Visionary Executive Director Driving Mission, Growth & Community Impact

Lead with Purpose. Inspire Change. Strengthen Communities.

Since 1937, Vermont Achievement Center has been dedicated to supporting children and families throughout the Rutland region and across Vermont. We are committed to building a thriving community where every child and family has the opportunity, support, and confidence to reach their fullest potential.

We are seeking a dynamic, visionary, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced nonprofit leader who is passionate about community engagement, strategic leadership, and empowering teams to make a meaningful difference every day.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides overall leadership, strategic direction, and day-to-day management of Vermont Achievement Center, Inc. This role advances the organization’s mission through effective program oversight, operational excellence, and strong community partnerships. The Executive Director serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors while ensuring alignment between organizational strategy and program implementation.

This position requires a collaborative leader who can inspire staff, strengthen community relationships, oversee financial sustainability, and champion the organization’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operations

• Provide visionary leadership in collaboration with the Board of Directors and leadership team to establish organizational priorities and strategic goals.
• Oversee all agency operations to ensure programs are effective, mission-aligned, and responsive to community needs.
• Lead organizational planning, policy development, and performance measurement initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and excellence.

Board & Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparent and consistent communication.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, donors, stakeholders, and public agencies.
• Maintain a visible and engaged presence within the organization and throughout the community.
• Represent the organization publicly with professionalism, passion, and integrity.

Financial Management & Development

• Partner with the Finance Department to oversee budgeting, financial planning, grant preparation, and expenditure monitoring.
• Lead fundraising and development initiatives, including donor cultivation, grant strategy, and identifying new funding opportunities.
• Support long-term organizational sustainability through strategic financial leadership.

Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead and support staff through effective communication, mentorship, and team development.
• Participate in union-related matters, including collective bargaining, contract administration, and maintaining productive labor-management relationships.
• Ensure effective conflict resolution and thoughtful decision-making with sound judgment and discretion.

Marketing & Outreach

• Guide organizational marketing, branding, public relations, and digital communications strategies.
• Strengthen community awareness and engagement through outreach and partnership development.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is an experienced nonprofit leader who brings strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and a strong commitment to community impact.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in the nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated success in organizational leadership, program management, and strategic planning.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing multiple priorities and leading teams in a dynamic environment.
• Financial management experience, including budgeting and grant oversight.
• Experience with marketing, public relations, and community engagement initiatives.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and public presentations.
• Proficiency with database software, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and word processing applications.
• Current valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Successful completion of a comprehensive background check.

Benefits:

Supporting children starts with supporting the people who care for them. We offer one of the most generous paid time off programs in our field - because rest, family time, and personal well-being matter.

All full-time team members receive:

• 192 hours of paid time off annually (vacation, personal, and sick time combined)
• 40 hours of paid bereavement leave
• 120 hours of paid maternity leave
• 10 Paid holidays

In addition, we also offer:

• 403(b) Retirement with employer matching 3.25%
• Health (80/20) and Dental (75/25)
• FREE STD, LTD, and Life Insurance
• Employee assistance and discount programs, heating fuel special pricing, including a 45% childcare discount
• Professional development assistance and tuition reimbursement

Additional Information

Candidates must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical, mental, and emotional requirements will be addressed as needed to support accommodations.

Why Join Vermont Achievement Center?

At Vermont Achievement Center, you will have the opportunity to lead an organization with a long-standing legacy of service, compassion, and impact. You’ll work alongside dedicated professionals and community partners who are passionate about improving the lives of children and families across Vermont.

If you are a collaborative and forward-thinking leader ready to make a lasting difference, we encourage you to apply.

Contact us to apply

Send cover letter and resume to:

Monica Roussin, Director of Operations

VT Achievement Center, Inc.

88 Park Street

Rutland, VT 05701

mroussin@vacvt.org

Vermont Achievement Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, military status, race, religion, marital status, or any other protected classes under the law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $88,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Director/Management: 5 years (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rutland, VT 05701: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person