Chief Executive Officer

OPPORTUNITY:

This is a significant opportunity to lead a highly respected, mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Waterford Country School will oversee education, clinical, foster care, and residential programs while keeping children and families at the center of every decision. WCS seeks a mission-centered, relationship-oriented leader who is visible, approachable, and engaged with children and staff, and who sustains a family-oriented culture grounded in compassion and integrity. Strong alignment with the Cornell University Children & Residential Experiences (CARE) model will be essential (candidates need not know the model to apply).

The CEO oversees 150+ employees, significant facilities on 320 acres, and long-term financial sustainability—balancing a hands-on mindset with a strategic vision. As WCS’s primary external ambassador and fundraiser, the CEO builds partnerships, works closely with the Board, and leads with clarity, resilience, and humility. The CEO must lead with both heart and discipline with a strong commitment to children, culture, strategy, and sustainability.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

Waterford Country School (WCS) is a special education and child welfare agency dedicated to helping children learn, grow, and thrive. For over 100 years, WCS has provided a natural, therapeutic environment where every child can succeed. Today, WCS employs 150 staff and sits on 320 acres of rural land. Every day, the organization uses therapeutic animal interaction, nature-based enrichment activities, hands on learning, and compassionate staff to change the growth trajectory for struggling children. WCS proudly lives by the promise to do “Whatever It Takes” to help children reach their full potential. For more information, please visit, https://www.waterfordcountryschool.org/

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY INCLUDE:

Organizational Leadership:

• Provide overall executive leadership for WCS’s operations, programs, people, and resources, ensuring alignment with mission, strategy, and values.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to support strong governance through clear communication, timely reporting, and thoughtful recommendations.
• Lead and empower the senior leadership team to deliver high-quality, financially sound programs.
• Foster a high-performing, mission-driven culture that attracts, develops, and retains exceptional staff.
• Oversee talent strategy, including hiring, performance management, professional development, and compensation.
• Guide the development and execution of a strategic plan with measurable outcomes that advance organizational impact and long-term sustainability.

Program Management:

• Provide executive oversight for the delivery, quality, and effectiveness of services to children and families across the WCS continuum of care.
• Maintain accountability for clinical, programmatic, legal, and fiscal documentation and reporting requirements.
• Monitor local, state, and national trends in child- and family-serving systems and guide program evolution to meet emerging community needs.
• Build and sustain strong relationships with partner agencies and state licensing, accreditation, and oversight bodies.
• Ensure full compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contracts, and professional practice standards governing WCS programs and operations.

Financial and Operational Management:

• Partner with the Board to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring strong financial stewardship and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Oversee WCS operations and services within Board-approved financial parameters, maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with all operational, financial, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide executive oversight of facilities and physical plant operations, ensuring safe, healthy, and mission-aligned environments for programs and staff.
• Guide planning for facility use, maintenance, and future capital improvements.
• Ensure adequate facilities, equipment, and furnishings are in place to support high-quality service delivery.

Development and Community Engagement:

• Partner with the Board and development team to design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, foundations, corporations, events, and innovative revenue streams.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community partners, professional organizations, and key stakeholders to enhance WCS’s reputation and impact.
• Build strategic alliances with community leaders, funders, and public officials to increase visibility and support for WCS programs and services.
• Serve as the primary external ambassador and spokesperson for WCS, advancing strategic priorities through public speaking, advocacy, and thought leadership across public and private sectors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Our ideal candidate will embody the values of WCS and bring a strong commitment to the mission through leadership and strategic insights with the following skills and characteristics:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field required; MBA in combination with a related degree considered.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with significant senior leadership experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing strategic initiatives.
• Proven track record in successful fundraising and donor relations.
• Compelling communicator.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to set and meet deadlines with competing priorities.
• Experience setting strategic vision and bringing vision to fruition through clear and actionable planning and execution.
• Strong people management skills, with the ability to build high-performing teams, create strong and positive team culture, and coach and develop skills in others.
• Thoughtful listener with an appreciation for diverse views and ability to forge consensus.
• Cultural awareness and humility, ensuring that organizational practices, programs, and interactions are inclusive and respectful.
• Serves as a visible, values-driven role model for students, staff, and the broader WCS community.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

The position is a full-time salaried position with a suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, a 403b retirement savings plan with up to 4% matching contribution that includes a Roth component, generous paid time off, and the ability to bring your dog to work. The salary range is $165,000-$190,000 dependent on relevant qualifications and experience.

The CEO is expected to work regular on-site business hours with some evening and weekend hours required. Flexible ability to work remotely as approved by the Board, or in the event of a declared weather or other emergency.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

WCS is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

TO APPLY:

The search is being conducted by The Strategy Group. To apply:

• Submit a resume and a compelling letter of interest via email.
• Send cover letter and resume as ONE PDF DOCUMENT titled “Last Name Cover Letter and Resume” to nonprofitjobs@thestrategygroupllc.org.
• Please title emails as WCS SEARCH in the subject line.

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.