Executive Director

Aug 14

SAFEchild
Raleigh, NC

Anticipated Start Date: 11/3/2025

Description

SAFEchild is seeking an experienced leader with a broad set of executive-level skills to build on a strong organizational foundation. The next Executive Director will lead the overall administration and operations of the organization, manage a dedicated staff with compassion and empathy, steward fundraising efforts to support programs and increase sustainability, and shepherd the implementation of SAFEchild’s next strategic plan.

SAFEchild leaders are creating the next five-year strategic plan that will address the overarching issue of how and where SAFEchild can have the most impact. With the new facility completed nearly two years ago, leaders are now asking important questions about growth, programs, and services. The study, scheduled for completion later this fall, will provide a roadmap for the new Executive Director to address attendant implementation strategies affecting infrastructure, programs, services, staffing, and funding.

Current topics underway address these core priorities:

Core Focus Areas

1. SAFEchild Advocacy Center

Wake County’s only Child Advocacy Center works closely with healthcare professionals, Child Protective Services, law enforcement, and the court system.

2. Funny Tummy Feelings school-based program

Offered in every Wake County public elementary school and several private schools.

3. Group-based Parenting Programs

Offering simultaneous English-speaking and Spanish-speaking programs.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and manage a four-person senior leadership team composed of a Finance and Operations Director, Development Director, Program Director, and SAFEchild Advocacy Center Director. Partnering with the Board and senior team, the Executive Director will be responsible for executing all aspects of SAFEchild’s mission to ensure the long-term success of the organization.

SAFEchild has nurtured and enjoys a superior reputation in the community, and the Executive Director plays a critical role as the face of SAFEchild to the community across multiple relationships—families served by SAFEchild, individual donors, volunteers, philanthropic foundations, partner agencies, and governmental entities. Leading an impactful organization like SAFEchild at this inflection point in its history is an ideal opportunity for a leader intent on eliminating child abuse and impacting the future growth of the organization.

Responsibilities

The next Executive Director of SAFEchild will be a visionary leader with the experience and foresight to guide the dedicated Board members through board development and board relations, and understand both resource development and financial management.

In addition, the successful candidate will be knowledgeable in overseeing effective marketing and communications, staff development, and overall program and facility management. They will work with loyal community stakeholders and talented staff to chart the course of the organization’s future. Proven leadership in a complex organization will be a key asset sought in candidates well positioned to help the organization set and meet ambitious goals.

In addition, the Executive Director will be expected to fulfill the following key responsibilities: Leadership, Strategy, and Management Board Development and Board Relations Resource Development and Financial Management Marketing and Communications Staff Development Program Oversight Facility Management, Operational Oversight, and Risk Management

Requirements

The next Executive Director must demonstrate a genuine commitment to the mission and values of SAFEchild with a dedication to creating and stewarding relationships with both internal and external constituencies that enable the successful, consistent delivery of the mission. In addition, they should possess several key attributes, including:

Proven leadership of a large, diverse, professional staff, including management of a senior team
10+ years of experience in nonprofit executive or senior management roles where philanthropy and organizational sustainability and growth were key parts of the position, or commensurate experience with demonstrated success in organizational management, including strategic planning, program development, finance, fundraising, and operations.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, with a Master’s in a relevant discipline preferred
Ability to inspire others through written and verbal communication
Ability to articulate, verbally and in writing, a passion for protecting children, strengthening parents, and preserving families
Demonstrated respect for, and an understanding of, the professional, family-centered approach to changing parent and family behaviors
Demonstrable fundraising experience with success in building dynamic relationships with key philanthropists, business and foundation leaders, and others who can influence individual, corporate, foundation, and government giving
Must be capable and willing to spend significant time cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gifts
Comfort partnering with and supporting fundraising leadership committees, staff, fundraising counsel, and other partners in development efforts
Demonstrated appreciation for the importance of a strong, collaborative relationship between an Executive Director and a nonprofit Board of Directors
Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of operations, finance, and budgeting
Experience in leading an organization through periods of significant growth
Proven experience identifying, assessing, and managing organizational risk
Collaborative, innovative, transparent, and effective leadership that can inspire and motivate the Board, staff, community, donors, and partners
Strategic vision and innovation, with the ability to both set strategy and execute for results
High social-emotional intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment
A strong familiarity with nonprofit operations is a plus
This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) work opportunity