The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality · 3 months ago
Executive Director, EMERGE Connecticut
US-CT-New Haven
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$90K/yr - $105K/yrEMERGE Connecticut is a mission-centered social enterprise dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives. The Executive Director will lead the organization through its next phase of growth, overseeing fiscal, administrative, operational, and program functions while serving as the public face of EMERGE.
EducationNon ProfitSex Industry
Responsibilities
Serve as the public face and chief ambassador of EMERGE, representing the organization with authenticity and vision to staff, participants (“Crew Members”), partners, funders, and the broader community
Lead transparent, values-driven communication across all levels of the organization. Support staff through change and challenge while maintaining focus on mission and results
Encourage full and effective use of EMERGE’s existing systems and infrastructure; assess operational needs to ensure the organization can scale sustainably without overburdening staff
Lead growth and development of EMERGE’s second location, thoughtfully managing expansion from startup to long-term stability
Monitor state and national trends in reentry, workforce development, and justice reform; adapt EMERGE’s strategy and programs to remain responsive and relevant
Ensure the continued excellence and impact of current programs while fostering innovation to meet evolving community needs
Strengthen financial sustainability by diversifying funding streams and cultivating a culture of philanthropy across staff and board. Build strong relationships with funders and explore new opportunities for earned income, grants, and private giving
Provide leadership and direct supervision of five senior level staff members: Director of Organizational Development, Director of Training and Business Development, Bridgeport Site Director, Program Coordinator, and Controller
Inspire, support, and develop EMERGE’s director-level staff team through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth opportunities
Foster a workplace culture where staff feel trusted, valued, and empowered to lead
Promote trauma-informed, equity-based management practices that prioritize healing, collaboration, and accountability
Partner with the Board to strengthen its structure, composition, and alignment with EMERGE’s mission and growth
Expand the Board’s size, diversity, and regional representation, including recruitment of members from Fairfield County and those with a range of professional skills
Guide the Board’s evolution from a working Board to one focused on strategy, governance, and fundraising
Facilitate opportunities for interactions between the Board and staff members for the purpose of increasing transparency, shared learning, and mutual respect
Engage the Board in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and resource development to ensure long-term organizational health
Qualification
Required
Proven experience leading or managing a nonprofit organization, including partnership with a Board of Directors
Strong strategic and operational leadership skills, including experience guiding organizational change, setting priorities, and managing crises with calm and integrity
Demonstrated ability to inspire trust, motivate teams, and balance ambition with sustainability
Experience leading or contributing to a strategic planning process and translating vision into action in collaboration with Board and staff
Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences through storytelling, public speaking, and authentic listening
Solid financial and fundraising acumen, including experience managing budgets, interpreting financial statements, and cultivating donor and institutional funder relationships
Operational experience in areas such as HR, IT systems, facilities, and program management; ability to embed equity and trauma-informed practices into organizational systems
Strong understanding of building partnerships and securing funding from government agencies, foundations, and individual donors
Passionate commitment to second chances, human potential, and the healing power of community and meaningful work
Growth mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities
Resilient, nimble, and adaptable; able to lead with steadiness in dynamic environments
Compassionate yet accountable; leads with empathy while maintaining high standards and results
Authentic, grounded, and humble; committed to listening and learning from staff, participants, and community members
A 'grounded visionary'—able to hold big-picture strategy while staying rooted in mission and day-to-day realities
Collaborative and decisive; builds consensus while taking thoughtful action
Deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, and to trauma-informed, culturally competent practices
Strong administrative and organizational skills, with attention to detail and follow-through
Preferred
Experience in the fields of mental health, workforce development, reentry, or social justice is ideal
Knowledge of, or lived experience within, urban communities and issues affecting justice-impacted individuals
Lived experience as a justice-involved individual is welcomed and valued
Benefits
A generous package including a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) funded at 8% of salary
Competitive paid time off (PTO)
Retirement benefits available through MyCTSavings
Professional development and executive coaching opportunities
Company
The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality
The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality is dedicated to advancing knowledge of sexuality and communicating scientifically based sexuality research and scholarship to professionals, policy makers, and the general public.
Founded in 1957
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase