Executive Director

Benzie Senior Resources

Executive Director

Benzie Senior Resources (BSR) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Benzie County, Michigan, dedicated to providing high-quality services and compassionate care to older adults. Through home-delivered meals, home health clinics, and a vibrant senior center offering meals and social engagement, BSR helps seniors remain healthy, independent, and connected in their own homes and community.

With an annual operating budget of approximately $2.5 million, a dedicated staff of 30 employees, and the support of numerous volunteers, BSR is seeking an experienced and mission-driven Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter.

Position Overview

The Executive Director provides steady, effective operational leadership for a complex, people-centered organization serving older adults in a rural community. This individual is responsible for ensuring the consistent delivery of programs, supporting and developing staff, and maintaining reliable systems and processes within a resource-conscious environment.

This role is well suited for a practical, hands-on leader who values collaboration, operational excellence, and incremental, sustainable improvement.

Core Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate:

• Enjoys hands-on staff leadership and daily operational management
• Guides organizations through steady, continuous improvement rather than large-scale disruption
• Leads with composure and sound judgment in environments with fixed funding and competing priorities
• Understands the operational and workforce realities of rural service delivery
• Maintains appropriate governance boundaries while working productively with a Board of Directors

Primary Responsibilities

Organizational & Operational Leadership

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of BSR to ensure programs are delivered safely, consistently, and in compliance with all regulatory and funding requirements
• Translate Board-approved direction into clear operational plans, priorities, and timelines
• Maintain effective systems for compliance, reporting, budgeting, scheduling, and service coordination
• Monitor organizational capacity and adjust operations as needed in response to staffing, funding, or service demands

Staff Leadership & Performance Management

• Supervise and support a multidisciplinary leadership team through clear expectations, regular feedback, and direct communication
• Maintain an effective performance management process that promotes staff development, role clarity, and retention
• Utilize technology platforms and data systems to enhance communication, track performance, and improve the employee experience
• Coach staff through performance challenges and encourage professional growth
• Lead with awareness of recruitment, retention, and workload pressures common in rural labor markets

Board Partnership & Governance Alignment

• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors while maintaining clear operational authority
• Provide timely, accurate information to support Board oversight and fiduciary responsibilities
• Implement Board-approved policies and decisions with consistency and accountability
• Support strong governance practices without reliance on Board involvement in daily operations

Financial & Resource Stewardship

• Manage organizational resources responsibly within established funding structures
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fiscal controls
• Ensure compliance with grant and contract requirements
• Support fundraising and revenue development efforts as part of a shared organizational commitment

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in health services, social sciences, business administration, or a related field; experience in geriatrics or senior services preferred
• Minimum of five years of senior-level nonprofit management experience
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and financial oversight
• Strong leadership, communication, and Board collaboration skills
• Valid Michigan driver’s license (or ability to obtain one) and ability to pass a background check

Ideal Experience & Attributes

• Sound operational judgment and consistent follow-through
• Comfort working within established systems and resource constraints
• Emotional steadiness and clarity under pressure
• Respect for the complexity and dignity of serving older adults in rural communities
• Commitment to teamwork, transparency, and mission-driven service

Send resume, cover letter to: thomasjkern@gmail.com