Job Description

Reports to: Board of Directors

Supervises: 6 staff members

Location: Goshen, Indiana

Status: Full-time, Exempt

To apply: please email a resume and cover letter to RPCEOSearch@gmail.com.

Position Overview

Ryan’s Place is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate support to grieving children, teens, and families throughout Elkhart County and beyond. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides overall leadership and direction for Ryan’s Place, ensuring that its mission—to offer hope and healing to children and families who are grieving the death of a loved one—is fulfilled with excellence and integrity.

The CEO works closely with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a collaborative, compassionate, and visionary individual who thrives in a small, mission-driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide inspirational leadership to staff, volunteers, and community partners in alignment with the mission and values of Ryan’s Place.
• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
• Promote a culture of compassion, teamwork, and accountability within the organization.
• Represent Ryan’s Place as a trusted leader and advocate for grieving children and families across northern Indiana.

Program Oversight

• Support program staff in program development, evaluation, and the integration of best practices in children’s grief support.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality grief support programs, including family support groups, school-based grief groups, Camp Hope, expressive arts and music therapy programs, and crisis response services.
• Maintain and grow partnerships with schools, youth-serving agencies, and community organizations to expand access to grief services.
• Oversee program evaluation and data collection to demonstrate program impact and guide continuous improvement.

Fundraising & Development

• Lead all fundraising and development activities in collaboration with the Director of Development and Board of Directors.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Oversee major fundraising initiatives, including the annual Ryan’s Place Gala, capital campaigns, and grant submissions.
• Represent Ryan’s Place with donors and community stakeholders to enhance visibility and support.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Ensure the organization’s financial health through sound management practices, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Provide timely financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting its governance, decision-making, and long-term planning functions.
• Work with the Board Chair to plan and facilitate meetings and ensure effective communication.
• Support recruitment and development of engaged, diverse Board members committed to advancing the mission.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as the public face of Ryan’s Place in the community and region.
• Strengthen partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, faith communities, businesses, and civic organizations.
• Promote awareness of children’s grief issues and the importance of community-based grief support.
• Represent Ryan’s Place in media, public presentations, and professional networks, including the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management, counseling, social work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or human services organization.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; skilled public speaker.
• Ability to lead a small, mission-driven team with empathy, flexibility, and vision.
• Familiarity with grief support, child development, or mental health services is strongly preferred.

Personal Characteristics

• Compassionate, mission-focused, and values-driven.
• Collaborative leader who empowers and inspires others.
• Skilled relationship builder with integrity and authenticity.
• Strategic thinker who can also manage details and operations.
• Comfortable engaging diverse audiences and community partners.

Compensation

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include annual negotiated stipend toward health insurance, a Simple IRA with an employer match of up to 3%, and generous annual leave.

Timeline

Please email a resume and cover letter to RPCEOSearch@gmail.com.

Application deadline: February 4

All application materials must be received by February 4.

First-round interviews: Week of February 9

Selected candidates will be invited to participate in first-round interviews during the week of February 9. These interviews will focus on leadership experience, alignment with the mission of Ryan’s Place, and readiness to lead a community-centered organization.

Second-round interviews: Mid-February

Finalists will be invited to participate in a second round of interviews later in February. This stage will include additional conversation with board leadership and opportunities to meet members of the staff.

Offer and transition period: Late February to March

Ryan’s Place anticipates extending an offer in late February. The start date will allow for an appropriate transition period, including time for the selected candidate to provide notice to their current employer.

Anticipated start date: Early April

Ryan’s Place hopes to welcome the new Chief Executive Officer at the beginning of April.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

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