Title: Executive Director, Boston
Reports to: Vice President of Development
Type: Full-Time/Exempt
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)
Salary: $105,000 - $120,000 (commensurate with experience)
Anticipated Start Date: August 2025
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and responses to the application questions available on our Careers page.
Who We Are
buildOn has been uniting people through service and education to ignite a more equitable future since 1991.
In the U.S., we mobilize high school students from marginalized communities to transform their neighborhoods through service. Globally, we partner with low-income countries to build schools and provide access to education for children and adults.
To date, our 200,000 U.S. students have contributed more than 2.5 million hours of service to their communities, and weve built more than 2,800 schools in eight countriesbreaking ground on a new school every two days.
At buildOn, we believe in the power of people to drive change. Every member of our team is committed to impact and solidarity. If you're a changemaker with a passion for service, we want to hear from you.
Learn more about our programs and impact at
Ready to make an impact? Apply today and join us in changing the world through service and education!
Who We're Looking For
As buildOn strengthens its impact in Boston, we are seeking a mission-driven and strategic Executive Director to lead our regional service learning program. This role offers an exciting opportunity for a dynamic leader to oversee fund development ($600K+), guide a high-performing team, and drive program and operational excellence . The Executive Director will foster a strong organizational culture rooted in community engagement, program impact, and sound fiscal management. As the senior leader of the Boston region, you will play a critical role in advancing buildOns mission and deepening our reach in local schools and communities.
What You Will Do
- Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will lead efforts to establish a self-sustaining Boston region capable of funding its own ambitious goals while delivering high-impact programming. This role requires strategic oversight across fundraising, operations, and program delivery to ensure measurable and lasting results. - Fundraising and Partnership Development
The Executive Director will design and implement a comprehensive fund development plan aligned with both local and national priorities. Responsibilities include identifying and securing major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government sources. The role involves mobilizing the Boston Board to support donor engagement and long-term financial sustainability. Once stability is achieved, the focus will shift to programmatic growth and advancing buildOns 25-year vision. Strong external partnerships with city agencies, schools, community organizations, and corporate sponsors will be cultivated to deepen program impact. - Team and Programmatic Management
This role includes leading, mentoring, and managing the Boston team with a focus on empathy, accountability, and shared success. The Executive Director will foster a results-driven culture aligned with buildOns mission, ensuring all programming meets established KPIs. They will oversee the delivery of service learning programs and build authentic relationships with Boston youth, families, and the broader community. - Visibility and Stakeholder Engagement
The Executive Director will position buildOn Boston as a leading youth development organization by building relationships with community leaders, business executives, and philanthropic stakeholders. They will work closely with the National Marketing team to amplify buildOns visibility and reputation within Boston and beyond. - Board and Financial Management
In partnership with the Boston Board Chair, the Executive Director will enhance the boards fundraising and strategic leadership capacity. They will lead efforts to recruit and engage high-impact board members and provide consistent updates on performance. The Executive Director is also responsible for developing and managing the regional budget, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and compliance with buildOn HQ and Governing Board approval processes. - Organizational Leadership
The Executive Director will implement buildOns 3-year strategic plan in Boston with a focus on local relevance and community alignment. They will collaborate with national leadership to leverage broader partnerships and funding opportunities, while representing buildOn at public events, panels, and conferences to elevate the organizations profile and impact.
Who You'll Work With
You will report to the Senior Leadership Team. You will supervise the Boston team, lead the Boston Board, and collaborate frequently with the national program and development teams, other Regional Executive Directors, and organizational leadership.
How We Will Know We Are Successful
- Fund development by raising at least $600K annually and expanding local funding sources across individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies.
- Strong board engagement and a growing donor pipeline will support long-term financial sustainability.
- Program success will be shown by an increased number of students completing 25+ hours of service and improved outcomes based on Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) data. All programming must align with buildOns methodology and meet established KPIs.
- Quality and staff development will be assessed through twice-annual, unannounced site visits and an annual staff survey measuring satisfaction, preparedness, and organizational alignment. Positive results will inform performance reviews.
- The Executive Director will also demonstrate success by deepening partnerships with schools, city agencies, community groups, and corporate sponsors, while increasing buildOn Bostons visibility through public engagement and collaboration with national marketing.