Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Reports To: Board of Directors

Summary

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and is responsible for advancing the organization's mission through strategic growth, fundraising leadership, and strong community presence, while ensuring sound operations and organizational sustainability.

This role provides visionary leadership, builds and stewards critical donor and community relationships, and positions the organization as a trusted, visible leader in affordable housing. The Executive Director works in close partnership with the Board of Directors to drive mission alignment, financial strength, governance excellence, and long-term impact.

Key Responsibilities / Core Measures

(Essential Functions: Strategic Growth, Fundraising, and Community Presence)

Organizational Growth, Fundraising & Strategic Leadership

• Serve as the organization's chief strategist and growth leader, responsible for driving long-term organizational expansion, financial sustainability, and increased community impact.
• Lead the development, execution, and ongoing evaluation of multi-year strategic plans and annual goals with a primary focus on organizational growth, fundraising capacity, and mission expansion.
• Design and implement a comprehensive, diversified fundraising strategy to support both current operations and long-term growth, including major gifts, individual donors, corporate partnerships, grants, sponsorships, faith-based support, and special events.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and key community partners, serving as the face of the organization in high-impact fundraising efforts.
• Establish and maintain a highly visible, professional, and influential presence in the community, positioning the organization as a trusted leader in affordable housing and community development.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with civic leaders, government officials, corporate partners, faith communities, media, and other stakeholders to advance fundraising, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors to align fundraising strategy, growth objectives, and governance priorities, and to strengthen Board engagement in resource development.

Program & Operational Management

• Oversee daily operations including construction, family services, volunteer management, ReStore (if applicable), and administrative functions.
• Ensure effective program delivery supported by high-quality processes, documentation, and compliance with Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) standards.
• Provide leadership to senior management across program development, construction oversight, resource development, and organizational management.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Ensure the financial stability and long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Oversee budget development processes and monitor all financial activity in coordination with the Director of Finance, Treasurer, and Board.
• Assess financial feasibility of existing and proposed programs based on community needs and strategic priorities.
• Maintain efficient, cost-effective operations with appropriate internal controls, reporting, and compliance.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization.
• Strengthen visibility and credibility with donors, civic groups, government officials, corporations, faith communities, and local media.
• Build strong partnerships with housing organizations, coalitions, and community leaders to support collaborative solutions.
• Actively address community issues related to housing, affordability, and neighborhood improvement.

Resource Development & Fundraising

• Lead the development of a diversified revenue portfolio, including individual giving, corporate partnerships, grants, sponsorships, faith-based support, and special events.
• Personally cultivate and solicit major donors, foundations, and key community partners.
• Collaborate with the Board to expand fundraising capacity and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure effective stewardship practices and donor recognition protocols.

Board Relations

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction, establish governance policies, and ensure organizational health.
• Serve as a professional advisor to the Board by providing accurate, timely information and insight on operations and community issues.
• Strengthen Board committees to ensure member engagement and meaningful contribution.
• Support Board recruitment and development to build a diverse, knowledgeable, and mission-driven leadership body.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive senior-level leadership experience.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and revenue growth.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and collaborate with government officials, civic leaders, donors, and community partners.
• Proven ability to lead change, strengthen culture, and inspire teams.
• Experience in branding, community presence, and organizational visibility.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to cultivate a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture that supports accountability and teamwork.
• Financial management experience including budget development and oversight.
• Background in housing, construction, or community development preferred but not required.
• Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, and move intermittently throughout the workday in an office environment.
• Ability to travel to construction sites, donor meetings, community events, and Board functions within the service area.
• Ability to safely navigate active construction areas, including walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs or short ladders as needed.
• Ability to lift and carry materials or equipment up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via electronic communications.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and computers.
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events, Board meetings, site visits, and community engagement activities
• Personal transportation or reliable access to transportation is required for travel within the service area.

This position requires the ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. The organization will engage in the interactive process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws to evaluate workplace accommodation requests.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending Accounts, Vol Life, Company Paid Life, 401K