Job Description
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of CDS, responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial management of the organization. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners (Prisma Health, Thrive Upstate, Clarity, & Project Hope Foundation) to ensure that CDS continues to provide high-quality, coordinated services to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Reports to: Board of Directors
Located: Greenville, SC
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Collaborate with the Board and senior leadership to develop and implement the organization's strategic goals and objectives.
- Ensure the alignment of CDS's mission with its programs and services through clear communication to all levels of the organization in order to reach organizational goals.
- Maintain a forward-thinking perspective to anticipate challenges and establish the organization as innovative and impactful.
- Proactively assess organizational risk and establish compliant practices that ensure CDS’s continued sustainability.
Organizational Impact & Innovation
- Oversee the daily operations of CDS, ensuring effective service delivery and compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.
- Identify and pursue innovative opportunities to expand service delivery and increase access to CDS resources.
- Drive impact through utilization of new and emerging technology to enhance connection to resources, processes, operational efficiencies, and data-driven decision-making.
Community Engagement
- Serve as primary spokesperson for CDS, representing the organization to the public, increasing organizational visibility and awareness across the region and state, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders.
- Identify and strengthen community partnerships in alignment with the needs of those CDS serves to further the mission and goals of the organization.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of challenges families face – including barriers to resources – and continually work to alleviate those challenges by maintaining up-to-date insights through research, stakeholder engagement, and community involvement.
Financial Growth & Sustainability
- Establish and implement fund development strategies alongside the Director of Development to support organizational programming and future growth.
- Lead efforts to diversify and increase revenue through varied sources including philanthropic support, corporate sponsorships, grant opportunities, and government funding.
- Leverage personal and professional networks, alongside existing institutional partnerships, to identify and engage existing and potential donors.
- Provide strategic financial oversight in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and accountability for the organization’s long-term health.
Team Culture & Development
- Attract, retain, and develop a high-performing team that embodies the organization's values and mission.
- Continue to build upon a culture of trust, service, and continuous improvement throughout the organization, setting an example of excellence for the team in all work.
- Provide relevant professional development opportunities for staff at all levels to empower and grow employees, taking an active role as a mentor for direct reports.
- Establish and invest in relationships with Board members, understanding their priorities and strengths as related to the organization both individually and as a whole.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field preferred.
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, with at least 3 years in an executive role.
- Understanding of, or openness to understanding, the experiences and needs of individuals with developmental disabilities, and a commitment to ongoing learning about the community the organization serves.
- Proven experience in strategic planning, financial management, and fundraising.
- Ability to build relationships and influence partner organizations with varying missions.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and build consensus.
- Commitment to the mission and values of CDS.
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