The Executive Director (ED) role provides an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to advance The Community Fund of Darien’s mission to inspire people and mobilize resources to strengthen our community.  

The ED is responsible for leading the strategic vision for the organization, developing relationships with donors to support fundraising goals, leading a high performing team, overseeing the grant review process, and engaging a wide variety of stakeholders (including community and non-profit leaders, volunteers, and board members) to promote positive change in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford.

The ideal candidate has a magnetic personality, is well-connected within the local community, and has a proven track record for cultivating meaningful relationships with business and individual donors. As the face of The Community Fund, the ED must possess excellent communication skills and the ability to deliver engaging presentations to a variety of audiences. A strong preference will be given to candidates with leadership experience with non-profit organizations.

About The Community Fund

Founded in 1951, The Community Fund of Darien is a 501©(3) organization. It is a highly respected, professional non-profit that plays a significant role in addressing health and human service needs in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford through strategic leadership and grant-making.  Since its founding, The Community Fund of Darien has granted more than $28 million to social service agencies.  

TCF grants enrich our community by reducing food insecurity and homelessness, preparing young children for kindergarten, enhancing academic success for under-served youth, improving access to physical and mental healthcare, and providing job skills training. In 2024 TCF granted an all-time high of $790,000 which was distributed to 36 non-profit organizations.

Qualifications:​

·     Relevant experience, including demonstrated success in leadership roles in a nonprofit setting.

·     Ability to serve as the public face of the organization.

·     A passion for the work of public charities and community philanthropy.

·     Proven track record in successful fundraising, donor relations and development.

·     Compelling communicator, speaker, and writer. Demonstrated analytic, writing, and oral presentation skills.

·     Exceptional people management skills, with the ability to build and lead high-performing teams, create a strong and positive team culture, and coach and develop skills in others.

·     Experience in setting strategic vision and bringing vision to fruition through actionable planning and execution.

·     Strong project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to set and meet deadlines with competing priorities.

·     Financial acumen and the ability to develop and manage budgets.

·     Strong preference will be given to candidates with established connections to TCF’s catchment area: Darien, Norwalk and Stamford.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Planning:

·     In collaboration with the Board of Directors, the staff, and other key stakeholders, the ED develops and executes TCF’s strategic plan, long-term goals, and operational plans.

Fundraising and Donor Development:

·     Oversees all TCF development and fundraising activities including cultivation and stewardship of donors, event planning, grant writing and identifying new sources of donors and revenue.

Fiscal Management:

·     Ensures the TCF is meeting budget and can deliver on its mission by overseeing the preparation and management of the annual budget including expense management.

·     In conjunction with the Investment Committee, ensure TCF’s assets are invested in accordance with the investment policy guidelines.

Ensures the Financial Policy is up-to-date and enforced.

·     Ensures that the Federal Drug Free Community’s Grant is managed to CDC guidelines as awarded to Thriving Youth Darien coalition.

Grants and Philanthropic Leadership Program Management:

·     Oversees the TCF’s philanthropic leadership efforts and all grantmaking activities.

Board Relations:

·     Cultivates relationships with the Board of Directors and Honorary Board Members and leads Board development activities. Actively recruits board members with Governance Committee.

·     Oversees the preparation and distribution of Board/Committee materials. Serves ex- officio on all Board committees and works with the Executive Committee and Board leadership to implement Board decisions

Human Resources Management:

·     Manages the TCF’s staffing needs including hiring, termination, staff development and provides performance appraisals. Informs the Board of Directors regarding staffing issues as appropriate.

·     Ensures that the employee manual is enforced and in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and TCF’s policies.

Community Relations:

·     Promotes the TCF’s visibility through participation and membership in community forums, civic organizations, and activities that align with the mission and vision.

·     Serves as the TCF’s representative to the public to provide education in understanding the TCF’s interests, mission and concerns.

·     Oversees communications and implements a strategic marketing plan.

·     Oversees the convening of Thriving Youth Darien and Human Services Planning Council coalitions.

Administrative Management:

·     Leads and oversees the administration components of the TCF including contracts and outside consultants.

·     In conjunction with the Governance Committee: designs, reviews, maintains and implements all operational policies and guidelines for TCF and presents these to the Board of Directors for input and approval.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree required.

Application

• Resume and cover letter required. Email completed application to info@communityfunddarien.org. No phone calls please. 

Compensation and Benefits

The Executive Director position is a full-time salaried position that reports to the Board of Directors. The salary range is $100,000 - $120,000 dependent on relevant experience and credentials.

Benefits include:

·     403(b) retirement plan with 100% match up to $5,000 with immediate vesting.

·     Attractive vacation/PTO policy includes 3 weeks Paid Time Off and 10 paid holidays. The ED is expected to work regular on-site business hours with some evening and weekend hours required for board meetings and to support donor and special events. While an in-office presence is important to foster teamwork, flexibility is given to account for evening and weekend obligations.

·     Short- and long-term disability insurance provided.

Employment Information

Full Time Role: Non-Exempt, 40 hours per week

• Location: Onsite at The Community Fund of Darien Offices, Darien, CT 

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