Executive Director Opening

About Friends of Children, Inc.

Founded in Massachusetts in 1990, Friends of Children, Inc (FOC) is an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit and advocacy innovator in child welfare related issues. We are fully dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults impacted by foster care.  We are champions of their best interest and advocate for the rights and dignity of children in and aging out of foster care.  Our main programs include CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and FOCUS, an advocacy mentorship program that matches young people moving out of welfare system with adult community members to help navigate them through young adulthood. Based in Northampton, MA, FOC has a staff of seven (including the Executive Director position) and an annual budget of approximately $850,000.  FOC is overseen by a highly engaged 6-member Board of Directors comprised of community representatives and leaders in the field of social work and child advocacy. The founding executive director retired in June 2023. Since that time, the organization has been managed by an interim director.

Opportunity Going Forward

The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead this well-respected, highly successful, and fiscally stable social service agency. In addition to effectively and efficiently managing ongoing operations, high priorities for the Executive Director include:

  • Positioning FOC as a leading advocate for children and young adults moving in and out of the child welfare system.
  • Leading and empowering a collaborative team of highly skilled, experienced, and passionate, mission-driven professionals.
  • Strategically and tactically taking advantage of federal and state grants to revitalize and reinvigorate FOC’s CASA and FOCUS programming.
  • Assuming a more sophisticated and practiced approach to FOC’s infrastructure, in particular its asset management function and informational technology support.
  • Expanding participation of diverse community members in FOC’s work, ensuring multiple voices and perspectives are respectfully and consistently engaged.
  • Creating and managing successful fundraising initiatives to benefit the mission of FOC.
  • Improving FOC’s marketing, public relations, and external communications to celebrate its successes and position it as the premier, regional provider of support services to vulnerable youth.

Desired Credentials/Profile of the Ideal Candidate

  • A minimum of five years of senior leadership, or equivalent experience, preferably at a nonprofit of similar size and scale.
  • Knowledge of and passion for addressing issues related to foster care, youth development, and/or social services.
  • Personal or professional connections to the communities served by FOC would be advantageous.

Skills and Experience

Decisive, Flexible, and Strategic Administrator

  • Seasoned administrator with sound executive experience and skills who is assured, decisive, and who, by using data to inform decision making, is willing to take calculated risks.
  • A highly organized, multitasker and project manager who can handle multiple priorities and juggle responsibilities.
  • Commitment to being the leader of a small organization, eager to dig in, step in for others, and be a working member of a team.
  • Present and engaged leader, who takes responsibility and holds self and others to high levels of accountability.
  • Able to engage with, develop and appropriately inform a board of directors and its committees, demonstrating an understanding of the appropriate balance between governance and management.

Exceptional People Manager and Culture Builder

  • Strong people skills with the ability to connect with each staff and board member, understand individual and collective concerns, and resolve personnel issues with empathy.
  • Supportive, respectful, and nurturing leader who puts the team ahead of self.
  • An even keeled, emotionally intelligent leader who can develop a team culture built on respect, client service, and accountability.
  • An active listener with the ability to learn and consider before taking action.

Consummate Communicator, Networker, and Relationship Builder

  • Confident external representative and public spokesperson with the ability to understand and engage the constituents served by FOC.
  • Energetic networker who can create, nurture, and sustain the collaborative partnerships essential to advancing FOC’s mission.
  • Able to bring a diversity and equity lens to FOC’s work.
  • Excellent public speaker and writer with strong storytelling ability.

Experienced Revenue Generator

  • Adept at creating a comprehensive funding strategy that harnesses initiative and creativity.
  • Able to secure and leverage the public and private resources needed to advance FOC’s mission.
  • Willingness to hold the organization accountable to its revenue goals.
  • Possess basic fundraising literacy with a commitment to and comfort with making an ask.
  • Grant writing experience.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position with a starting salary range of $85,000-$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. FOC also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance or access to a Health Reimbursement Account, a 403b plan, and generous paid time off.

Application Process and Additional Information

FOC is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that strongly encourages applications from candidates from diverse races, backgrounds, genders, and cultures. Candidate must include a resume and a cover letter that describes how your qualifications and experience match the needs and mission of FOC.  Applications will be accepted until the position has been filled.

Forward required documents to: stanner@friendsofchildreninc.org for immediate consideration.