grants and contracts while increasing donor engagement to further diversify funding streams and unrestricted donations. Develop creative funding approaches and reduce reliance on single sources.

Relationship Building & Partnership Development

Foster strong internal relationships, encourage leadership from within, and build trust with staff. Engage with external community partners, local legislators, and other nonprofits to strengthen connections, enhance collaboration, and secure funding sources. Develop strong relationships with board members and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission.

Building Inclusive Communication & Culture

Develop collaborative efforts for executing agency-wide initiatives that increase cross-department cohesion and drive organizational progress. Foster a culture of open dialogue and conflict resolution that build morale, collaboration, and a supportive work environment.

Staffing, Retention & Internal Capacity

Identify preventive measures to address industry staffing shortages and maintain a high service quality. Lead an equitable, respectful, and supportive workplace culture including honoring the lived experience of team members.

Service Integration, Technology & Client Experience

Assess internal referral systems to enhance service delivery and coordination across multiple locations and between different programs. Reduce barriers for those in rural areas with limited transportation options.

Organizational Leadership

• Provide leadership and direct supervision to the Executive Team, including the Associate Director of Programs, Associate Director of Community Engagement, Associate Director of Operations, Director of Human Resources, and the Director of Head Start & Early Learning Programs.
• Create transparent communication across all levels, support staff through organizational challenges and represent the agency to the community. Take an active leadership role in valuing and promoting different perspectives, opinions, and approaches.
• Build and maintain relationships with community constituents and local-state-national representatives. Participate in local planning and coordinating efforts; stay abreast of state and national trends and up to date on available funding.
• Ensure the corporate, legal, fiscal, and programmatic integrity of CAPV, and long-term viability and responsiveness to the changing needs of the community.
• Build community relationships for long-term fundraising efforts and support.
• Serve as the main spokesperson for CAPV.

Board Governance & Engagement

• As responsible to CAPV’s Governing Board, carry out the day-to-day operations and the work of the agency while ensuring that the Board, Committees, and Officers are informed on the conditions, operations and procedural changes.
• Interpret and ensure the implementation of adopted policies, provide policy recommendations, and oversee, prepare, plan, and pursue all appropriate grant possibilities consistent with the CAPV scope and vision/mission established by the board.

Policy & Advocacy

• Understand legislative processes and maintain good relationships to protect and maintain funding. Advocate for public policies critical to CAPV’s mission.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of social policy as relevant to CAPV activities and development goals.
• Oversee the daily activities and legal responsibilities of the organization. Ensure all files, claims, and paperwork are compliant with all Federal, State and Agency regulations and guidelines.
• Represent and educate about CAPV’s position with community, legislative, and government stakeholders. Inspire and motivate others to achieve increasing levels of performance excellence.

CAPV invites all individuals including those with lived experience who are part of communities that have been historically denied a full opportunity in aspects of economic, social, and civic life to apply. These communities include, but are not limited to, BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S, persons with disabilities, and persons adversely impacted by multigenerational poverty or other inequality. Successful candidate will have many, if not all, of the listed qualifications below.

• Experience with leading and/or managing a complex organization, ideally non-profit, including board management. Experience in social/human services, political/economic analysis, advocacy, or community development is ideal.
• Proven leadership style that inspires trust and confidence in staff to work effectively in teams, toward a consensus-driven set of goals. Track record managing innovation through promoting a culture of change and encouraging creativity and new ideas.
• Financial and fund development experience managing and analyzing financial budgets and statements. Operational experience overseeing information technology, facilities management, and human resources.
• Experience in program development and management, including data management, capture, tracking, and analysis for outcome measurements.
• Skilled with conflict resolution, problem-solving, establishing priorities, navigating change, and managing crises.
• Demonstrated success in building community relationships for long-term fundraising efforts and support. Experience partnering with and securing funding from state and federal government agencies.
• An understanding of complex regulatory environments. Experience organizing disparate resources to achieve complex objectives and maintain contract compliance.
• Experience leading a strategic planning process. Ability to create and implement shared vision for an organization in collaboration with Board and senior management.
• Coalition and cohesion building among different groups and agencies. Experience working with government and elected officials at all levels. Experience working with marginalized communities and individuals with low incomes.
• Experience of rural community dynamics and issues affecting rural programs and families Knowledge of Franklin/Hampshire counties and North Quabbin regional organizations and resources helpful.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with internal and external constituents. Experience in public speaking. Good listening skills and the ability to articulate vision.
• Ability to help promote equity by deconstructing systematic barriers.

In addition to the above qualifications, key attributes of the next ED include building trust, collaboration, innovation, and approachability. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion skills, knowledge, experience include cultural competence, active listening, building diverse teams, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The ED will embody and carry forward CAPV core shared values and principles.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates can submit materials via the link at the top right of this page.

This search is being conducted in partnership with TSNE. All submissions receive an acknowledgment and are confidential within the search committee, CAPV hiring reps, and TSNE. Electronic submissions sent through the above link are preferred.

Applicants should include a resume or profile summary that displays their skills and experiences, as well as a cover letter describing their interest and how their qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of CAPV. Individuals are strongly encouraged to apply early; the position will remain open, and applications accepted until the right candidate is identified. The CAPV Search Committee will review applications on a rolling basis and Individuals who are selected to move forward in the hiring process will be notified.

Based in Greenfield, MA, the Executive Director position is a full-time exempt position. A regional presence in the Pioneer Valley, including occasional evenings and weekends, is required. CAPV offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and retirement plan. Salary is competitive with relevant experience, within the framework of the organization’s annual operating budget, and in the approximate range of $140-170,000.

Employment is contingent upon the following: a satisfactory Background Record Check (BRC) which includes Criminal Offender Record (C.O.R.I.), Department of Children and Families (DCF) background check, Sex Offender Registry information (SORI) checks, fingerprint-based national and state criminal history database checks, National Sex Offender Registry (NCOR), and Out-of-State checks (CORI, SORI, DCF) if an individual has lived in another state within the last five years. A BRC and fingerprinting-based national and state criminal history check is to be completed every three years. Evidence of a good driving record and ability to be covered under CAPV’s non-owned and hired vehicle policy.

CAPV is an EOE/ADA employer committed to fair hiring practices, equal opportunity for all, and a workplace that is free from discrimination and inclusive of individuals with disabilities. Staff are CAPV’s greatest assets and critical to the high-quality services provided. CAPV offers a rewarding work environment and dedicated, compassionate teams.

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