Non-Profit Director

About the role

The role is located in Burlington, Massachusetts. People Helping People (PHP) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and community-minded Director / Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

Responsibilities

• Provide thoughtful, visible leadership for the organization and its mission.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and translate them into actionable goals.
• Audit organizational needs and strengthen the systems, processes, technology, and infrastructure needed to support PHP's future.
• Use data and community insights to evaluate programs, identify emerging needs, and guide decision-making.
• Help PHP balance its strong community roots with the structure and discipline needed for sustainable growth.
• Lead the development and execution of a diversified fundraising strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, community organizations, and other funding partners.
• Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and new sources of financial support.
• Work with the Board and staff to strengthen donor engagement and stewardship.
• Oversee budgeting, financial performance, internal controls, and responsible stewardship of PHP's resources.
• Partner with the Board to ensure the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
• Ensure PHP's programs and services are effective, accessible, responsive, and aligned with community needs.
• Provide oversight of day-to-day organizational operations while empowering staff to own their areas of responsibility.
• Establish clear priorities, roles, accountability, and operating practices.
• Strengthen processes and systems where needed without adding unnecessary complexity.
• Ensure appropriate policies, compliance practices, risk management, and organizational controls are in place.
• Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for People Helping People.
• Develop strong relationships with Burlington's municipal leaders, schools, businesses, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, donors, and other community partners.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration that expand PHP's reach and strengthen services available to the community.
• Represent PHP at community events, meetings, and other activities.
• Build awareness of PHP's mission, programs, impact, and opportunities for community involvement.
• Develop a strong, transparent partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Keep the Board informed about organizational performance, opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.
• Provide the information and analysis necessary for effective Board decision-making.
• Support the continued evolution of the Board toward strategic governance and oversight while maintaining the collaborative spirit that has been central to PHP's success.
• Work closely with the Board President and committee leaders to ensure effective governance and organizational alignment.
• Lead, coach, and develop PHP's staff, creating an environment of trust, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Clarify roles and responsibilities and help employees grow their capabilities and ownership.
• Support a positive and inclusive experience for PHP's extensive volunteer community.
• Recognize that volunteers are essential partners in PHP's work and ensure they have the communication, structure, and support needed to succeed.
• Build a culture where employees and volunteers understand how their work contributes to PHP's mission.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational judgment, empathy, initiative, and the ability to get things done. They should have leadership experience in a nonprofit, community organization, mission-driven business, public-sector organization, or similarly complex environment. Experience with fundraising, donor development, grants, partnerships, or revenue development is preferred. Strong financial and operational judgment, including experience working with budgets and organizational resources, is also important. The candidate should have strong written and verbal communication skills and comfort using technology, data, and systems to improve organizational effectiveness. Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors is preferred. An understanding of food insecurity, human services, community-based organizations, or volunteer-driven organizations is helpful but not required. Most importantly, the candidate should believe deeply in community, dignity, service, and the power of people helping people.