ABOUT QL PLUS AND WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR MISSION

Since 2009, the QL Plus Program has connected America’s most innovative, engineering-based university students with injured veterans and first responders to create life-changing assistive technologies. These patriots, who have sacrificed so much for their country, often face disabilities that alter their way of life and limit their ability to enjoy the activities they once loved. QL Plus provides innovative solutions — at no cost to the recipients — that enhance mobility, independence, and access to both recreational activities and daily well-being.

As Executive Director, you will play a vital role in advancing this mission, driving innovation, building impactful partnerships, raising critical funds, and shaping the future of QL Plus. If you are a strategic thinker, inspiring leader, and passionate advocate for meaningful change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact and give back to those who have given so much.

THE OPPORTUNITY

In this pivotal role, you will spearhead its growth, innovation, fundraising, and mission impact. Under the guidance of the Board of Directors, you will provide strategic leadership, ensure financial and operational excellence, and oversee all programs, projects, and administrative functions.

With an annual budget exceeding $850,000 and a committed team of five staff members, QL Plus partners with trusted third-party providers for specialized functions such as accounting, communications, grant writing, and human resources. The organization’s diverse funding model — encompassing individual donations, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and investment income — provides the financial foundation for sustained growth and impact.

Core Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Leadership: Collaborate with both staff and the Board of Directors to develop and implement long-term strategies and programs that align with QL Plus’ mission and values. Inspire the team and stakeholders to achieve ambitious goals.
• Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with donors, grant makers, sponsors, higher educational institutions, and partners. Lead fundraising initiatives to secure resources needed to drive the organization’s mission forward.
• Operational Oversight: Oversee financial sustainability, transparency, and compliance while ensuring effective operations and program delivery.
• Team Leadership: Foster and support a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture by empowering staff and partners to deliver excellence across all organizational functions.

The ideal candidate will have the following strengths:  

• Proven Leadership Experience, with at least eight years executive leadership experience in a nonprofit association. Candidates with military or first responder backgrounds will bring a valuable perspective and are highly encouraged to apply.
• Demonstrate a strong, verifiable track record of success in fundraising, and demonstrate expertise in donor cultivation, grant writing, corporate sponsorships, and stewardship strategies. Skilled at building and maintaining relationships to secure sustainable funding and advance organizational missions.
• Represent compassion for military service members, veterans, and first responders with disabilities, possessing a genuine commitment to the organization's mission and goals.
• Hold a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as STEM, marketing, sales, physical therapy, occupational therapy, or a closely related discipline, or possess equivalent professional experience. Advanced degrees or certifications in these fields will be considered a plus.
• Possess exceptional communication skills with the ability to effectively engage, inspire, and collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders, including board members, donors, employees, university professors, and students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE:

• Lead and manage QL Plus staff, overseeing fundraising, hiring, supervision, compensation, and performance with a remote team across multiple locations.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with QL Plus partner universities and faculty advisors.
• Oversee consultants and contractors, including legal, financial, and fundraising professionals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Serve as the authorized signatory for all QL Plus contracts.
• Develop and present the annual budget for Board approval; monitor financial performance;, and address variances proactively.
• Maintain and update the Employee Handbook to ensure compliance with nonprofit HR standards.
• Ensure effective financial management and compliance with internal controls.
• Oversee fiscal integrity and governance for all QL Plus projects.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including kindred organizations, higher education, public service groups, vendors, and media, to advance QL Plus's mission.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

As Executive Director, you will receive a competitive compensation and benefits package, including a salary ranging between $115,000 -125,000, 100% employer-paid health insurance, 15 days of paid time off (PTO), participation in a 401(k) plan, and life insurance.                

This full-time, remote role offers the flexibility to work from any location; however, candidates residing in the Washington, D.C. area are strongly preferred to optimize proximity to key stakeholders and events.

This role includes approximately 20% travel, offering exciting opportunities to build relationships with donors, forge partnerships with corporate collaborators, and participate in events and meetings that drive the mission of QL Plus forward.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you are qualified for this opportunity, please provide a cover letter addressing your qualifications to meet the responsibilities and expectations for this position and salary expectations, and a resume of no more than two pages electronically to danybourjollysmith@asaecenter.org with a subject line of QL Plus Executive Director by February 12, 2025.

QL Plus is an equal opportunity employer which does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran’s status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

About QL Plus Program

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