Arena Careers

Position Overview:

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the strategic and operational leader of Ready, Willing & Able Philadelphia (RWA), advancing the organization’s mission to support individuals on their path to recovery, employment, and long-term stability.

Reporting to the RWA Advisory Board, the ED oversees all aspects of organizational leadership, including operations, program performance, financial management, fundraising, and external partnerships. The ED will lead a high-performing team, strengthen community and government relationships, and ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability and impact.

This role requires a collaborative, mission-driven leader with deep nonprofit management experience, strong financial and fundraising acumen, and a demonstrated commitment to serving vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations (35%)

• Provide strategic leadership to advance RWA’s mission, impact, and long-term sustainability
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including program delivery, administration, and staff management
• Ensure program quality, performance measurement, and compliance with funder requirements and UAC policies
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team grounded in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Partner with the Advisory Board to support strategic planning, governance, and organizational growth

Financial Management (25%)

• Lead organizational budgeting, financial forecasting, and resource allocation
• Monitor financial performance, including budget variance analysis and reporting
• Ensure sound fiscal management and compliance with all financial and contractual requirements

Development & Fundraising (25%)

• Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy to support organizational sustainability and growth
• Identify, secure, and steward diverse funding sources, including government contracts, grants, and philanthropic support
• Increase organizational visibility and strengthen RWA’s community presence and reputation

External Relations & Partnerships (15%)

• Serve as RWA’s primary spokesperson and external representative
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the City of Philadelphia, Clean Communities clients, funders, community partners, and other stakeholders
• Represent RWA in public forums, partnership meetings, and community engagement efforts

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a mission-driven leader with a strong track record of organizational leadership, team management, fundraising, and operational oversight.

Required Experience & Skills:

• Demonstrated commitment to RWA’s mission and program philosophy
• At least seven years of senior leadership experience, preferably within nonprofit organizations
• Proven track record of leading organizations or programs through growth and increased impact
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development and management
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development, including securing and managing diverse revenue streams
• Experience building, managing, and developing high-performing teams
• Demonstrated ability to lead stakeholder engagement and public relations efforts, building and sustaining relationships across a broad and diverse range of stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Experience working effectively with Boards of Directors or Advisory Boards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of substance use disorder, recovery, and reentry populations
• Experience in workforce development and/or criminal justice systems
• Lived experience in recovery or a demonstrated commitment to supporting individuals in recovery