Description

Executive Director, Cole Resource Center (CRC) 

The Executive Director will lead an established and growing organization providing free custom non-clinical services to people facing mental health challenges. The Director serves in a key role, leading CRC’s fundraising efforts and overseeing program management. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. 

About the Cole Resource Center 

Cole Resource Center (CRC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering free custom non-clinical support to individuals living with mental health conditions and their families, friends, and allies. Since its founding in 1993, CRC has provided knowledgeable and compassionate guidance for those facing mental health challenges. CRC staff offer clients the uniquely effective voices of those with both expertise and lived experience. They know that recovery from mental illness is achievable and that education, community, and open conversation are powerful in promoting resilience. 

In 2026, CRC is entering an ambitious phase of strategic growth to extend its impact. The new paid Director will champion and guide the organization’s next phase, replacing volunteer leadership.  Over the past five years, the organization has strengthened its operations and built a healthy cash reserve as a foundation for expansion.

CRC has three signature programs: 

1. Workforce Program: Offers tailored job-hunting and career support to individuals living with mental health conditions, addressing challenges such as re-entry to the workforce, career changes, or managing mental health at work. Services are delivered by peers who bring both professional coaching skills and lived experience. 

2. Resource Navigation: Provides timely custom referrals to relevant and accessible mental health resources. 

3. Support Groups: Led by trained facilitators, CRC support groups provide safe spaces for people to share experiences and support one another. 

Position Description 

The Executive Director will manage the current staff of five part-time paid staff and three part-time volunteers. Responsibilities include fundraising, program management and Board relations. Fundraising in recent years has been successful in building the operating reserve through individual giving and grants from several local foundations. Program management has focused on streamlining systems and processes to support growth. Over two years, the Workforce Program has more than doubled the number of clients it has served. An outstanding Board composed of leaders with mental health, business, entrepreneurship and non-profit experience is in place.  All have passion for improving the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges as well as their families and friends.

Development Responsibilities 

Design and implement a three-year fundraising plan to support planned growth. 

Align fundraising efforts with mission and programs to promote engagement. Create and manage donor appeals and campaigns. 

Identify, cultivate, and steward major donors. 

Manage grant applications, reporting, and relationships with funders. 

Administer donor database, ensuring timely gift recording and effective donor communication. Provide regular fundraising reports to the Board. 

Program Responsibilities 

Lead the strategy and implementation for the Workforce Program. 

Oversee staff recruitment, contracts, training, and evaluation. 

Ensure the continued development of program policies, procedures, and processes to ensure consistency and effectiveness. 

Track and report program metrics, including client feedback and impact analysis. 

Build and maintain partnerships with organizations that share similar goals and values.

Partner with CRC’s Director of Resource Navigation and Support Groups to oversee services and support volunteer teams. 

Compensation and position details 

This is a full-time position. Salary $90K-$110K annually, commensurate with experience. Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time. Employer contribution to health insurance coverage. Work is primarily virtual, with required occasional in-person meetings with the Board, staff, clients, and external partners in the Greater Boston area. Cole Resource Center does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability in consideration of employment or access to its programs or activities.

Requirements

Required Qualifications 

Commitment to CRC’s mission and values. 

Professional experience including supervisory and leadership roles in growing organization(s) dependent on raising funds to sustain progress.

Well-organized and flexible, with strong time-management skills, and the ability to set priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and meet deadlines. 

Excellent interpersonal skills for working with people living with mental health challenges. Compassionate, confidential, and able to manage difficult conversations.

Experience creating effective fundraising communications and stewarding donors. 

Proficiency in business software, data analysis, and virtual meeting platforms. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience working with volunteers and part-time staff.

Familiarity with Massachusetts/Boston-area funding resources.

A network of connections in aligned nonprofits. 

Commitment to increasing knowledge through partnerships and resource sharing.