Executive Director
A Better Chance of Andover · Andover, MA
Apply & track with Apply EdgeA Better Chance of AndoverExecutive Director Andover, Massachusetts | Full-Time | Mission-Driven LeadershipAbout A Better Chance of AndoverA Better Chance of Andover (ABC Andover) is a residential college preparatory scholarship program that opens doors to educational opportunity for academically talented young women from underrepresented communities. Since 1967, our Scholars have attended Andover High School while living together in the ABC House, supported by a dedicated residential team, academic advisors, host families, volunteers, alumni, and an engaged Board of Directors.Our mission is to reduce inequity in education by providing young people of color access to exceptional academic, leadership, and personal growth opportunities. More than 97% of our graduates earn four-year college degrees and go on to become leaders in their communities and professions.This is a program built on relationships -- between Scholars and staff, between the organization and the community, and between the mission and the people who carry it forward every day.About the RoleABC Andover seeks an experienced, collaborative, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter.The Executive Director is the senior leader of A Better Chance of Andover, responsible for the day-to-day life of the program, the long-term health of the organization, and the wellbeing of the Scholars at its center. This is a full-time, hands-on leadership role. The right candidate will be as comfortable sitting down to dinner with Scholars as they are presenting to major donors or managing a budget.Success in this role requires balancing strategic leadership with hands-on engagement -- building strong systems while maintaining meaningful presence in the daily life of the residential program.The Executive Director reports to the Governing Board Co-Chairs and directly supervises the Resident Director, Associate Resident Director, and House Cook.Core Areas of LeadershipLeadership and OperationsServe as the primary liaison to the Governing Board and lead the Operating BoardCollaborate with committee chairs across Academics, Admissions, Events, Development, Host Families, Communications, House Management, Scholar Life, and Technology -- providing direct support when committees need backup or as chair if unavailableDevelop organizational priorities, annual work plans, and measurable goalsPrepare board agendas, reports, dashboards, and supporting materialsDevelop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Treasurer and Finance CommitteeEnsure compliance with organizational policies, employment practices, grant requirements, and applicable lawsOversee technology, vendors, contracts, facilities, insurance, and organizational systemsCoordinate house operations and facilities in partnership with the Resident Director and House Management CommitteeImplement board-approved strategic initiativesResidential Program LeadershipMaintain a consistent and visible presence in the ABC House, approximately 20 hours per week during the academic yearHire, supervise, mentor, and evaluate the Resident Director, Associate Resident Director, Resident Mentor, and House CookEnsure the Resident Director is effectively managing the day-to-day residential program, including Scholar support, behavioral accountability, and residential operationsProvide coaching, guidance, and accountability to the Resident Director while stepping in directly when additional leadership or support is neededServe as a member of the Scholar Care TeamPartner with the Academic Chair to monitor Scholar progress and ensure appropriate academic support systems are in placeOversee admissions, enrollment, and transition planningEnsure residential policies, safety procedures, and emergency protocols are consistently followedFoster a residential culture centered on belonging, psychological safety, responsibility, leadership, and personal growthOversee Scholar family and Host Family relationships at the organizational level, in partnership with the Resident Director, ensuring families are informed, supported, and equipped to support ScholarsFundraising and Community EngagementDevelop and implement an annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Development CommitteeCultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, alumni, and community partnersLead grant strategy, writing, reporting, and stewardshipPartner with board members to identify and cultivate prospective donors and sponsorsSupport and participate in fundraising campaigns and special eventsRepresent ABC Andover positively throughout the community as the organization's primary ambassadorWork closely with the Communications Committee to ensure consistent messaging, marketing, and public relationsCommunity Partnership and CommunicationBuild strong partnerships with board members, committee chairs, volunteers, alumni, and the greater ABC communityFoster a culture of proactive, transparent, and timely communication throughout the organizationEnsure the Governing Board receives regular updates on organizational priorities, operational issues, fundraising progress, staffing, and Scholar-related mattersEscalate significant operational, residential, personnel, or Scholar issues promptlyEffectively recruit, engage, and utilize board members, committee members, volunteers, alumni, and Host FamiliesBuild an organizational culture of collaboration, accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvementQualifications10 or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a nonprofit, educational, residential, or other mission-driven organizationDemonstrated success supervising and developing staffExperience partnering effectively with a volunteer Board of DirectorsProven fundraising experience, including major gifts, grant writing, donor stewardship, and community partnershipsStrong financial management experience, including budgeting and organizational oversightExceptional project management and organizational skillsOutstanding written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsExperience working with youth, particularly in educational or residential settings, is strongly preferredBachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferredWhat Makes Someone Successful in This RoleBuild trusting relationships with Scholars, staff, families, volunteers, board members, donors, and community partnersLead through collaboration rather than individual executionCreate systems that improve communication, accountability, and organizational effectivenessDelegate appropriately while maintaining strong oversight and accountabilityCommunicate proactively, transparently, and consistentlyBalance the immediate needs of the residential program with the long-term growth of the organizationInspire confidence through sound judgment, follow-through, and integrityKeep the mission and the success of every Scholar at the center of every decisionExecution-focused and adaptable -- able to manage competing priorities, pivot when circumstances change, and still deliver results.Compensation and BenefitsSalary: $90,000 annuallyBenefits: Up to $600 per month toward a Massachusetts Health Connector health insurance plan, paid time off, and other benefits established by Board policySchedule: Full-time, exempt position with occasional evening and weekend responsibilitiesLocation: ABC House, Andover, Massachusetts.Work Arrangement: Hybrid. Approximately 50% (15-20 hours per week) on-site in Andover, MA during the academic year, preferably afternoons 2:30-5:30.Why Join ABC Andover?This is an opportunity to lead one of the nation's longest-running A Better Chance community school programs and make a lasting difference in the lives of exceptional young women.You will work alongside a dedicated Governing Board, an engaged community of volunteers, committed residential staff, and a network of alumni and supporters who believe deeply in the mission.This is not a desk job. It is a calling. If that resonates, we want to meet you.How to ApplyPlease apply by emailing the following materials directly to president@andoverabc.org:Cover letter describing your interest in A Better Chance of Andover and why you are a strong fit for this role.Resume.Applications submitted through LinkedIn's Easy Apply feature will not be considered. To be considered for this position, all application materials must be submitted directly by email.Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.A Better Chance of Andover is an equal opportunity organization. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the Scholars we serve. abcandover.org