Executive Director - Mercy Connections

Client: Mercy Connections

Position: Executive Director

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Website: https://mercyconnections.org/

Location: Burlington, VT. 

Salary: $115,000 – $130,000/year, depending on experience, with generous benefits

Position Type: Full-time, Exempt

About Mercy Connections

Mercy Connections is an educational and social service organization dedicated to serving adults.  Founded in 2001, Mercy Connections has solid financial footing, a well-developed team, and an increasing number of participants.  The organization empowers people to make significant life changes through education, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and community.  Programs, classes, and resources support individuals striving for a better life. Participants include justice-involved women and underrepresented groups in the Vermont economy, refugees, immigrants, and migrants, as well as individuals facing poverty, disenfranchisement, and social isolation.

Programs aim to improve well-being, academics, provide basic education and literacy, and prepare program participants for job readiness, business ownership, leadership roles, and U.S. citizenship.  Vermont’s economy is stronger because of new businesses started by Mercy Connections’ graduates.  In addition, the organization fosters a sense of community and fellowship, embracing a culture of genuine and inclusive hospitality where everyone is welcome to join our programs and community events.

The Role

The Executive Director is the key management leader of Mercy Connections who will be instrumental in expanding opportunity, diversifying funding resources, increasing influence and impact in the community, and building an institution where people genuinely feel welcomed and understood.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and carries out the mission and purpose of Mercy Connections. This position directly supervises Program Directors, Director of Development, Director of Communications, Director of Finance & Operations, andAdministrative Coordinator

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation of the organization to include, but not be limited to the following areas: mission fulfillment; resource development and communications; operational, strategic planning & evaluation; fiscal, program and personnel management. This is accomplished in a manner consistent with the mission of Mercy Connections and the Sisters of Mercy. The Executive Director shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

• Grows Mercy Connections’ impact by expanding opportunity, diversifying funding resources, strengthening community influence, and building an institution where people genuinely feel welcomed and understood.

• Serves as chief advisor/support to the Board of Trustees and all Board committees.
• Communicates effectively with the Board and provides timely, accurate information necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions.
• Carries out all policies and plans executed and/or approved by the Board of Trustees.
• Develops/proposes and administers annual budget for review and approval by the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees and ensures that funds are expended to the best advantage of the organization and mission.
• Develops and oversees an institutional philanthropy strategy that is tied to systemic change, measurable outcomes, and/or other initiatives. Builds consistent and reliable revenue streams.
• Develops and oversees a public funding strategy for initiatives that align with workforce development, community health, economic mobility, and other public priorities.
• Enhances Mercy Connections’ image and programs by being active and visible in the community and developing relationships with state and federal policymakers.
• Expands programming while also strategically reinvesting resources into high-demand programs. Ensures program alignment with community and market needs.
• Develops and monitors strategic plans with a focus on growth and sustainability that aligns with the purpose of the organization and community needs.
• Oversees and manages personnel functions: recruitment, selection, orientation, supervision, support & inspiration, evaluation and termination. Responsible for hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.
• Approves and submits special reports as required or requested by Board, funding sources and regulatory entities.
• Fosters an ongoing relationship with the Northeast Sisters of Mercy and various Sisters of Mercy offices.
• Facilitates, approves and ensures compliance for all business agreements, contracts and MOUs with collaborating partners and organizations.
• Represents the organization in a manner that inspires public confidence, models Mercy

Desired Outcomes:

• Supports participants towards self-sufficiency and positive life changes

• Inspired Board/Staff/Volunteers resulting in maximum productivity & stewardship
• Financial health and resources to fulfill and sustain mission
• Public confidence, respect and support
• Program and participant progress and results
• Mercy Connections is seen as a valuable, viable community resource and leading organization
• Expand opportunity, diversify funding resources, increase impact in the community, and build an institution where people genuinely feel welcomed and understood.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and Master’s degree preferred in relevant field

• Significant leadership experience in successful, mission driven nonprofit business
• Excellent communication skills and ability to inspire public confidence and support
• Computer literacy and technological competency and savvy
• Respect /familiarity/sensitivity for  mission, values and culture of the Sisters of Mercy
• Sound maturity, good judgment, strong ethical standards, transparent & high integrity leadership
• Knowledge/skills in relevant human service content areas
• Passion for Mercy Connections’ mission and vision
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-racism, gender equity, non-bias and cultural competency
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, resource development and relationship cultivation

 Benefits:

• Health insurance – Mercy Connections pay 85% of the premiums for employees on a single plan and 70% for those with a spouse and/or children
• Dental and vision coverage
• 4 weeks of PTO
• 12-14 holidays
• 3% match for retirement benefits
• $500 wellness benefit
• Short term disability and life insurance

Disclaimer: What is listed above is representative of the position's responsibilities but is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Responsibilities may change during employment at the company's discretion. BST Gallagher Flynn LLP and our client do not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. 

BST Gallagher Flynn LLP has been retained to conduct this search. Interested candidates may apply by sending a resume and cover letter. While we appreciate all interest in this exciting opportunity, only candidates most closely aligned with our search will be contacted.