Executive Director

Organizational Overview

History – When Connor Ball died by suicide in October of 2011, his family and friends decided that no one else should experience such a profound and life-altering loss. Connor’s Climb Foundation (CCF) is the result of their love of Connor and their commitment to ending youth suicide.

Purpose – CCF raises awareness, reducing the stigma around mental health and equipping youth, educators, and communities with tools and resources focused on the vulnerable age group of 10–24. To accomplish our mission, we primarily use the evidenced-based SOS (Signs of Suicide) Program to bring greater awareness to the community and schools. We collaborate with teachers and schools, the public, and the mental health system to ensure that the young people of New Hampshire have the life-saving resources needed to prevent suicide.

Mission, Vision, Values

Mission –

 “To provide suicide prevention education by raising awareness, reducing stigma, and equipping youth, educators, and the community at large with tools and resources focused on the vulnerable age group of 10–24-year-olds to NH and bordering communities.”

Vision –

“That no family or community will lose a youth or young adult to suicide.”

Values –

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Respect
• Collaboration
• Excellence
• Adaptability

Job Summary

As the key management leader of CCF, the Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the administration of CCF's programs and executing the organization's strategic plans. The Executive Director focuses on leadership, fundraising and finance, operations, and community outreach. They establish clear goals and direction, inspire and lead a diverse team of professionals and program staff, advise and inform the Board of Directors, and champion the organization's vision, goals, and values. This is a part-time position, OT exempt, and may require occasional early morning/evening/weekend hours.

Relationship

This position reports to the Board President.

Key Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director fall into the following categories-

Leadership - Participates with the Board in developing and implementing the vision and strategic plan to further the mission of CCF. Fosters and expands effective, collaborative relationships among Board members, staff, donors, sponsors, and the community. Coordinates marketing and communications, programming, and fundraising strategies with the relevant staff, committee chairs, consultants, and the Board of Directors.

Operational Planning & Management – Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all of CCF’s activities and monitors their execution to maintain or improve quality, contributing to the organization's mission and reflecting the approved priorities and budget. Determines staffing and volunteer requirements for organizational management and program delivery. With oversight from the Board, recruits, interviews, select, trains, and manages staff and volunteers with the skills and personal attributes to help further CCF’s mission.

Finance and Fundraising – Leads CCF’s fundraising efforts to secure funding for the operation of the organization, including carrying a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating and stewarding prospects and donors, maintaining and growing business sponsorships, researching new funding sources and writing grant proposals, all to increase CCF’s fundraising capabilities substantially.

Of great importance in addition to fundraising, oversees the management of financial planning and forecasting, budgeting, and resource allocation. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, develops an annual budget and ensures that appropriate internal controls are in place and operating as intended.

Communications and Outreach – Responsible for overseeing the implementation of the communication plan and measuring its results. Serves as a primary spokesperson for CCF and communicates with stakeholders to keep them informed of the organization's work. Establishes and maintains good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with new and existing community groups, partners, the media, funders, and other agencies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Is responsible for all CCF program administration, finances, operations, and implementing the strategic plan.
• Leads the development, implementation, and periodic assessment of the strategic plan, including goals, objectives, and timelines.
• Directly supervises the Marketing and Events Manager and the Training and Program Coordinator in the performance of their jobs.
• Leads and inspires staff to understand and fully embrace CCF's mission and values and to establish an effective program that meets the needs of children and families. Ensures an engaging climate that attracts, motivates, and supports a talented, diverse staff committed to personal and professional growth.
• Builds strong relationships with the Board of Directors and advises the Board on best practices.
• Updates the Board on programs and funding and communicates issues affecting the organization and its mission.
• Ensures the organization complies with all relevant regulations and is transparent and accurate in all its records and documents.
• Oversees budget preparation. Effectively manages resources within budget guidelines.
• Interacts with all banks holding End 68 Hours of Hunger funds concerning: Investments, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Mobile Banking, Online Banking, apportioning funds not allocated to any specific program, reporting on finances to our External Bookkeeper and the Board of Directors, and setting spending limits for debit and credit cards.
• Spearheaded fundraising efforts, including grant writing, special events oversight, and donations.
• Ensures adequate funds from diverse, ongoing revenue streams to sustain and further CCF's mission and programs.
• Serves as spokesperson and promotes CCF's mission, programs, and values. Establishes and builds strong cooperative relationships with community groups, donors, volunteers, clients, government officials, and local media. 
• Fosters positive relationships with schools, educators, and other organizations. Ensures effective communication to build strong partnerships.
• Stays current developments and trends in youth suicide prevention and education within the nonprofit sector.
• Serves as invited/needed on commissions, committees, and programs in liaison with government agencies and other suicide prevention organizations.\

Requirements

• Dedication and commitment to the CCF’s mission and values.
• Bachelor's degree; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum five years of progressive experience in organizational leadership, supervision, and financial management.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Effective communication skills.
• Commitment to professional growth.
• Understanding of the issue of youth suicide, prevention programs, and issues related to cultural diversity.

Salary Range -  $68,000 to $82,000 per year; commensurate with experience.

Benefits – PTO, Sick Time, Paid Holidays, FLEX Time