Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) reports directly to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission, strategic goals, and financial objectives.

As the primary leader and ambassador, the ED will champion the organization’s vision, ensure the delivery of high-quality youth mentoring programs, and maintain compliance with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) Standards of Practice. This role requires a dynamic, mission-driven professional with proven expertise in team leadership, nonprofit management, fund development, financial stewardship, Board collaboration, and fostering an inclusive, high-performing team culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leverage our 2025-27 strategic plan – along with your well-earned insights – to oversee operations, adapt to the organization’s evolving needs, and drive our team forward to succeed.
• Work closely with our Board to not just provide regular updates but to seek guidance and leverage their expertise in growing the organization’s direction and mission.
• Work with the staff to build annual budgets and forecasts of incoming funding that you’ll present to the Board to keep us operating and growing amidst changing economic times. 
• Work with the Director of Development to create and refine fundraising strategies, identify, cultivate, and steward loyal relationships with major donors, and build a fund development plan, all while remaining open to new approaches that can help grow our efforts.
• Seek the counsel of the Board on areas where further need for staff development is needed and embrace the meaningful involvement of our Bigs and Littles in our culture. You’ll also develop an ongoing relationship with BBBSA, staying up to date on best practices and expanding your perspective on mentoring.
• Serve as an ambassador for Bigs and be capable of adapting your message to the members of our diverse community of stakeholders, whether you’re talking with someone new to our program, speaking with the parent of one of our Littles, or exchanging ideas with fellow Bigs leaders from across the country.
• Work with our staff to develop marketing and communications plans to attract and engage donors and volunteers, stay well aware of the experiences of the Littles we serve, and maintain friendly relationships with the media to keep them informed of our program offerings.
  
  

ROLES

Manager: To manage the affairs of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Michigan (Bigs) in accordance with the viewpoints, objectives, and policies of the Board of Directors; direct all activities of the organization; make certain that all responsibilities, authorities and relationships are understood and accepted; delegate appropriate responsibilities and authorities to the general staff, perform other such activities as required or directed by the Board of Directors; and assign members of his/her staff to special projects and activities as required.  

Advisor: To advise and assist the Board of Directors in the formulation of sound written objectives and policies; and to keep the Board adequately informed relative to progress, plans, programs and activities so they may determine adequacy, effectiveness, and conformity to written objectives, policies, and plans.  

Communicator: To promote among the public a sense of ownership and responsibility for the organization and to constantly increase the goodwill and acceptance of Bigs’ objectives and policies. 

Leader: To provide leadership and effective administration of a well planned and smoothly operating organization of adequately trained personnel.  

Advocate: To promote an understanding among the public of Bigs’ viewpoints, objectives and programs; and to promote mutual participation and support in relations with the general public, agencies, organizations, and groups. 

Planner: To plan and develop, with the assistance of staff, appropriate operating policies and procedures and make recommendations to the Board on any proposed policy change.  

RESPONSIBILITIES

Finance

• Ensure a strategic and comprehensive fund development plan that identifies prospective donors and enhances the short- and long-term diversified funding base for the organization.
• Ensure establishment of a diverse donor base of individual, corporate, foundation, and public segments.
• With Development staff, build loyal and long-term relationships with key donor segments based on mission, cultivation and stewardship, program outcomes, and sound fiscal management.
• Develop, with staff assistance, forecasts of incoming funding and general economic trends. Review and revise plans to keep system operation current with economic changes.
• Direct the planning, development, and preparation of the operating and capital budgets of the organization, review it with the staff and board committees, who recommend the budget to the Board of Directors.

• In line with Financial Policies and in collaboration with the Board, make sure the agency releases a request for proposals (RFP) for its annual financial audit at least once every three years.

• Develop, with assistance of the Board Finance Committee and staff, annual budgets and present them to the Board of Directors for approval.  

Operations

• Plan and develop, with assistance of staff, appropriate operating policies and  procedures and make recommendations to the Board of Directors on any proposed policy change.  
•  Develop, with assistance of staff and consultants, long-range studies, work plans, and financial forecasts, and make recommendations to the Board relative to capital requirements.
• Review, with the general staff, long- and short-range plans and forecasts in all key areas of operations and make appropriate recommendations to the Board of Directors.
• Direct the planning, development, and preparation of the annual work program and operating and capital budgets of the organization, review it with the general staff, and recommend the overall work plan and budget to the Board of Directors.  
• Utilize appropriate staff, fundraisers, accountants, engineers, and other professional people to advise in the effective formulation and interpretation of objectives and policies.  
• Implement the Board’s organizational plan to maximize utilization of manpower and service.  
• Review the standard rules and regulations and make recommendations when changes are indicated.  
• Secure, with aid of counsel and/or consultants, approvals, permits, and franchises as  may be required from any local, state, or federal agency.

