NEW YORK FAMILIES FOUNDATION

Title: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Location: Rochester, New York area

The organization strongly prefers a leader who resides in the Rochester area or is willing to relocate there. A transitional hybrid arrangement may be considered for a candidate planning an eventual move.

The role requires frequent travel throughout New York State, a regular presence in Albany during the legislative session, and occasional out-of-state travel. Evening and weekend responsibilities include church visits, speaking engagements, and donor events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Spiritual and Strategic Leadership

• Model a growing faith in Jesus Christ, and lead with integrity, humility, courage, and sound judgment.

• Translate the organization’s vision, mission, and platform into clear priorities, practical plans, and measurable outcomes.

• Keep the organization’s Christian identity central to its programs, communications, relationships, and decision-making.

• Monitor the political, cultural, and ministry landscapes and guide timely, thoughtful responses.
  

Board Partnership and Organizational Leadership

• Partner with the Board on strategic planning, governance, accountability, and leadership continuity.

• Recruit, develop, supervise, and support a mission-aligned staff.

• Build a healthy culture grounded in Christian character, collaboration, excellence, and clear expectations.

• Strengthen systems, technology, and operational practices to support sustainable growth.

• Oversee employees, contractors, and programs to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
  

Fundraising and Financial Stewardship

• Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy and personally cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships.

• Strengthen relationships with current supporters and broaden the organization’s financial base.

• Develop compelling opportunities for donors to invest in the ministry’s growth and its impact.

• Prepare an annual budget for Board approval and oversee financial performance.

• Maintain appropriate internal controls, responsible stewardship, legal compliance, and risk management practices.
  

Public Leadership and Relationships

• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson to churches, donors, policymakers, journalists, coalition partners, and the public.

• Teach, preach, and speak in churches, conferences, civic settings, media interviews, and other forums.

• Build relationships with pastors, ministry leaders, supporters, and allied organizations across New York and nationwide.

• Communicate biblical convictions with clarity, courage, grace, and respect.
  

Programs and Civic Engagement

• Guide educational, communications, grassroots engagement, and public policy initiatives consistent with the Foundation’s mission and tax-exempt purpose.

• Equip New Yorkers of faith to understand public policy and to participate effectively in government.

• Coordinate appropriately with New York Families Action while maintaining clear organizational responsibilities and boundaries.

• Undertake other responsibilities necessary to advance the mission.
  

QUALIFICATION & CANDIDATE PROFILE

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A personal, growing faith in Jesus Christ, consistent Christian character, and active participation in a local church.

• Full alignment with the Foundation’s vision, mission, doctrinal position, organizational platform, and its commitment to peaceful civic engagement.

• At least seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in nonprofit leadership, ministry, public policy, advocacy, government, or a related field.

• The ability to set priorities, translate strategy into action, manage competing demands, and lead through change.

• Success in building, managing, and developing teams.

• A strong record of fundraising, donor cultivation, relationship management, and revenue growth.

• Working knowledge of nonprofit governance, budgeting, financial oversight, compliance, and organizational risk management.

• A deep interest in New York government and in the issues central to the organization’s mission.

• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills.

• The ability to engage constructively with public officials, pastors, donors, reporters, and people with differing viewpoints.

• Humility, discretion, resilience, sound judgment, and composure under pressure.

• An entrepreneurial approach and a willingness to contribute directly to the work while building the team.

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent preparation is strongly preferred. Advanced study in nonprofit leadership, ministry, law, public policy, communications, or a related field is valued.

The Leader We Seek

The ideal candidate is Gospel-centered, relational, tenacious, and able to translate a compelling vision into practical execution. This leader cares deeply about people, earns trust, communicates effectively, and invites others to invest their time and resources in the mission.

Fundraising and relationship-building are especially important at this stage. The next Executive Director must be comfortable meeting with donors, soliciting financial support, speaking publicly, and securing the resources needed to hire and lead an effective team.

During the first 90 days, priorities will include listening to staff and Board members, meeting with key supporters and ministry partners, assessing organizational needs, and developing a focused plan for fundraising and staffing.

During the first year, success will include measurable progress in donor engagement and revenue growth, stronger operating systems, progress toward priority hires, and a growing public presence that builds confidence in the leadership transition.

A Calling to Lead

New York Families Foundation seeks a leader who believes that Christian engagement in government is a meaningful expression of faithful citizenship. For a leader called to equip believers, strengthen families, defend the vulnerable, and bring biblical truth into public life, this role offers the opportunity to build on decades of ministry and to shape its next chapter.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Salary: $100–125,000, commensurate with experience.

• Benefits: Flexible scheduling; health insurance contribution; paid time off and holidays; New York Paid Family Leave; retirement plan participation; and professional development opportunities.