Executive Director

Position Overview:

• Location: Dedham, MA (onsite)
• Employment: Full-time, including occasional nights and weekends for community events
• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Salary Range: $130,000-$150,000 with a competitive benefits package

About Dedham Community House:

The Dedham Community House (DCH), a nonprofit community organization founded in 1922, serves thousands of people each year from Dedham and many surrounding communities. DCH operates a highly regarded preschool, a popular summer camp, a variety of recreational and enrichment programs for all ages, an outdoor summer pool, and multiple seasonal community events on its 7 1⁄2 acre campus in the heart of Dedham. 

• Our Mission: DCH is dedicated to promoting educational, recreational, and civic interests to enhance the lives of all residents of Dedham and neighboring towns through innovative programs, community leadership and the preservation of its historic campus.
• Our Vision: DCH will be a vibrant focal point, leader, and facilitator of all that fosters a sense of community in Dedham and its surrounding towns – offering programs that deepen the bonds of community in our town, nurturing collaboration, preserving and enhancing the campus, ensuring access for all, and building the financial resources to prosper for generations.

The Opportunity:

We seek a visionary Executive Director who sees DCH not just as an organization, but as the cornerstone of community life in Dedham. This leader will have or build a deep appreciation for our town's character, an understanding of our residents' evolving needs, and the executive acumen to position DCH as an even more vital community resource.

The ideal candidate will be energized by the prospect of leading an organization where youth development, family programming, and community gathering intersect to create meaningful impact in people's daily lives.

PRIMARY STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

Strengthen DCH’s Role as a Community Hub 

• Expand DCH's role as a welcoming, go-to destination for community connection and civic engagement.
• Foster community partnerships that build on DCH's central role in Dedham life and strengthen its ties across the community.
• Bring DCH into the everyday lives of Dedham residents through programs, events, and collaborations.

Expand and Diversify Programming

• Assess, evaluate, and enhance existing programs to ensure they effectively meet the evolving needs of the Dedham community and align with DCH’s mission.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen and expand program offerings, fostering accessibility, quality, and community engagement that meet the needs of multiple age groups.

Strategic Vision

• Develop and launch a refreshed organizational vision and strategic plan.

Diversify and Grow Revenue Streams

• Strengthen and diversify revenue streams, including a capital campaign, fundraising, and earned revenue growth.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Vision & Strategic Leadership

• Articulate and execute a compelling vision for DCH as Dedham's premier community hub
• Lead strategic planning process with board, staff, and community input
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand DCH's community impact
• Champion innovative programming that meets evolving demographic and social needs
• Serve as DCH's primary spokesperson, representative, and community advocate

Revenue Development & Sustainability

• Design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting $500,000 annually
• Cultivate major gift prospects and coordinate board member involvement in fundraising
• Pursue grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government sources
• Develop new earned revenue streams while maintaining program accessibility, including managing rental of the facility to generate additional revenue 
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning related to both earned and contributed revenue streams
• Lead capital campaign planning and execution for facility and endowment needs

Operational Excellence & Team Leadership

• Provide inspirational leadership to a staff of 25 full-time and seasonal employees, including 5 direct reports
• Ensure delivery of high-quality, safe programming across all DCH offerings
• Maintain fiscal responsibility including annual budget of $3M
• Oversee facility management and improvements on historic campus
• Implement systems for program evaluation, impact measurement, and continuous improvement

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with town officials, local organizations (including other non-profits), key stakeholders, and families, fostering partnerships that enhance programming and community connections
• Represent DCH at community events and serve on relevant boards/committees
• Engage with families and staff on campus during preschool and camp drop-off/pick-up and other on-site events
• Oversee DCH’s presence on social media and in local media to promote the mission, providing strategy and guidance rather than day-to-day posting
• Ensure DCH programming reflects and serves Dedham's diverse community with a culture of inclusion

Board Relations & Governance

• Staff board meetings and support effective board governance
• Collaborate with board on strategic direction and policy development
• Support board development, recruitment, and engagement activities
• Provide regular reporting on organizational performance and community impact

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred Experience

• 7 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit, community organization, or mission-driven entity
• 5 years of fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, grants, and campaigns
• Proven track record of scaling organizations and managing budgets of $3M
• Progressive leadership experience in management roles. Proven track record of managing other managers or large teams

Essential Competencies

• Deep Community Connection: Brings or is willing to cultivate a genuine passion for Dedham while demonstrating an understanding of community dynamics
• Visionary Leadership: Ability to articulate compelling future for community-centered organization
• Fundraising Excellence: Proven success cultivating donors, securing grants, and leading capital initiatives
• Operational Expertise: Strong financial management, strategic planning, and program oversight skills
• Relationship Builder: Natural connector who builds trust across diverse stakeholder groups
• Cultural Champion: Commitment to inclusive, welcoming environment for all community members

Personal Qualities

• Servant Leader: Approaches leadership as service to community and mission
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Comfortable with innovation and calculated risk-taking
• Authentic Communicator: Excellent written and verbal communication across all audiences
• Collaborative Approach: Values input from staff, board, and community in decision-making
• Resilience and Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic environment with multiple priorities
• Integrity and Transparency: Models ethical leadership and builds organizational trust

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary: $130,000-$150,000, commensurate with experience

Benefits Package: Health/dental/vision insurance, retirement plan contribution, professional development allowance, flexible PTO, and other competitive benefits

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

DCH is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where diversity of identity, experience, and perspective are welcomed and valued. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities underrepresented in nonprofit leadership.

All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, performance, and alignment with our mission and values.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume via our website at https://www.dchma.org/executive-director 

Cover Letter Guidance: Please address:

1. What draws you to Dedham Community House and its mission, and how do you see yourself contributing to DCH’s role as a community hub?
2. How would you describe your leadership style, and how have you successfully guided teams or organizations through growth, change, or challenges?
3. Provide examples of your experience managing budgets, fundraising, developing resources, or strengthening programs to meet community needs.
4. Why does this opportunity align with your career goals and values?

This position description represents the general nature and level of work expected. Duties may evolve as organizational and community needs change.