Staffing and Salary Administration

• Administer the wage and salary plan for the general staff, providing advice and counsel to his/her staff on annual written performance appraisals and salary reviews.  
• Review overall programs periodically and recommend to the Board of Directors necessary revisions in salary and wage levels consistent with the approved wage and salary administration policy.  
• Approve the qualifications and standards for recruitment, transfer, and promotion of the general staff.  
• See that members of the general staff are thoroughly trained in accordance with the requirements of their respective positions. 
• Provide safe working conditions for employees to provide the opportunity for maximum employee creativeness, personal satisfaction, and sense of accomplishment. 
• Approve vacations, travel expenses, and advances for members of his/her staff. 
• Assign and approve staff attendance at technical and educational meetings.  
• Direct and supervise the work of staff and contractors or delegate this responsibility when appropriate.
• Evaluate the work of staff and consultants on a regularly scheduled basis.

Morale and Motivation

• Foster an inclusive team culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and able to contribute fully, protecting the collaborative spirit that makes our organization thrive.
• Lead with a strengths-based mindset, inviting staff to leverage their unique backgrounds and talents. Encourage open dialogue and genuine acceptance, recognizing that our differences fuel creativity and strong outcomes.
• Build and maintain a positive team atmosphere by delegating appropriately, recognizing individual and group achievements, providing thoughtful feedback, and supporting professional growth based on performance and passion.
• Promote professional growth by supporting staff as they pursue their interests, especially in leadership, so both current and future leaders have the tools they need to thrive and advance within the organization.

External Communications

• Ensure comprehensive marketing and partnership strategies to attract and engage donors, and attract, engage, and mobilize significant numbers of volunteer mentors reflecting the full diversity of the organization’s community.
• Develop, with the general staff, plans for achieving effective coordination among all employees and for the establishment and maintenance of communications programs which will assure the free flow of information among the children and the employees.
• Coordinate the development of an effective public relations program for employees, Board Members, Bigs, Littles, and the general public.  
• Establish and maintain contacts and relationships for the purpose of coordination and communication.
• Participate and serve in public and community organizations to develop increased understanding and support of the organization.
• BBBSA: Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences when considered beneficial for the organization. Consult with and exchange ideas relative to the organization’s operation.  
• Other BBBS organizations and mentoring associations: Render advice and counsel, exchange ideas and information, and participate in individual or group meetings.  
• News Media: Maintain close, friendly, cooperating relationships and keep them informed of the organization’s objectives and point of view, and work toward their understanding and support.  
• Professional Associations: Join and participate in organizations and associations where mutual benefits can be achieved.  

Internal Communications

• Board of Directors: Regularly report to the Board. Consult with regarding matters pertaining to major activities and developments; to advise and assist with respect to objectives, policies, plans, and specific functions of the Board; to obtain delegations; to inform Directors of major results and obtain their approval on such matters, assist the President to prepare the proposed agenda for Board of Directors' meetings.  
• Staff: Keep staff informed of significant developments affecting the organization; advise, consult, and assist staff as required.  
• Bigs and Littles: Promote a recognition and acceptance of ownership responsibility; create channels of communication to keep abreast of children’s reactions and satisfaction; keep volunteers informed about organization viewpoints, objectives, policies, developments, and activities.  
• Other Employees: Advise, when necessary, in the administration and interpretation of organization and employment practices, policies, and programs. 

Program

• Develop plans for an effective system of controls in all key performance areas, utilizing appropriate key indicators and control reports to evaluate the program.  
• Adhere to organization and national standards for service delivery with a priority on child safety.
• Ensure that the program provides trusted adult interaction for children through consistent personal relationships which encourage the development of the emotional, social, educational, and physical well being of the children. 

AUTHORITIES 

Representative: Represent the Board of Directors in any wage and benefit negotiations and develop policies designed to create and maintain amicable and effective labor relationships with staff and counsel. Represent the Agency in local, state, and national activities for the advancement of the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.  

Signatory: Sign and execute reports, contracts, and other legal documents on behalf of the organization within the limits and in accordance with the approved Board policy. Sign or countersign, as may be required, all checks and provide, by Board approval, an alternate to countersign in his/her absence. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A Bachelor’s degree in administration or non-profit leadership, such as Business Administration, Public Administration, Non-profit Management, or Human Resources. A master’s degree is a plus. 
• At least five to seven years of administrative, non-profit management, or supervisory experience with gradually increasing responsibilities is highly desirable. 
• Experience in successfully leading, hiring, and supporting a team of professionals as well as experience in supervising, planning, and developing work programs and budgets is ideal, all while reporting to a Board of Directors. 
• Must be able to speak effectively to varying groups to obtain both their understanding and support, including effectively communicating material of a highly technical nature orally and in writing. 
• Able to supervise a highly competent, professional staff and be prepared to both develop effective teamwork and counsel with them to encourage their growth and development. 
• Effective delegation is a must, as is an ability to plan and establish controls to determine if plans are being carried out. 
• Mature and of the highest integrity, with sound judgement and personal habits above reproach. 
• Can meet people easily, work with individuals of varying backgrounds, and be able to command their respect. 
• Skilled in initiating conversations and communicating, with a desire to get out into the community, engage regularly with stakeholders, and speak at events.

How to Apply

To Apply: Please click here to apply (preferred) or send your cover letter and resume to
info@solventgrp.com with the subject line: Bigs Executive Director Application. For questions, please contact Christie Perdue, Principal at The Solvent Group, at christie@solventgrp.com.