Executive Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Norris is looking for our next ED to direct and oversee all operations, functions, and activities. They will be the face of the organization, responsible for giving strategic direction and implementing the mission.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Management and Leadership

• Understands and articulates the Norris mission, values and vision
• Delegates in a thoughtful and deliberate manner to meet the needs of Norris and to assist in the development of leadership and teamwork skills
• Provides direction and leadership by responding to changing trends in regulatory, statutory, and best practices by progressive and innovative programs and services
• Advocates and participates at the Regional, State, and National levels, where appropriate
• Actively engages in professional and personal development which includes self-care and establishing healthy and safe boundaries with youth and employees
• Cultivates and develops inclusive and equitable working relationships with youth, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members
• Works closely with Norris Academy by supporting an educational program that focuses on individual student-centered learning, credit recovery, personal growth, & academic achievement
• Establishes a cohesive and goal-directed, problem-solving team by providing effective leadership through role modeling and coaching
• Demonstrates positive, effective and respectful communication skills with direct team members and with all Norris employees and the Norris School District
• Responsible for the enhancement of Norris’ image and brand by being active and visible in the community, on social media/website and by working closely with local and state committees, as well as various other professional, civic and private organizations

Organizational and Operational Oversight

• Directs, leads, oversees, and evaluates the executive leadership team of the officers of finance, talent and social capital, group care programs, and community-based programs and grants/development
• Continually works toward improving the overall performance of Norris, both programmatically and operationally, by identifying innovative, responsive solutions
• Actively contributes to the development and implementation of Norris’ short-term and long-term strategic plans by anticipating the future, articulating direction, and unifying efforts based on Norris’ overall goals
• Ensures a process for continuous assessment and analysis of identified outcomes and creates new outcome measures aligned with contracts, national trends, and Norris’ strategic plan
• Oversees coordinated effort to ensure compliance with all licensing requirements, laws, other regulations, and accreditation standards applicable to Norris
• Ensures the appropriate execution of all evidence-based and trauma informed care practices as well as Norris’ policies and procedures

Board of Director Relations and Responsibilities

• Leads Norris in a manner that supports, and guides Norris' mission as defined by the Board
• Communicates effectively with the Board and provides information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed strategic decisions
• Works with the Board and Norris staff to ensure that the mission is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning and community outreach
• Responsible for keeping the Board informed and educated of developments in human services, not-for-profit management and governance, philanthropy and fund development
• In collaboration with the Board Chair, develops all Board Meeting agendas and activities and ensures timely distribution of agendas, supporting documents, etc., prior to all Board and Board Committee meetings

Financial Performance and Resource Development

• Develops resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of Norris and enhance its mission
• Manages the fiscal integrity of Norris, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and monthly financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial health of Norris
• Responsible for fiscal management that operates within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of Norris in a positive financial position
• Enhances Norris’ image and brand by being active and visible in the community, on social media/website and by working closely with local and state committees, as well as various other professional, civic, and private organizations
• Oversees the process of contract negotiation as necessary to ensure the appropriate resources exist for quality service delivery
• Oversees fundraising and developing other resources necessary to support Norris’ mission

Quality Improvement and Assurance

• Ensures the process for continuous assessment and analysis of identified outcomes and create new outcome measures aligned with contracts, national trends, and Norris’ strategic plan as needed
• Actively works toward improving the overall performance of all assigned departments by identifying innovative, responsive solutions
• Ensures Norris maintains a system to manage all program and vendor contracts, which includes a review of our compliance as a provider as well as a way to evaluate Norris’ vendors are providing a quality service or product
• Ensures there is a coordinated effort across all departments to be in compliance with all licensing requirements, laws, other regulations and accreditation standards applicable to Norris

ATTRIBUTES AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Advocate for the best outcomes for children and families
• Experience working with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into an operational model
• Effective written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated commitment to the core principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Experience working with, or on, a nonprofit Board of Directors preferred
• Non-profit management or fund development experience and/ or certificate or training desired
• Undergraduate degree required
• At least 10 years of combined experience in any/all of the following; direct care and programs, leadership and/or senior management experience, including budgeting and financial management and quality improvement/assurance work
• Adept at examining developing, revising, and recommending business and program processes, policies and procedures
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for Norris’ mission is essential.
• Nonprofit Board experience preferred
• Proficient in the use of technology, including Microsoft Office and Google programs and other required software/database applications

COMMITMENTS FROM NORRIS

• Norris is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider
• References will not be contacted until a candidate has been notified
• Offers of employment are contingent upon clear results of thorough background and reference checks
• All inquiries and interactions with potential candidates are kept in strict confidence.
• This position will remain open until it is filled

The annual salary range for this leadership position begins at $165,000 and offers the following generous suite of benefits:

• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Life & Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

INSTRUCTIONS FOR APPLICANTS

For full consideration, please email all items below, to [email protected], attention: Mindy Lubar Price, President & CEO, Leading Transitions LLC, no later than 5:00 p.m. CST on November 5, 2026:

• A letter demonstrating your qualifications for the Executive Director position that includes your interest in the mission of Norris, and a description of your salary parameters,
• A detailed and updated resume and,
• The names of, your relationship to, and contact information for three professional references.