Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director

Classification: Exempt

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Reports to: Board of Directors

Our Organization

Coastal BUDS believes that every individual has the right to be accepted in their community and have similar opportunities as that of their peers. Our mission is to support, connect and provide resources and opportunities for people with DS and their families in Southeastern North Carolina. By raising awareness and educating our community we help others include and clearly see the value of people with Down syndrome.

At Coastal BUDS we have three areas of focus: social and recreational opportunities, family support and education, and awareness and outreach.

Social and Recreational Opportunities: iCan Swim Camp (an adapted learn to swim camp), iCan Dance Camp, Down to Move, Next Chapter Book Clubs and Down to Cook (healthy life skills and meal prep).

Family Support & Education: This includes community with parent education, welcome bags for new parents, our lending library, workshops/support group, sending parents to conferences such as NC Down Syndrome Conference, DSAIA, NDSS Adult Summit, family picnics and events, benevolent funding and support for heart surgeries (through our High Hopes: Emerson High Heart Fund).

Awareness and Outreach: The Cape Fear Buddy Walk which takes place in the fall, is our largest fundraising event. By including businesses, sponsors, volunteers and our local media we educate the community, raise awareness and funds for our organization. Our community-wide World Down Syndrome Day event is held each March.

Coastal BUDS serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families in southeastern NC: New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus Counties.

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Coastal Bringing Up Down Syndrome of Southeastern NC, Inc. The Executive Director oversees the administration, programs, and strategic plan of the organization. This position serves as the key contact and community representative for the organization. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct operations of Coastal BUDS’s policies, procedures, and regulatory compliance.

Communicate the vision, mission, and core values of Coastal BUDS to the nonprofit community, to contributors, to governmental entities, and to the public at large.

Act as a positive force in the community consistent with the vision, mission, and core values of Coastal BUDS.

Communication

Serve as the primary point of contact for Coastal BUDS families, community partners, volunteers and media.

Manage Coastal BUDS communication channels, including newsletters, representation at community events, website, and social media.

Administration

Create and manage the annual budget.

Plan and attend all BOD and Executive Committee meetings and track the progress of Board Committees.

Oversee goal development, implementation, and follow-up of the Strategic Plan, as directed by the BOD.

Manage and/or perform all of the accounting for Coastal BUDS to include: Deposit all cash/check/venmo/mail collections at bank, pay all company expenditures, maintain supporting documentation for all expenditures, upload bank activity into QuickBooks weekly, assign G/L accounts to uploaded bank activity (deposits and payments), reconcile all bank and investment accounts, review reconciliations and expenditure support with the Treasurer monthly, prepare monthly financial statements, issue annual 1099 MISC forms to required vendors, file annual 1099 MISC report to Department of Treasury, issue annual W-2’s, and provide the CPA with annual financial statements for tax return/990 preparation.

Act as a liaison to regional and national Down syndrome organizations.

Program Management

Develop programs, services, and workshops that enhance the growth of the organization to meet the dynamic needs of the members it serves.

Oversee volunteer recruitment and training for all programs including Down to Cook, iCan Swim, iCan Bike, etc.

Manage part-time program coordinator and program-based contract employees.

Fund Development

Develop and diversify resources through fundraising and partnerships, including event planning, grant writing, donor gifts, and corporate sponsorships.

Ensure organization is in compliance with all current grants and reporting requirements.

Manage fundraising efforts and sponsorships for Cape Fear Buddy Walk.

Oversee donor stewardship efforts.

Event Management

Oversee all special events including World Down Syndrome Day Celebration and End of Year Celebration.

Serve as event manager for Cape Fear Buddy Walk and all other fundraising events.

Other

Manage all other assignments as directed by BOD.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience:

Nonprofit Management:

• Previous experience in a leadership role within a nonprofit organization, preferably in a similar capacity.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, compliance, and best practices.

Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate the organization's vision, mission, and core values to various stakeholders including families, community partners, volunteers, media, and governmental entities.

Financial Management:

• Experience in budget creation, financial management, and reporting.
• Familiarity with nonprofit financial procedures, including tax filing and oversight of bookkeeping.

Program Development and Management:

• Proven track record in developing and managing programs, services, and workshops.
• Experience in volunteer recruitment, training, and management.

Fundraising and Development:

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, including event planning, grant writing, donor cultivation, and corporate sponsorships.
• Familiarity with donor stewardship practices and grant reporting requirements.

Event Management:

• Experience in organizing and managing events, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Ability to oversee special events and fundraising activities, ensuring successful execution.

Leadership and Team Management:

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team effectively.
• Experience in working collaboratively with a Board of Directors and Board Committees.

Community Engagement:

• Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships within the community.
• Commitment to representing the organization positively and ethically in all interactions.

Passion for the Mission:

• Genuine passion for and commitment to the mission of Coastal Bringing Up Down Syndrome of Southeastern NC, Inc.
• Understanding of and/or experience with the Down syndrome or related special needs community preferred.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as nonprofit management, business administration, social work, or a related field. A master's degree is a plus but not required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Wilmington, NC 28401: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person