Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Directors

Hours: 40 hours per week/Full-time/Exempt

Work Location: Portland, Oregon. Virtual/Hybrid

Compensation: $110,000-$120,000 annually

Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, and more (see benefits details below)

About Us: 

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer (“Candlelighters”) was founded in 1977 by five families who had one thing in common: a child impacted by cancer. Since 1977, we have supported more than 100,000 families across Oregon and SW Washington through the lifelong cancer journey.

Our mission is two-fold: (1) to provide a close-knit community centered on healing and hope, and (2) to provide financial assistance to those families in need. From diagnosis through treatment and beyond, we offer programs such as emergency financial assistance, college scholarships, family camp, regular family activities, bereavement support, mentorship programs, and in-hospital meals. We ensure programming is always free to Candlelighters families.

About You:

It strikes you at your core to hear about children who have a cancer diagnosis. You recognize how challenging the process can be for the children and their families as they navigate the medical process and treatment. As an experienced nonprofit executive leading teams, you want to help identify ways to support families. You get energized from making an impact, running a small nonprofit, engaging in advocacy, increasing fundraising efforts, and implementing effective policies and systems that enable your team to thrive. You are able to collectively mobilize your community, funders, donors, staff, board and volunteers in meaningful ways to carry out your organization’s mission.

Position Overview: 

Candlelighters For Children With Cancer is seeking an experienced Executive Director to lead our organization. Candlelighters is currently positioned for significant financial growth.  With that in mind, this position is crucial in helping us create a strong foundation and roadmap for the development and implementation of an updated fundraising and strategic plan.

Overall, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of Candlelighters’ staff, programs, and the execution of its mission. Other key duties include developing and implementing a fundraising strategy, financial management, Board of Director (“Board”) collaboration & partnership, community outreach, and staff mentorship.

The ED will supervise four (4) positions and work collaboratively with the: Director of Marketing & Communications; Director of Development/ Development Staff Position (vacant), Programs Coordinator, and Community Engagement Coordinator.

Key Responsibilities:

Organizational Leadership & Operations 

• Lead, mentor, and develop our growing staff in a collaborative environment to build and implement a common understanding of Candlelighters’ role in the community.
• Oversee daily operations and decision-making for all internal operations, policies, and structure to ensure organizational compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations (i.e., taxes, registrations, insurance, etc.).
• Manage HR policies and regulations in support of ongoing staff development, performance. management, and fair compensation and benefits to cultivate and retain a talented workforce.
• Ensure effective systems and technology/software are in place to execute the strategic plan (will be developed with the Executive Director), as well as, the long-term success of programs.

Community Relations & Fundraising 

• Develop, refine, and lead Candlelighter’s fundraising strategy in collaboration with the development staff — leveraging the Board and other volunteers as appropriate.
• Serve as Candlelighters’ spokesperson publicly at events, conferences, and partnership meetings to increase awareness and advance mission.
• Cultivate, maintain and deepen relationships with individual, foundation, and corporate supporters to ensure a sustainable financial base.
• Oversee external communications to ensure our messaging is in alignment with our mission and vision.
• Carry and expand a portfolio of individual and major donors, partners, and foundation relationships to meet our budgeted long-term stewardship goals, in collaboration with the development staff — leveraging the Board and other volunteers as appropriate.
• Engage the Candlelighters’ community to strengthen current and future connections.

Board Governance

• Develop a strategic plan and ensure its effective implementation in alignment with Candlelighters’ mission.
• Communicate regularly and effectively with the Board as needed to ensure the Board’s ability make informed decisions in a timely and accurate manner.
• Establish and maintain a strong working relationship and partnership with the Board.
• Help facilitate (in collaboration with the Board) and attend Board meetings, support Board education, and assist in Board recruitment.

Fiscal & Financial Management

• Responsible for the fiscal integrity of the organization in conjunction with the Board.
• Lead and ensure the organization’s financial stability and sustainability by maintaining healthy decision-making, cash flow, adequate reserves, and policies.
• Build and administer the annual budget, with Board approval.
• Manage daily financial operations to ensure maximum utilization of resources and optimum financial positioning for the organization.
• Manage and monitor financial performance, prepare financial reports, and provide regular updates to the Board and staff.
• Oversee and work with contracted bookkeeper to maintain accurate financial records.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years experience in nonprofit leadership responsible for operations and team development.
• 4+ years experience in fundraising execution with individual gifts, partnerships and funders.
• 3+ years experience with financial oversight, budget preparation, analysis, decision making and reporting.
• Experience developing and implementing a successful strategic plan that enables sustainable maturation and growth of the organization.
• Track record of effectively working with boards and staff to lead an outcomes-based organization.
• Established record of collaboration and building effective relationships with a Board of Directors, staff, and community stakeholders.

Additional Desired Skills & Abilities:

• Passionate about Candlelighters’ mission
• Familiarity with navigating organizations and people through theory of change principles
• Experience with quality programs and data-driven program evaluation
• Experience with data management, including CRM tools (for marketing, fundraising, and program evaluation).
• Proficient use of Office 365 and Google systems, and experience with Quickbooks a plus
• Experience with Hubspot preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

• Work is hybrid and virtual in Portland, Oregon.
• Periodic local/regional travel is required. Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle/reliable transportation.
• Frequent use of keyboard, 2 monitors, mouse, telephone and/or headset.
• Employer provided equipment: laptop and monitor.
• Pass a criminal background check.

Benefits:  

• Hybrid work schedule
• 75% Employer Paid Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance (for employee)
• IRA Retirement account with up to 3% employer match
• 168 hours PTO after 60 days and 12 paid holidays
• Bereavement and Health leave
• Jury duty pay

Nonprofit Professionals Now (“NPN”) is pleased to work with Candlelighters For Children With Cancer in the effort to fill the vital role of Executive Director.  All applications must contain a resume and cover letter.  Once materials are submitted, NPN staff will review as part of the hiring process.

Application Deadline:  April 23, 2024

Application Portal: https://bit.ly/CandlelightersED

Candlelighters provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender expression and identification, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, age, amnesty, or status as covered veteran or any other classification protected by federal, state, and local laws.