Executive Director

Summary

The Organization

Founded in 1906 to provide schooling for children with physical disabilities, Rising Treetops at Oakhurst (RTO) is now a year-round camping facility inspiring confidence and joy in children and adults with special needs, including physical and intellectual disabilities and autism, as well as respite for their caregivers. In 2024, approximately 368 children and adults were provided services at Rising Treetops at Oakhurst. In a barrier free setting on fourteen beautiful acres just two miles from the beach in Oakhurst, New Jersey, RTO offers summer sleep away camp, year-round overnight respite (planned and emergency), and day respite care programs. RTO’s business office is located in New York City. 

The Position 

Rising Treetops seeks an inspirational and collaborative Executive Director (ED) who will build on the organization’s foundation and history of impact, while charting a path forward that will diversify its board, its clients, and its funding streams. The ED will provide visionary leadership to empower the team, expand partnerships, and support programmatic excellence. They will work in partnership with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders to refine and communicate a clear strategic vision and ensure that RTO’s financial viability remains strong. The ED will provide oversight to camp operations which is managed by RTO’s Director of Services and Operations at RTO’s New Jersey facility. The ideal candidate will have a passion for and connection to RTO’s mission and the people it serves. The ED will be a skilled relationship-builder who can effectively engage diverse stakeholders at all levels including staff, the community, and donors, in New York and New Jersey, to further Rising Treetops’ mission and priorities.

Qualifications

Drives Vision & Purpose

• Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

Builds Networks

• Effectively building formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Resourcefulness

• Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.

Instills Trust

• Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity

Builds Effective Team

• Building strong teams with a strong identity that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Ensures Accountability

• Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated passion for and commitment to Rising Treetops’ mission and the population it serves.
• Experience working with people with special needs.
• Strong fundraising experience (including major gifts and institutional funding), as well as managing development strategies and plans.
• Knowledge of and experience with State funding and in particular NYS OPWDD funding is preferred.
• Ability to build and manage meaningful and strategic relationships partnerships with diverse community stakeholders and organizations.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors to support strong engagement, governance, and succession planning.
• Exceptional leadership skills, with demonstrated experience building high-performing teams, developing, and empowering staff.
• Proven ability to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment.
• Experience providing fiscal oversight of a non-profit organization

Duties

Fundraising & Financial Stewardship 

Develop and implement a sustainable fundraising strategy aimed at funding diversification and growth. Lead RTO’s fundraising strategy and efforts, with a focus on increasing individual giving and foundation support through donor identification, and effective donor cultivation and stewardship. Provide fiscal oversight, ensuring strong financial health and accountability to support long-term stability and organizational growth.

Strategic Vision & Execution 

Partner with the Board and staff to refine, articulate, and implement Rising Treetops’ strategic priorities. Act as an inspirational storyteller, communicating RTO’s vision and work to key stakeholders – including the Monmouth County community, donors, partners, and the media – communicating a strong and unified identity. Ensure Rising Treetops’ programs continue to evolve to meet emerging community needs while maintaining program excellence.

Leadership & Team Development 

Recruit, retain, and support a high-performing team to assure excellence. Foster an organizational culture that is built on trust, and values inclusivity, transparency, and support. Inspire a culture of accountability and excellence that embraces change to meet the needs of people with special needs and their families.

Program Operations & Oversight 

Ensure seamless program delivery and operational excellence across all Rising Treetops programs. Oversee facilities management and capital project needs. Uphold Rising Treetops’ commitment to client-centered, high-quality services and care.