Executive Director

Friends of Karen

North Salem, NY

www.friendsofkaren.org

Friends of Karen is a lifeline of support for families in the New York Tri-State, providing emotional, financial, and advocacy support for families caring for a child with a life-threatening illness. Founded in 1978 after Sheila Petersen wanted to sustain her close friend’s daughter Karen MacInnes through devastating illness, the organization has grown to provide transformational and life-changing support for an average of 300 children and families per month, ensuring that families and children have what they need to cope, stabilize, and function.

Friends of Karen is at a critical moment in its history. After 17 years of sustained executive leadership, the organization seeks to continue to enhance its presence and impact, increase its programs and support services, and expand philanthropic funding.

Friends of Karen seeks a compassionate and mission-driven Executive Director. The successful Executive Director will partner with the Board of Directors and staff to design and lead the execution of a comprehensive multi-year strategic and operational plan for Friends of Karen, focused on fundraising, marketing, branding, programs, operations, governance, and facilities. The candidate will lead a well-functioning staff, bringing a creative and innovative approach to enrich the organization culture, elevate brand awareness, increase engagement, and inspire greater affinity and dedication to the mission.

Friends of Karen has retained Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC to facilitate this executive recruitment. Please send confidential inquiries and applications directly to Freeman Philanthropic Services, LLC via e-mail at FriendsofKaren@glfreeman.com.

The Executive Director will serve as Friends of Karen’s chief spokesperson, fundraiser, advocate, and administrator to donors, prospects, the media, and the general public. The ideal candidate will actively represent the organization in the community to present Friends of Karen’s work, impact, and achievements in order to increase visibility and credibility, inspire support, and promote public awareness. In parallel, the candidate will provide effective day-to-day management to ensure operations and long-term strategies are administered in a fiscally responsible and transparent manner.

The Executive Director will report to the President, Board of Directors and be accountable to the Board of Directors. S/he will lead a team of seven direct reports with oversight of 20 professionals in family support, finance and administration, philanthropy, grants management, marketing, database management, and special events. The Executive Director will lead the Senior Management Team, which is comprised of the Director of Family Support, Assistant Director of Family Support, Director of Finance and Administration, and Regional Director of Long Island/New York Metro Area. The successful candidate will partner with and engage the Standing Committees of the Board of Directors, which are the Executive, Governance, Finance, Audit, and Development and Marketing Committees of the Board.