What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Willow Rising inc.?
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
- Reports to: Board of Directors
- Supervises: Operations Director
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Position Type: Full-Time Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of Willow Rising, providing visionary, strategic, and financial leadership to advance the organization’s mission of supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and related harm. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED ensures long-term sustainability, strong governance, effective fundraising, and meaningful community partnerships. The ED provides executive oversight while delegating day-to-day operations and program management to the Operations Director. The Executive Director is not a primary direct-service provider but maintains working knowledge of advocacy services and serves as an escalation point during organizational or community crises.
Core Responsibilities
1. Governance, Strategy & Organizational Leadership (35%)
- Serve as chief executive and primary spokesperson for Willow Rising
- Partner with the Board of Directors on strategic planning and organizational direction
- Support effective board governance, development, and accountability
- Ensure mission alignment, ethical leadership, and organizational integrity
- Represent Willow Rising in high-level community, systems, and coalition work
- Monitor organizational performance and adjust strategy as needed
2. Financial Leadership & Sustainability (30%)
- Provide fiduciary oversight of the organization’s financial health
- Review and approve all invoices and expenditures
- Lead annual budget development in partnership with the Operations Director and Board
- Oversee financial reporting, audits, and compliance
- Ensure strong internal controls and separation of duties
- Lead long-term financial planning and sustainability efforts
3. Fundraising, Development & External Relations (25%)
- Lead organizational fundraising strategy
- Cultivate relationships with major donors, foundations, and funding partners
- Provide executive oversight of grant strategy and proposal development
- Serve as lead representative for fundraising events and donor engagement
- Strengthen community partnerships and visibility across the service area
4. Executive Oversight & Risk Management (10%)
- Supervise and support the Operations Director
- Provide executive oversight of compliance, contracts, and risk management
- Serve as escalation point for high-risk or complex organizational matters
- Ensure policies support a trauma-informed, equitable workplace culture
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, human services, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- 5 years of nonprofit leadership experience
- Demonstrated success in fundraising and financial oversight
- Strong governance, communication, and leadership skills
- Commitment to survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and equitable practice
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and ethical boundaries
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within service area
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in domestic violence or sexual assault services
- Knowledge of Nebraska victim services systems
- Grant strategy and compliance experience
- Lived experience valued and welcomed
- Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $60,000 - $70,000