Executive Director

About We’ve Got Friends (WGF)

We’ve Got Friends (WGF) is a program founded in New Jersey that provides FREE social opportunities for teens with disabilities to form lifelong friendships of their very own.

OUR MISSION

We create inclusive social spaces for teens with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to form meaningful connections with their peers. We host hangouts and special events where teens can make friends, share their unique talents and abilities, strengthen their sense of belonging, and gain self-confidence along the way.

Our programming is free to participants and their families; we believe friendship should be accessible to all, regardless of race, gender, national origin, religion, or economic status.

                     (**This is a Part-Time Position**)

WHO YOU ARE

You are an energetic, dynamic, and results-driven professional with demonstrated experience in nonprofit executive leadership. You are skilled in overseeing and implementing impactful programming initiatives, designing, executing, and measuring the success of development and capital campaigns and fostering community engagement.

You have the proven ability to collaborate with a grant writer (or two), ensuring sustained funding and organizational growth. Proven ability to lead teams, drive strategic initiatives, and deliver measurable outcomes that align with the organization's mission and values.

Most importantly, you take a heart-centered approach to all you do and are able to maximize limited resources.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Executive Director will collaborate and oversee the following functions:

PROGRAMMING (25%)

Programming initiatives are the heart of WGF, drawing families to engage with our organization and fueling our impact. The Executive Director will collaborate with the Programming Director to:

●   Oversee the design, direction, implementation, and dissemination of objectives and operational strategies

●   Develop, process, and monitor evaluation toolkits and indicators to measure program performance

●   Identify and evaluate potential new locations to expand programming, considering community needs, accessibility, and alignment with organizational goals.

●   Build relationships with local stakeholders, facilities, and community leaders to secure partnerships and ensure seamless integration of programs in new sites.

ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE AND OPERATIONS (25%)

WGF depends on strong administrative, financial, and operational leadership to ensure its mission is carried out effectively and efficiently. The Executive Director will:

●   Assist in the annual budgeting process; drafting and managing budgets related to fundraising, programming, communications, and marketing.

●   Assist in the development and management of special budgets for events.

●   Provide general operational and managerial support and expertise to Board and Leadership as needed

●   Participate in advancing the organization's goals through continued awareness, learning, and professional development.

●   Streamline and formalize fundraising systems and processes.

DEVELOPMENT (20%)

Development encompasses broader fundraising and strategic partnership efforts to secure resources for WGF’s operations, programming, and overall growth. Collaborating with the Director of Operations and Development, the Executive Director will:

●   Act as an ambassador for WGF, representing the organization at community events, meetings, etc.

●   Collaborate with the board of directors and key stakeholders to establish annual and multi-year funding goals aligned with WGF’s mission and objectives.

●   Create and execute new fundraising opportunities, initiatives, events, and campaigns

●   Identify, cultivate, and solicit new individual and institutional donors; build and nurture relationships with existing donors and legislators; oversee state funding applications, management, and compliance.

●   Manage special events, and associated contractors for key events including annual Golf outing

●   Act as an ambassador for WGF, representing the organization at community events for key fundraisers and conferences to network with new prospects and steward existing ones.

●   Anticipate and contribute to the development of strategic plans.

GRANTS (10%)

WGF seeks to establish meaningful partnerships with donors and stakeholders via well-crafted grant proposals to ensure the sustainability and growth of our initiatives.

●   Drive overall strategy and oversee Grant consultant(s).

●   Collaborate, research and identify grant opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and programs.

●   Collaborate with grant consultant(s) to develop and maintain annual calendar of submissions, review all grant proposal and report submissions, advise on content and direction, and provide final approval

●   Monitor grant-funded programs to ensure compliance with funder requirements and timely submission of progress reports.

BOARD COLLABORATION (GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE) (10%)

A strong partnership with the Board of Directors is key to ensuring good governance, compliance, and strategic growth for WGF. The Executive Director will:

●   Regularly collaborate with the Board of Directors and its committees.

●   Provide regular updates and reports to the Board about administrative, fundraising, and

financial activities.

●   Seek out and support Board engagement opportunities across the organization.

●   Assist the Board in maintaining and updating bylaws, policies, and governance documents as needed.

●   Oversee the annual audit process, including preparing necessary documentation and collaborating with auditors to ensure timely and accurate reporting.

●   Implement and maintain financial controls with accountant and the board to safeguard organizational resources and ensure transparency.

COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING (5%)

WGF recognizes the critical role of communications and marketing in building its brand, engaging stakeholders, and supporting fundraising initiatives. Collaborating with the Media Coordinator, the Executive Director will:

●   Plan and implement annual direct mailing, digital/social media fundraising campaigns, including year-end fundraising campaign

●   Develop and oversee social media strategies to enhance the organization’s visibility and engagement.

●   Plan, execute, and monitor social media campaigns that align with the organization’s mission and fundraising goals.

●   Collaborate with staff, board and volunteers to create compelling content, including posts, graphics, and videos, to share across platforms.

●   Analyze social media performance metrics to improve reach and engagement. (A major plus)

YOU BRING.

●   Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills

●   Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and sustain relationships with

●   supporters of WGF at all levels

●   The ability to multi-task and balance the daily demands of a busy development office while maximizing resources.

●   Experience working with Special Needs organizations is strongly preferred.

●   Grant writing abilities are a plus

Additional Requirements

●   Bachelor of Arts degree or higher

●   Minimum of 6-8 years of leadership experience, preferably in the non-profit sector

●   Proven track record in fundraising, financial management, and program development.

●   This is a part-time leadership position with an expected time commitment sufficient to meet the responsibilities outline above. Flexibility to work remotely and attend events as needed. (WGF is based in Montclair, NJ with Programming and Event locations in the Northern, NJ area)

•  For more information please contact us at info@wgfnj.org or visit https://www.wgfnj.org/careers