Executive Director

Capstone Community Action’s Board of Directors seeks candidates to advance its commitment to improving the lives of Vermonters in need by providing opportunities, education, and vital assistance. By breaking down the barriers that prevent people from thriving, we offer the hope people need, the dignity everyone deserves, and a better community for all. Visit capstonevt.org/ to learn more.

Capstone’s next Executive Director (E.D.) will lead Capstone’s committed and eminently talented staff into its next phase of impact serving the most vulnerable Vermonters in our service territory and ensuring our long-term sustainability during a time of great need and significant challenges.

Capstone’s next Executive Director will advance the organization’s mission, vision, and programs by

• Leading the development and implementation of the organization’s strategic direction and growth.
• Sustaining and strengthening a culture that supports employee well-being and fosters engagement in serving individuals and families.
• Expanding and engaging with external partners and funders alongside organizational leaders, evolving our organization and capturing new opportunities during a time of change.
• With the leadership team and board, bolstering the strengths of the organization’s financial health and operations.
• Developing and deepening relationships across private, public, and non-profit sectors.

The board welcomes and encourages applications from both first-time and experienced Executive Directors who possess the qualifications listed below.

ABOUT CAPSTONE COMMUNITY ACTION

Since 1965, Capstone Community Action has supported individuals and families in Central Vermont in achieving stability and rising out of poverty. Guided by Capstone’s mission to create resilient households and communities and to advance justice in social, economic, and environmental policy, our programs and services focus on supporting individuals and families in making ends meet, building stronger families, creating warm and healthy homes, and opening doors to economic opportunity.

Our Structure

Capstone is uniquely governed by a 12-member tripartite board of directors which comes from three diverse segments of the community: participant, private, and public sectors. The Board is also equally representative of the three regions of Capstone’s Service territory: Washington County, Lamoille County, and Two Rivers (Orange County & Towns in surrounding counties). Capstone’s board is responsible for agency direction, hiring of, partnership with and annual assessment of the ED, financial oversight, and policy.

The organization currently has 158 FTEs, with the majority delivering services in the four core program areas (weatherization, Head Start, Economic Development, Family and Community Services) and others distributed through the 3 administrative groups (Development and Communications, Finance, and Operations). Approximately one-third of Capstone’s workforce is unionized.

The organization is committed to upholding the values of dignity, equity, a holistic view of poverty, empowerment, partnership and collaborating in its workplace and communities.

OVERVIEW OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director has overall strategic and operational responsibility for Capstone Community Action staff, programs, and execution of its mission. They provide general supervision over the administration of the Agency’s business affairs, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors; serve as the Agency’s Chief Administrative Officer; and are responsible for hiring, supervising and discharging personnel. As a collaborative, caring, and inclusive leader, they foster a supportive and respectful workplace where staff can thrive and succeed.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The following responsibilities are detailed in a four-page PDF describing role, available by clicking through to the application portal.

• Vision, Mission and Strategic Planning
• Organizational Leadership and Management
• Board Partnership
• Financial
• External Relations and Advocacy
• Infrastructure and Operations
• Programs and Services
• Fundraising and Development

QUALIFICATIONS

Individuals who feel they offer a combination of leadership experience and knowledge that is different from but comparable to what is listed below are encouraged to apply. We welcome applications from people who’ve worked in for-profit, non-profit and/or the public sector.

All candidates selected for interviews will have demonstrated a commitment to furthering Capstone’s mission, and have an understanding of the causes and impacts of poverty, and concern for the needs of low-income individuals and families.

Key Experience, Knowledge and Skills

All qualifications are provided in a four-page PDF describing role, available by clicking through to the application portal.

• 7+ years of senior leadership experience at the organizational, departmental or program level with financial oversight of a $15MM+ budget and strategic planning in a regional or statewide organization.
• A track record of developing and implementing operational and funding strategies to lead an organization to its next stage of growth and stability.
• Experience navigating and advocating policies and the political landscape at the state-level, and familiarity and/or willingness to serve in a similar capacity at the regional and national level.
• Broad and in-depth knowledge of organizational management, including the ability to manage complex budgets derived from various sources with diverse requirements, including grants, contracts, and philanthropic support; administration; applicable laws and regulations; grants management and compliance; board relations; and operations.
• Strong public/private sector fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Base Salary: A starting salary commensurate with the candidate's qualifications will be offered within a range of $145,000-$160,000, plus a generous benefits package.

WORK LOCATION AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

The ED primarily works at Capstone’s main office in Barre, Vermont, traveling to visit program locations, attend meetings, and represent the organization locally, regionally and nationally as described in the job description. On average, the Executive Director attends one evening meetingper week, occasional weekends to attend and/or help host events. And travels overnight 3-4 times per year to attend conferences. Reimbursement of home office expenses is provided in support of some flexible, remote work. A valid driver’s license and a reliable, insured vehicle are required.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply online through our executive search partner’s website. Individuals seeking additional insights before applying may request a confidential exploratory call by contacting Beth Gilpin Consulting at bethgilpin.com. The search committee will consider applications submitted through Friday, May 16th, for interviews beginning this spring and a start date by mid-late summer 2025.

Capstone Community Action is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to equity and inclusion in our workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and consider applications for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, military status, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.