Executive Director

Executive Director
Waverly Community House | Waverly, Pennsylvania Reports to: Board of Trustees Status: Full-Time
Location: On-site, Waverly, PA
Mission
The Waverly Community House (The Comm) enhances the lives of individuals and families in the region by providing inclusive, high-impact educational, recreational, and cultural opportunities.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is the chief executive of the Waverly Community House, leading with clarity, vision, and purpose. This highly visible role works closely with the Board of Trustees to align all programs, partnerships, and community efforts with the mission and values of the organization.
The Executive Director guides a multidisciplinary team and drives advancement, program innovation, facilities management, and strategic growth initiatives to keep The Comm relevant, resilient, and thriving. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with strong operational expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record in nonprofit leadership and philanthropy.
Key Responsibilities
Visionary Leadership & Strategy
● Lead the development and execution of long-range strategic plans in partnership with the Board of Trustees.
● Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement across all organizational functions.
● Serve as the ambassador and public face of The Comm, cultivating a strong and positive institutional presence in the region.
Fundraising & Revenue Development
● Lead all philanthropic and fundraising efforts, including the Annual Sustaining Fund, capital campaigns, grants, sponsorships, and donor stewardship.
● Cultivate and sustain relationships with major donors, foundations, and business partners. ● Primary fundraiser with overall accountability and responsibility for developing fundraising strategy including campaigns, developing and maintaining strong ties with donors and prospects, and achieving fundraising targets.
● Partner with the Development Director to grow contributed and earned revenue streams.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
● Actively represent The Comm within the greater Northeastern PA region through public speaking, coalition-building, and civic participation.
● Strengthen collaborations with schools, nonprofits, municipalities, and business leaders to expand the organization’s impact and relevance.
● Engage and inspire volunteers, alumni, program participants, and community stakeholders.
Program Oversight & Innovation
● Ensure that all programs reflect the mission, meet evolving community needs, and maintain high standards of quality.
● Oversee planning, development, and assessment of all programmatic offerings, including Destination Freedom Underground Railroad, youth services, and signature events.
● Support staff and volunteer leaders in delivering effective, inclusive, and engaging experiences.
Organizational & Financial Management
● Oversee day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness across all departments.
● Develop and manage the annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
● Provide regular financial reporting and strategic forecasting to the Board.
● Ensure sound stewardship of endowment, capital reserves, and donor funds.
● Lead risk management planning and ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory standards.
Staff Leadership & Culture
● Recruit, manage, and develop a high-performing team of staff and contractors.
● Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture.
● Conduct performance evaluations, promote professional development, and ensure appropriate staffing and succession planning.
Facilities Oversight
● Provide leadership in maintaining and enhancing the historic Waverly Community House building and grounds.
● Plan capital improvements and manage vendor relationships for maintenance and renovations.
● Ensure that the facility is safe, welcoming, and aligned with programmatic needs and community use.
Qualifications
● Minimum of 8 years of experience in a nonprofit, foundation, cultural, or community-based organization.
● Demonstrated success in fundraising, board relations and community relationship management.
● Strategic thinker with strong operational and fiscal management skills.
● Outstanding communicator, storyteller, and public speaker with a deep understanding of community engagement.
● Proven ability to manage complex projects, supervise staff, and drive mission-centered innovation.
● Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, or related field required; advanced degree preferred.
Core Competencies
● Strategic Vision & Execution
● Fundraising & Donor Relations
● Community & Civic Engagement
● Organizational Leadership
● Financial Acumen
● Change Management
● Inclusive Leadership & Cultural Awareness
● Board Relations & Governance