Executive Director

Job Description Description:About the OrganizationFounded in 1933, Mental Health America (MHA) of Central Carolinas' mission is to advance mental wellness through education, advocacy, and access to support. MHA provides family support services to parents of children with behavioral, emotional or mental health needs; social programming for adults living with mental health challenges; free counseling for those who can't afford it; and mental health education and preventative trainings to the broader community. MHA's programs bring together mental health consumers, parents, advocates and service providers to address systemic issues impacting mental health.Position SummaryThe Executive Director serves as the organization's chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for organizational performance, financial sustainability, board partnership, fundraising leadership, and community impact.Consistent with nonprofit ED benchmarks, this role requires:High-level strategic thinking paired with hands-on leadershipStrong board governance partnershipDirect involvement in fundraising and external relationsOversight of a professional staff and organizational systemsAccountability for financial health and mission outcomesThe Executive Director is both a visionary leader and an operational steward, ensuring the organization remains effective, compliant, and responsive to community needs.Requirements:Primary ResponsibilitiesExecutive & Strategic LeadershipProvide overall leadership and direction to advance MHA's mission, vision, values, and strategic prioritiesPartner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, accountability, and organizational effectivenessLead the development, execution, and ongoing evaluation of organizational strategy and goalsAnticipate and respond to emerging opportunities and challenges to strengthen impact and sustainabilityServe as a visible, credible, and trusted representative of MHA within the communityAdvancement & Resource DevelopmentLead the organization's fundraising and revenue-generation efforts, including individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and special eventsBuild and sustain strong relationships with donors, funders, and community stakeholdersCollaborate with the Board and Development staff to set and achieve fundraising goalsEnsure timely, accurate reporting, compliance, and stewardship related to all funding sourcesOperational & People Leadership·Provide oversight of all organizational operations, programs, and administrative functionsSupervise, mentor, and develop senior leadership and staff to support performance and growthFoster a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture aligned with MHA's valuesEnsure program quality, effectiveness, and continuous improvementImplement systems and processes that promote efficiency, accountability, and sustainabilityFinancial StewardshipOversee the organization's financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reportingPartner with the Board and staff to ensure fiscal responsibility and long-term financial sustainabilityMonitor financial performance, manage risk, and ensure appropriate internal controlsGuide strategic financial planning and responsible resource allocationCommunity Engagement & External RelationsServe as the organization's primary spokesperson, as appropriateBuild and maintain strategic relationships with community partners, public agencies, and nonprofit collaboratorsSupport and advance advocacy efforts aligned with MHA's mission and strategic prioritiesRepresent MHA in local, regional, and statewide forums to elevate visibility and impactQualificationsBachelor's degree required in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, public policy, or social services preferredMinimum of ten (10) years of senior management or executive-level experienceProven leadership experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organization, Nonprofit leadership experience strongly preferredStrong operational, financial, and people-management skillsExperience in fundraising, donor relations, or external partnershipsAbility to lead during times of transition with clarity, calm, and collaborationExcellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skillsWhat We OfferCompensation commensurate with experience and education, based on revenue projections.Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, and STD insurance, employee assistance planPaid holidays, including two company-wide mental health days annually401(k) eligibility after 12 monthsProfessional development opportunitiesMileage reimbursementSupportive, mission-driven workplaceOpportunity to make a lasting impact on families and systems in our communityWorking Conditions / Physical RequirementsOccasional lifting (up to 30 lbs.), light travel, and hybrid office/remote work environment.Requires sitting, standing, stretching, data entry, virtual meeting facilitation, and in-person engagement.Comfortable working flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.MHA operates offices in multiple counties; thus all employees are required to travel for meetings, events, etc. Some destinations may be at least 20 miles apart.