Executive Director

The Spina Bifida Association of Greater New England (“SBAGNE”) is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization working to support people with Spina Bifida as they reach for their goals and pursue a more fulfilling life. It is our goal to enrich the lives of those affected with Spina Bifida through education, support, social networking, advocacy and public awareness.

SBAGNE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our staff and Board members are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds, who share a passion for improving people's lives. Diversity not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity.

Job Type: Full time, salaried

Hours per week: 37.5, hybrid, flexible

Evening/weekend work: Required occasional weekend and evening work

Benefits: PTO, Paid Holidays

Location: Natick, MA 01760

Travel: Local, Regional, National travel required

Moderate lifting required

FUNCTION: Under the policy direction of the SBAGNE Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the design, implementation, and management of all programs and activities of the organization.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Constituent Support
• Clinical Outreach
• Program Design and Implementation
• Fiscal Management/Fund Development
• Personnel Management and Development
• Board Relations and Support
• National SBA and Chapter Relations
• SBAGNE Advocacy and Representation in the Community

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Constituent Support

• Respond to requests for assistance and information from constituents in all 6 New England states.
• Direct and oversee all constituent communications.
• Establish relationships with peer disability and social support agencies to broaden resource referral capacity.

1. Clinical Outreach

• Respond to requests for assistance and information from clinics and medical providers in all 6 New England states.
• Facilitate regular communication with pediatric clinics via email and quarterly meetings.
• Establish and maintain directories of medical providers for adults with Spina Bifida, as well as newly-diagnosed families.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with medical providers for adults with Spina Bifida, as well as newly-diagnosed families.

1. Program Design and Implementation

• Develop and advance the SBAGNE strategic mission and vision, in partnership with the Board.
• Direct and implement all chapter programs and services in support of SBAGNE’s mission.
• Event planning and management such as the annual youth mentoring programs, adult programs, parent mentor programs, family programs, and regional conference.
• Evaluate and report on program effectiveness, staff productivity, and volunteer activity in all programmatic areas.
• Direct fiscal review and evaluation of programs in preparation for annual budget process.

1. Fiscal Management/Fund Development

• Design and implement an annual fund development plan, in conjunction with the Board of Directors, to meet and grow the annual budget.
• Fundraising event planning and management such as walks, road races, and the Annual Appeal.
• Together with the Board Treasurer, direct the preparation and oversight of the annual budget as approved by the Board of Directors.
• Research grant funding opportunities and prepare and submit grant proposals and reports.
• Assure compliance with and accountability for all terms and agreements contained in funding source contracts, and maintain accuracy and integrity on all grant applications.
• Implement and coordinate with the Board of Directors on all fund development and fundraising events.
• Monitor, assess, and report on fundraising progress and effectiveness for grants, events, and individual giving.

1. Personnel Management and Development

• Manage all staff and volunteers.
• Conduct evaluations and annual review of all staff.
• Identify individual opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Identify need for new positions and growth within the organization.

1. Board Relations and Support Activities

• Recommend policies and programs for Board approval which promote the mission of the SBAGNE.
• Organize board into appropriate committees; work with Committees to develop priorities and schedules.
• Provide Board with tools to be successful.
• Organize volunteers beyond the board.
• Work closely with Board Chair to plan meeting agendas for the year (quarterly) as well as occasional evening calls.
• Provides the Board with a quarterly status report of programs and activities including the fiscal status, identification of problems and recommendations for resolution.
• Acts as an agent of the Board, as designated and where appropriate, including negotiation and execution of leases, contracts and agreements for the organization.

1. National SBA and Affiliated Chapter Relations

• Represent SBAGNE in the work of the National Spina Bifida Association and Affiliated Chapters.

1. SBAGNE Advocacy and Representation in the Community

• Partner with other community agencies in furtherance of the SBAGNE mission.
• Educate and inform the larger community on the mission of SBAGNE and the needs of individuals living with Spina Bifida, which may include public and media appearances.
• Effectively leverage and maintain relationships with local businesses to increase fundraising.
• Maintain a professional level of knowledge of issues relating to Spina Bifida and SBAGNE’s mission.
• Lead and direct advocacy in the local, regional, and national communities for the health, welfare, and rights of the Spina Bifida community.

IDEAL EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree required.
• Experience working with people with disabilities.
• Leadership or executive responsibility with a nonprofit organization, including a working relationship with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• An individual with a firm understanding of current nonprofit management principles who can create and implement new fundraising strategies.
• Fundraising/development skills are essential - solid experience in identifying, soliciting and administering contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Management skills and experience in planning, supervising and implementing programs, and overseeing and providing direction for a professional staff.
• Knowledge of Spina Bifida, or willingness to learn.
• A volunteer health agency background and knowledge of current governance issues.
• Public affairs/public speaking experience.
• Demonstrated experience with networking.

IDEAL PERSONAL PROFILE

• Organized, detail-oriented, self-starter, works well independently.
• A passion for working with mission-driven organizations.
• Strong ability to translate goals into action in a cost-effective manner.
• An innovative and entrepreneurial self-starter who works well without direct supervision and who can grow and strengthen a maturing organization.
• A creative, tactical thinker who can develop, communicate and implement a vision.
• An excellent communicator and consensus-builder who can work with diverse individuals and groups.