Executive Director | ElderNet of Lower Merion & Narberth

Overview:

The Executive Director position at ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth is an exciting and unique opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader energized by making a meaningful impact in the lives of older and disabled adults with low and moderate incomes. The Executive Director will join ElderNet at a propitious time. After a period of leadership transition, the organization has been stabilized by strong interim leadership and a dedicated Board of Directors that is poised to invest in growth as ElderNet approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. In the Executive Director’s first year, they will:

• Work with the Board to develop and execute their onboarding plan
• Identify and select a contract Development Director to support efforts to generate new funding sources
• Identify and select a consultant to engage Board, staff, and key stakeholders in strategic planning to (1) Assess the relevant social, political, and economic factors that present challenges and opportunities to ElderNet and our participants; (2) Evaluate ElderNet’s current services and ways to strengthen or expand those offerings for wider and deeper impact in the lives of the adults we serve; and (3) Establish a long-term vision of dignity, security, and quality of life for older and disabled adults, and create and execute the plan to achieve it

About the Company: 

ElderNet of Lower Merion and Narberth is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976 by community, religious, and governmental groups committed to helping older neighbors remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. ElderNet serves adults of all ages, especially frail older or younger disabled persons with low to moderate incomes who live in Lower Merion or Narberth. 

Over nearly 50 years, ElderNet has remained true to its mission and evolved as our community has evolved. Today, professional social workers and trained volunteers provide a variety of free, practical services: participant needs assessments and in-home and community-based care management; referrals for public benefits, housing, and nursing care; “door through door” transportation and escort services to medical appointments and errands; and a full-choice food pantry for qualifying Lower Merion and Narberth residents living with low incomes. 

Candidate Profile: 

Highly favorable candidates will have a demonstrable track record of strong nonprofit management skills and progressive leadership responsibility, inclusive of staff management and board relations & engagement. They should have professional experience with nonprofit budgeting & fund accounting, fundraising, operations, and program management. The ideal candidate must have strong interpersonal skills, as the role requires maintaining and growing trusting relationships with diverse staff, participants and partners. They should have a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) and its practical application.

Ideal candidates will have exceptional communication skills and the ability to develop and deliver tailored messaging to staff, participants, funders, donors, government, and media outlets. They should have some experience in marketing, public relations, and fundraising.

Favorable candidates need not be social workers or aging services professionals, though they must learn and develop a deep understanding of ElderNet’s mission and our participant-centered values. Knowledge of local resources and government a plus; comparable experience or commitment to learn the landscape is required. 

Professional Characteristics: 

1. Minimum 7 years of related professional experience demonstrating progressive leadership, management, and board relations. 
2. Advanced nonprofit organizational management skills, with the ability to lead and coach staff towards high performance, set and achieve strategic objectives, and manage a budget.
3. Advanced experience with nonprofit budget development and nonprofit accounting.
4. Strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by ability to build trusting relationships with diverse staff, participants, and partners.
5. Ability to tailor messaging and communicate effectively with staff, participants, funders, partners, donors, government, media outlets, etc.
6. Commitment to and the ability to operationalize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility internally and programmatically.
7. Marketing, public relations, and fundraising experience.
8. Strategic planning and business development experience.
9. Participant- and mission-centered focus.
10. Knowledge of Lower Merion and Narberth community resources and local government a plus; comparable experience or commitment to learn the landscape required.
11. Facility with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and a willingness to learn new technologies required.
12. Experience in social work or aging services agencies is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Plan, execute, and continuously monitor all agency programs at ElderNet and the Ada Mutch Community Resource Center and Food Pantry.
• Lead, coach, and develop the ElderNet staff of Care Management Social Workers (2); Volunteer Manager; Pantry Manager; Finance Director & Office Manager; and Special Projects Manager. 
• Supervise and evaluate staff and interns, with an emphasis on retention.
• Support volunteers with assistance of Volunteer Coordinator.
• Report to the Board of Directors. Effectively engage the Board by preparing reports and information, collaborating with the Chair on meeting agenda, fostering a positive culture of board and staff relations, etc.
• Stay informed about issues, trends, and legislation affecting older or disabled adults and advocate on their behalf.

Financial Management 

• With the Finance Committee, lead preparation and management of the budget.
• Provide regular finance reports.
• Develop and execute analyses inclusive of forecasting, resource allocation, and risk management.
• Periodically review financial systems and processes for continuous improvement.

Fundraising & External Affairs

• Steward relationships with government, foundation and individual donors.
• Oversee and participate in activities required to prepare, submit, and manage funding proposals for Montgomery County, Lower Merion Township, and other public and private sources.
• Cultivate and build relationships to develop corporate sponsorship and expand individual donor base.
• Oversee internal fundraising events/mailers.
• Represent ElderNet to key stakeholders and the public. 

Planning & Business Development

• Maintain and grow relationships and revenue.
• Identify and advise the board on new partnership opportunities and strategic alliances within the community.
• Produce periodic staff reports and an annual report aligned with strategy and community needs/interest.
• Take a leadership role in the strategic planning process; engage the board, staff, and stakeholders in information gathering and execution.

Compensation: 

Up to $110,000 annually with benefits aligned with nonprofit industry standards.

Organizational Information: 

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads & manages the ElderNet Team: Care Management Social Workers (2); Volunteer Manager; Pantry Manager; Finance Director & Office Manager; Special Projects Manager

Relevant Financial Information: 

ElderNet’s FY2024 Total Assets is approximately $1.8M. Funding sources include: Montgomery County Office on Aging and Adult Services, Lower Merion Township, the Borough of Narberth, and foundation, individual, corporate, government, and others. 

Service Area / Industry Information:

Lower Merion and Narberth

Notes / Additional Information: 

This is a hybrid full-time position, with a minimum of 3 days/week in the office. All employees must complete PATCH and other clearances. COVID vaccination is encouraged.