Hiring Executive Director in Baltimore

Baltimore Homecoming is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 with the mission of reconnecting Baltimore alumni across the United States to drive positive, measurable impact in the communities that shaped them. With a network of more than 12,000 registered members spanning 35 U.S. states, we have already funded 27 community projects since our inception, including 42 college scholarships for Baltimore City high school graduates, a city-wide mentorship program pairing 320 alumni with local students, and small grants for neighborhood revitalization initiatives in 8 underserved Baltimore districts. Reporting directly to the board of directors, the Executive Director will lead the organization through its next phase of growth, scaling our reach and deepening our local impact while maintaining the grassroots, community-focused values that define our work.

The Executive Director is the senior leadership role of the organization, responsible for defining and implementing the overall strategy, overseeing daily operations, driving partnership development and fundraising, and representing Baltimore Homecoming to all stakeholders: alumni, local businesses, territorial authorities, foundations, and media. You will supervise a team of 3 full-time staff (programs manager, fundraising manager, communications and marketing officer) and coordinate the work of 5 regular volunteers, while working closely with a 12-member board of directors composed of business leaders, nonprofit professionals, and alumni community members.

Your core responsibilities will include:
1. Develop and deploy a 3-year strategic plan aligned with the organization's mission, with measurable objectives: 30% growth in active alumni membership by 2027, doubling annual fundraising revenue to reach $1.2 million by 2026, and launch of 3 new community impact programs benefiting at least 1,000 Baltimore residents per year.
2. Lead the organization's annual fundraising efforts, developing sustainable partnerships with 10 new national foundations and 15 Baltimore-based businesses by the end of the first year, managing relationships with 210 current donors to maintain a minimum 85% retention rate, and organizing 2 targeted alumni fundraising campaigns per year.
3. Oversee management of the $750,000 annual budget: collaborate with the board of directors to draft the annual budget, conduct monthly tracking of revenue and expenses, make in-year adjustments as needed, and produce transparent quarterly financial reports for all stakeholders.
4. Develop and animate a network of 15 regional alumni committees across the United States, organizing at least 2 networking events per year per region, and an annual large-scale event in Baltimore bringing together at least 500 participants, to strengthen member engagement and create local partnership opportunities.
5. Negotiate and implement strategic partnerships with key regional actors: Johns Hopkins University, University of Baltimore, Morgan State University, Baltimore territorial authorities, and local businesses, to develop community impact programs (scholarships, professional mentorship, urban revitalization initiatives) directly benefiting Baltimore residents.
6. Manage the regulatory compliance of the organization as a 501(c)(3) entity: file annual reports with the IRS, meet funder requirements, implement financial transparency procedures, and ensure adherence to nonprofit sector best practices.
7. Represent Baltimore Homecoming at public events, national conferences on community development, meetings with local elected officials, and media interviews, to increase the organization's visibility and strengthen its influence in support of the Baltimore community.
8. Implement program impact tracking and evaluation systems, collecting quantitative and qualitative data on beneficiaries, alumni feedback, and project outcomes, to produce quarterly impact reports for the board of directors and funding partners.

The work environment is hybrid: 3 days per week at the office located in the Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore, 2 days of remote work. The team is small, passionate, and collaborative, with no rigid hierarchy: we value autonomy, innovation, and concrete community engagement. You will work closely with alumni from all backgrounds, local entrepreneurs, and nonprofit professionals committed to Baltimore's future.

For this role, we are seeking a candidate with:
- A minimum of 7 years of experience in a senior leadership role at a nonprofit organization, with proven experience in fundraising, partnership development, and team management.
- Confirmed experience managing a budget of at least $500,000, and implementing long-term strategic plans with measurable objectives.
- Strong knowledge of regulations applicable to U.S. 501(c)(3) organizations; experience filing IRS reports is a major asset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to address diverse audiences: alumni, business leaders, elected officials, media, and community members.
- Experience negotiating strategic partnerships and managing relationships with varied stakeholders.
- Proficiency in project management tools (Asana, Trello), accounting software (QuickBooks), communication tools (Slack, Zoom), and fundraising platforms (Classy, DonorPerfect); experience with impact reporting tools like Tableau is a plus.
- Ideally, an existing network in the Baltimore region or among Baltimore alumni, as well as experience in community revitalization initiatives.

We offer a competitive compensation package aligned with nonprofit sector standards for senior leadership roles:
- Gross annual salary between $95,000 and $115,000, depending on experience and skills, with an annual review based on performance and achievement of strategic objectives.
- Included benefits: 80% coverage of health insurance premiums for the employee and their family, 15 paid vacation days per year plus 10 public holidays, 2 days of remote work per week, reimbursement of travel expenses for job-related professional events, an annual $2,000 professional development budget dedicated to nonprofit sector training, and a company car for local travel if needed.
- Beyond compensation, this role offers a unique opportunity to have a direct, measurable impact on the lives of thousands of Baltimore residents, work with a network of more than 12,000 passionate alumni across the country, and contribute to the revitalization of an iconic U.S. city.

This role also offers significant professional growth opportunities: Baltimore Homecoming is in full expansion, with plans to launch local chapters in 3 new cities by 2026. You will have the opportunity to develop innovative new programs, participate in national conferences on community development and fundraising, and take on increased responsibilities within the organization's board of directors.

Hiring process and next steps:
1. Candidates must submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their experience relevant to the role's responsibilities to [email protected] by October 15, 2024.
2. 30-minute phone screening interview with Vince Connelly, recruitment lead, during the week of October 21, 2024.
3. 1-hour interview with the selection committee composed of Baltimore Homecoming board of directors members during the week of October 28, 2024, including a 15-minute presentation of your vision for the organization's development.
4. 45-minute final interview with the full Baltimore Homecoming operational team during the week of November 4, 2024.
5. Final decision announced on November 11, 2024, with a desired start date of no later than December 2, 2024.
We encourage all candidates with nonprofit sector experience and an attachment to the Baltimore community to apply.