Job Description

Barren Heights

Title: Executive Director

Mission:

Barren Heights mission is to love and encourage families. We do this primarily by providing free weekend retreats and community outreach events for families who have children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

Summary:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of Barren Heights, driving strategic vision, organizational growth, and operational excellence. This role ensures alignment with the mission and values of the organization, while advancing programs, financial sustainability, and community impact. The Executive Director acts as the primary ambassador of Barren Heights, cultivating partnerships that strengthen donor engagement, volunteer participation and the organizational reputation to the community we serve.

Reports to:

Board of Directors

Core Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership & Vision

Vision & Mission Stewardship

: Champion the mission and vision of Barren Heights, ensuring all initiatives reflect organizational values.

Strategic Planning & Execution

: Lead the development and execution of multi-year strategic plans, annual goals, translating vision into measurable outcomes.

Culture & Leadership Modeling

: Foster a collaborative, Christ-centered culture that models integrity, humility, accountability, and servant leadership.

Risk & Compliance Oversight

: Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and risk management standards, proactively mitigating organizational risks.

2. Board Partnership & Governance

Serve as strategic link between the Board and staff, providing timely financial, programmatic and risk updates to inform Board decision-making.

3. Operational and Financial Oversight

Lead and develop staff and volunteers, promoting accountability and professional growth. Ensure efficient office operations and administrative systems. Oversee financial management, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance with IRS/state requirements. Establish staff policies, role descriptions, and oversight systems.

4. Facilities & Site Management

Maintain safe, welcoming retreat facilities through proactive maintenance, upgrades, and capital improvements.

5. Fundraising & Sustainability

Drive fundraising strategy and oversight to diversify revenue streams through donors, foundations, grants, sponsorships, and events. Cultivate major gifts and steward donor relationships to sustain financial sustainability. Direct the planning and execution of the Gala and special fundraising events.

6. Programs & Community Engagement

Ensure high-quality program design, implementation, and continuous improvement. Build strategic partnerships with churches, businesses, and organizations to expand

volunteer recruitment, donor cultivation, and community engagement.

Represent Barren Heights at community forums and speaking engagements opportunities to strengthen visibility and influence.

7. Communications & Brand Strategy

Serve as chief storyteller, ensuring transparent and compelling messaging to donors, participants, and the public.

Qualifications & Experience

Committed follower of Jesus Christ aligned with the mission and Statement of Faith of Barren Heights. Proven ministry, corporate, or non-profit leadership experience with strategic vision and operational experience. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reconciliations, reporting, and internal controls. Experience managing P/L responsibilities with a minimum budget of $100K (preferred). Skilled in fundraising, donor relations, major gifts, and event planning (preferred). Experience in facilities oversight, operations, or property management is a strong asset. Highly organized and detail-oriented, capable of managing priorities and complex projects efficiently. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CRM/database systems, and digital communication tools.

Personal Attributes & Expectations

Demonstrates authentic Christian character, integrity, humility, and servant leadership in all aspects of life. Actively engaged in a local church and committed to spiritual growth and community. Leads with grace, resilience, and joy, reflecting a heart of service in every interaction. A strategic thinker and practical doer--able to cast vision while managing the details with excellence. Exceptional written and verbal communicator with the ability to inspire others and share the ministry's story with passion. Adaptable, resourceful, and solutions-oriented, maintaining positivity and creativity in challenging situations. Balances a "Martha/Mary" spirit * Deeply motivated by calling, purpose, and the opportunity to further God's Kingdom through the mission of Barren Heights.