Position Summary
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to and partnering with an engaged Board of Directors, the President/CEO serves as the organization’s chief executive and strategic leader — advancing a mission that promotes independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities and their families across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The CEO provides clear vision and disciplined execution, ensuring alignment between mission impact, financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term strategic growth.
As the primary ambassador of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the President/CEO cultivates strong partnerships with families, government agencies, philanthropic leaders, employers, and community stakeholders, reinforcing the organization’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality provider and essential regional resource. This leader inspires confidence internally and externally, builds and empowers a high-performing leadership team, and positions Easterseals for continued relevance and measurable impact within an evolving human services landscape.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a mission-driven, multi-site nonprofit serving children, adults, older adults, veterans, and families across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore since 1948. As an independent affiliate of the national Easterseals, the organization delivers high-impact, community-based services that advance independence, inclusion, and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities and other barriers.
The organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services across the lifespan, including early intervention and pediatric therapy, adult day services, workforce development and employment programs, community-based supports, and services for veterans and older adults. A signature asset is Camp Fairlee in Chestertown, Maryland — a fully accessible residential camp and conference center that offers transformative recreational and respite experiences and serves as a visible and cherished anchor for fundraising and community engagement.
With multiple service locations, diverse public and private funding streams, and a strong reputation across two states, Easterseals operates within a complex environment shaped by Medicaid funding, state contracts, philanthropy, earned revenue, and regulatory oversight. The organization partners closely with families, employers, state agencies, community leaders, and donors to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for those it serves.
Rooted in more than 75 years of impact, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is entering its next chapter — focused on strategic growth, operational excellence, financial sustainability, workforce development, and deepened community engagement.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This is a full-time, exempt executive leadership role based onsite at the Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore administrative headquarters in New Castle, Delaware. The President/CEO will maintain a visible and engaged presence across the organization, with some travel throughout Delaware and Maryland to support operations, staff, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
EEO/AAP Statement
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a complex health or
human services organization with annual revenue of $10M or more. - Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, public administration, nonprofit
management, health or human services), or equivalent combination of
education and experience. - Proven success securing significant philanthropic support, including capital and
operating revenue exceeding $1M. - Demonstrated ability to align organizations around a shared vision and drive
strategic execution. - Track record of positioning organizations for growth, visibility, and impact.
Industry / Sector Knowledge
- Deep understanding of disability issues and their impact on individuals, families,
and communities. - Familiarity with the mission, standards, and affiliation requirements of national
nonprofit networks. - Knowledge of organizational design, operations, and program/service
management. - Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, regulatory requirements, and
disability-related laws. - Working knowledge of accounting, financial management, and core business
principles. - Knowledge of health, safety, security, tax, insurance, and state regulatory
requirements impacting service delivery.
Professional and Leadership Competencies
- Demonstrated ability to develop people and build high-performing teams.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage employees, families,
partners, and community stakeholders. - Strategic thinker with strong planning, execution, and organizational leadership
capabilities. - Proven success in resource development and relationship-based fundraising.
- Strong business acumen, including financial analysis, data interpretation, and
operational decision-making. - Skilled in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and navigating complex systems.
- Bilingual ability preferred.
- Personally aligned with the mission and values of Easterseals.
- Respected and trusted leader able to build credibility quickly with diverse
stakeholders.
Roles & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Service Excellence
- Advances a bold, forward-looking vision that strengthens mission impact and
expands opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families across
Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore - Aligns programs with community needs and national Easterseals priorities.
- Leads annual strategic planning, goal setting, and budgeting.
- Cultivates key partnerships to drive a shared strategic direction.
- Sets and ensures high standards of service quality, outcomes, and client
experience.
Financial Stewardship & Organizational Sustainability
- Provides transparent oversight of financial operations.
- Builds strong reserves, diversified revenue, and long-term financial resilience.
- Leads financial forecasting and growth strategies aligned with the strategic
plan. - Oversees capital planning and investment decisions.
- Maintains strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accountability.
Development & External Relations
- Leads a comprehensive, relationship-based, and data-informed fundraising
strategy supporting both operating and capital priorities. - Serves as the chief ambassador to donors, foundations, corporate partners,
legislators, and grantmaking institutions. - Builds enduring relationships with key supporters and community stakeholders.
- Engages and equips the Board to actively support fundraising and relationship
development: - Cultivates a strong volunteer community that expands Easterseals’ reach.
Human Capital & Organizational Culture
- Fosters a culture of excellence, learning, and shared purpose.
- Leads HR strategies that attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent.
- Strengthens organizational capacity through workforce planning and talent
development. - Ensures leadership continuity through proactive succession planning.
Board Partnership & Governance
- Partners with the Board on recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development of
board members - Ensures the Board is well informed, appropriately engaged and supported in
making effective governance decisions. - Collaborates with the Board Chair to develop and engage advisory groups.
Organizational Health, Quality, & Resilience
- Ensures compliance with all nonprofit, healthcare, and human services
regulatory requirements. - Maintains strong internal communication systems to support alignment and
organizational cohesion. - Establishes and monitors quality indicators and performance measures.
- Designs and maintains an organizational structure that supports culture,
strategy, and service delivery. - Oversees accreditation, licensing, and quality assurance systems.
Service Delivery & Program Oversight
- Provides leadership, oversight and ensures accountability across all service
areas. - Ensures strong customer relations, service evaluation systems, and compliance
with accreditation and licensing standards. - Advocates for appropriate reimbursement levels and sustainable funding
structures.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
- Recruits, develops, and leads a high-performing senior leadership team.
- Coaches and supports leaders to strengthen commitment, accountability,
decision-making and performance. - Promotes teamwork, alignment, and shared accountability.
- Delegates responsibility appropriately
- Models integrity, transparency, and mission-centered leadership.
Advocacy & Public Engagement
- Serves as a visible advocate for people with disabilities and their families or
caregivers. - Educates policymakers, community leaders, and the public regarding service
needs and system challenges - Advances policy and regulatory initiatives that strengthen access, funding, and
service quality. - Builds strong relationships with county, state, and federal agencies across
Delaware and Maryland. - Leads external communications to increase awareness, acceptance, and
community support.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensures adherence to all local, state, and federal laws, including CMS and state
regulatory requirements. - Maintains a comprehensive risk management plan and reviews it annually with
the Board Audit Committee. - Models compliance and accountability through participation in required training.
Affiliation with Easterseals National
- Ensures compliance with all requirements of the national affiliation agreement.
- Represents the organization in national and regional meetings.
- Contributes to national initiatives and proposed changes affecting affiliates.
Leadership of ESSD-M, Inc. (Subsidiary Corporation)
- Ensures facilities operate safely and support high-quality service delivery.
- Leads long-range site and space planning, capital building, and equipment
strategies. - Oversees capital projects to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.
- Oversees preparation and submission of Bond Bill applications.
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has retained Dunleavy & Associates as its partner for this search. In order to be considered, please submit your resume or CV and a cover letter to Patty Cook at [email protected].