Executive Director

We’re hiring our first Executive Director!

Amherst A Better Chance is seeking a mission-driven nonprofit leader to guide strategy, fundraising, and operations for a program that has supported academically talented young men of color since 1968.

Community-centered leadership

Fundraising & grant experience

Board partnership

Deep commitment to educational equity

Salary: $40K–$50K

Amherst, MA 

If this role excites you—even if you don’t meet every requirement—we encourage you to apply. Please submit a resume and cover letter to amherstabc.ed@gmail.com. Candidates will be considered until the position is filled. Cover letter should outline your experience with diverse populations, nonprofit boards and fundraising. 

Learn more: https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/

Executive Director Job Description

About Amherst ABC 

Amherst A Better Chance (ABC) is one of the Community School Programs within the national A Better Chance nonprofit organization. Since 1968, Amherst ABC has been helping academically talented BIPOC students gain educational equity by providing access to high-quality college preparatory education and extensive extracurricular, cultural and leadership opportunities. We provide a fully immersive educational and enrichment experience that empowers young men of color to pursue their academic dreams.

Our organization’s vision has been realized since its inception, with over 90% of our graduates earning a college degree from selective colleges. The Scholars live in a house in the local community and are supported by resident directors, tutors, academic advisors, college counselors, a host family, and a community of volunteers. They attend Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and graduate with an excellent college preparatory education, extracurricular accomplishments, and leadership experiences. They enter college prepared and emerge from college with the credentials, capacity, and confidence to pursue their professional goals.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate professional to serve as the first Executive Director of Amherst ABC. The position involves strategic, development, and operational responsibilities. The ED will lead the organization in key areas, report directly to the Board President, and work collaboratively with Board and Committee Chairs.

Key Lead Responsibilities 

• Propose approaches and strategies for on-going scholar recruitment 

• Facilitate staff recruitment and hiring

• Manage personnel, including resident staff 

• Effectively recruit, activate, and engage volunteers and other community support

• Oversee and manage the digital face and footprint of Amherst ABC to engage friends, potential scholars and their families and the community

• Lead grant application efforts: Identify, prioritize, and write grant applications to meet funding goals; manage grant reporting working with the finance team Serve as primary contact for operational communications (e.g., mail or emails sent to the organization, administrative communications from the school, community or ABC National)

• Maintain effective systems to track and evaluate program components so that progress is measured and impact communicated to the Board, funders, and other stakeholders. 

Key Collaborative Responsibilities 

• Provide input to budgets

• Work with the Residential Director, staff, and other key roles to ensure the program is delivered as defined and is consistent with the mission

• Advise the Board on the effectiveness of programs and opportunities for improvement

• Partner with key board members to develop an overall fundraising plan, provide input to revenue goals and support fundraising activities

• Work with the Board to build strategic relationships with potential sponsors, stakeholders, and major donors on behalf of ABC to expand ABC’s fundraising capacity

• Collaborate with Outreach Chair and committee members to plan and execute external communications, including website content and social media

• Along with the President, serve as one of the primary representatives of ABC in the community 

Qualifications 

• Five to seven years of relevant experience including working with diverse populations

• Experience as a non-profit Development Director, Executive Director, or equivalent role and direct experience in grant writing, fundraising, and operations is useful

• Past success working for and collaborating with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate board member relations and establish effective partnerships

• Experience directing and developing staff or team members 

• Strong skills in the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and ongoing stewardship of major individual donors and business partners

• Strong marketing, community relations, and fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures

• Experience using office software, communications and presentation tools, and donor, volunteer, and fundraising platforms

• Exceptional project management skills

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, with a strength in collaborative relationship building

• Action-oriented, adaptable and innovative

• Passionate about Amherst ABC’s mission 

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to a job unless they meet every single requirement. We are dedicated to being a diverse and inclusive organization, so if you are excited about this role but don’t align perfectly to every single aspect of the job description, we encourage you to submit your resume and cover letter.  

Salary range, based on experience: $40-50,000. 30-32 hours per week, including evenings and weekends. Flexible schedule, ability to work remotely on occasion. Must spend time in the Amherst A Better Chance house each week.

Website: https://www.amherstabetterchance.org/         

Amherst ABC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability, or any other classification protected by law.