Executive Director

Position Summary:

Destination: College seeks a collaborative, strategic, and mission-focused leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executive Director will be the organization’s key management leader, responsible for the overall administration, strategic direction, and sustainability of DC’s programs and operations.

This role encompasses leadership, strategic program oversight, volunteer engagement, staff development, fundraising, community outreach, communications, and partnership building. The Executive Director reports directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors and supervises 1 full time staff, the Director of College Success.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a passion for educational equity, and the ability to build relationships that advance DC’s mission and visibility within the community.

Position Summary:

Destination: College seeks a collaborative, strategic, and mission-focused leader to serve as its next Executive Director. The Executive Director will be the organization’s key management leader, responsible for the overall administration, strategic direction, and sustainability of DC’s programs and operations.

This role encompasses leadership, strategic program oversight, volunteer engagement, staff development, fundraising, community outreach, communications, and partnership building. The Executive Director reports directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors and supervises 1 full time staff, the Director of College Success.

The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership skills, a passion for educational equity, and the ability to build relationships that advance DC’s mission and visibility within the community.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Provide supervision, leadership, direction, and oversight to DC’s staff, ensuring alignment with mission and goals.
• Collaborate with the Director of College Programs to maintain and enhance program quality.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure the efficient administration and success of all DC programs.
• Support staff and volunteer development and foster a positive and productive work environment for staff and all volunteers.

Program Oversight & Evaluation

• Monitor and evaluate existing programs, identifying opportunities for improvement or expansion.
• Develop reports and metrics to measure program success and impact.
• Oversee Team Reads Programs including the identification and creation of weekly instructional program materials and supporting resources that enhance student literacy and engagement.

Volunteer Engagement

• Supervise and support existing volunteers while recruiting, onboarding, and training new volunteers.
• Ensure provision and execution of ongoing professional development and support for volunteers
• Develop outreach strategies to expand DC’s volunteer base and strengthen community participation.

Fundraising & Development

• Spearhead and execute fundraising efforts, including donor cultivation, grant seeking, and event planning, including, among other events, DC’s Year End Fundraiser and June event.
• Manage and utilize DC’s donor database (CRM) for tracking contributions and relationships.
• Collaborate with the Board and staff to identify new funding opportunities and partnerships.

Finance & Administration

• Work with the Treasurer to manage finances responsibly and support Destination: College’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Take the lead in preparing, presenting, and tracking the annual operating budget for Executive Committee and Board approval.
• Partner with the Executive Committee to review spending priorities and make sure resources are aligned with program goals.

Communications & Community Relations

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public face of DC, enhancing visibility and engagement in the Mount Vernon and greater Westchester community.
• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with local schools, civic groups, and professional organizations.
• Guide and oversee communication efforts, including newsletters, website updates, social media, and other outreach materials, to ensure consistent, engaging, and mission-aligned messaging.

Governance & Board Relations

• Report regularly to the Board Chair and collaborate on strategic initiatives.
• Participate in planning and attending Board meetings (typically two annually).

On-Site Engagement

• Be present in schools and at community events to oversee programs, connect with students, and strengthen partnerships.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Experience in education, nonprofit management, program development, college access/admissions, or related fields.
• Collaborative, adaptable and mission-focused leader.
• Proven ability to develop and articulate a strategic vision and lead others toward achieving it.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to engage donors, volunteers, and community partners.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, volunteer engagement, and program oversight.
• Excellent organizational, financial management, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• Flexible work schedule
• Autonomy and creativity in shaping the role
• Reduced summer hours
• Health benefit stipend for full time employee