The Opportunity: Executive Director

In partnership with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is an ambassador and advocate for the mission of TRI. The Executive Director is a hands-on leadership role responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission through relevant programs, strategic planning and fundraising, as well as meeting financial objectives and oversight of the operations of the organization.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Supervisory Responsibilities: Program Director, Office Manager, Volunteer Manager, Media & Marketing Coordinator, Bookkeeper, Farm & Equine Manager, and Facilities Manager.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Community Partnerships:

• Oversee the TRI case for support, and drive significant growth in fundraising success
• Identifies donor prospects and actively engages a prioritized list of individuals, with weekly and monthly goals/progress
• Coordinates, plans and executes fundraising and friend raising events, including the Blue Ribbon Bash and the TRIfecta
• Ensure identification and execution of successful approach to grant applications
• Exceptional relationship management with funders, donors and stakeholders
• Establishes and nurtures relationships in the community to advance the mission of TRI

Team Relations/Supervision:

• Establish trust and rapport with the team through authentic relationships
• Instill recognition systems for staff, and adopt regular venues for listening and responding to their ideas and needs
• Lead a high-performing, mission-driven team. Responsible for the recruitment, coaching, and performance management of all team members
• Ensure that responsibilities are clearly documented, regular evaluations are held, and sound personnel management practices are in place
• Maintain a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse staff of top-quality people

Internal and External Communications:

• Represent the organization in various community forums and funding agencies to advocate for the TRI mission and riders
• Communicate with the Board to ensure they are fully informed on all activities and matters of importance to the mission of TRI
• Report metrics against goals, with input from Board Members and Committees; alert Board Members to concerns about financial and other impacts
• Oversee the publication of the activities of TRI, its programs and goals, including representing the programs and point of view of the organization to donors, riders/clients, volunteers, community groups and the general public
• Establish sound working relationships with outside entities
• Approve all relevant collateral and communication vehicles (Annual Report, website, social media)

Finance and Business Plans:

• Oversight of development and maintenance of sound financial practices, including oversight of annual financial audit
• Partner with the staff and the Board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines and the proper accounting practices are followed
• Ensure that program and operational expenditures are properly balanced with fundraising/revenue
• Administer the Rider scholarship program, and approve requests for fee reductions
• Ensure largest expenses are bid out every other year to ensure value

Strategy and Program Oversight:

• Collaborate with Board in execution of vision and strategies, including necessary pivots caused by housing development adjacent to TRI’s land/facilities
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and carry out plans and policies authorized by the Board
• Ensure that programs are aligned with overall TRI strategies as approved by the Board
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in adaptive riding and funder preferences/requirements

The Qualified Candidate

TRI seeks a collaboratively focused, proven leader. The successful candidate will have proven leadership experience with prior success in cultivating positive working relationships with staff and volunteers, as well as donors/funders. The selected candidate will be collaborative, participative and an exceptional manager of people.

Specific requirements include:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• Three to Five years of progressively responsible experience in a leadership/supervisory role with a proven track record in building relationships with staff and volunteers
• A proven track record of cultivating donor relationships and soliciting gifts from individual donors as well as foundations
• Experience working in a nonprofit, governmental or public sector setting with proven experience in responding to the needs of various stakeholders
• Experience working with a volunteer board

Competencies and Attributes:

• Ability to exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy as well as maintaining the highest integrity and ethics
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with philanthropic community and major donors
• Solid, persuasive verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to deliver inspiring and succinct presentations and conduct productive meetings
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as, a proven record of working collaboratively and diplomatically with others
• Demonstrated ability to lead a diverse team and effectively manage, motivate, and mentor staff
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically
• Strong business acumen; decision making skills; ability to set priorities; process and project management skills
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle

Desired/Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Health, Business Administration, Social Work or a related field
• A passion for working to benefit children and adults with disabilities

This position offers a minimum salary of $100,000 annually. We are committed to equitable and transparent pay practices. If your compensation expectations exceed the minimum stated, and you believe you bring exceptional value to this role, we welcome your application and a candid conversation. This position is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan.