Classification:  Exempt

Hours:  Full-time, In-Person

Reports to:  Board of Directors

To apply:  email resume and cover letter to HR@dsacf.org

About DSACF

The Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with Down syndrome and their families through programs, advocacy, education, and community connection.

DSACF serves families throughout Central Florida by providing resources across the lifespan—from diagnosis and early childhood through adulthood—while building a community where individuals with Down syndrome are valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Through signature events, family programs, and partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations, DSACF continues to expand its impact and visibility across the region.

Position Overview

The Executive Director  serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida. 

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director  will guide the organization through its next phase of growth by strengthening financial sustainability, expanding community partnerships, and ensuring high-quality programs that support individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

The Executive Director is responsible for organizational leadership, fundraising and development, financial stewardship, staff leadership, and community engagement. This role requires a collaborative, mission-driven leader who can build strong relationships with families, donors, volunteers, and community partners throughout Central Florida.

The Executive Director is expected to serve as the organization’s primary relationship builder with donors, sponsors, and community partners, and must be comfortable actively participating in fundraising activities throughout the year.

The Executive Director reports directly to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair. 

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Strategy

• Implement and advance the strategic vision and priorities established by the Board of Directors.

• Lead day-to-day operations and strategy, including programs, finances, communications, and staff management.

• Develop annual operational plans aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.

• Identify opportunities to grow programs, partnerships, and community impact across Central Florida.

• Ensure long-term sustainability through thoughtful planning and resource management.

Fundraising & Development Leadership

Fundraising is a central responsibility of the Executive Director and a key driver of the organization’s long-term sustainability.

• Provide leadership for the organization’s two major annual fundraising events.

• Cultivate new and existing relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.

• Develop a pipeline of new donor relationships, including individual donors, corporate sponsorships, grants, and foundations.

• Expand the organization’s major donor network across Central Florida.

• Partner with the Board of Directors to build a strong fundraising culture and increase board participation in stewardship efforts.

• Develop and implement an annual development strategy designed to diversify and strengthen revenue sources.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison between staff and the Board of Directors.

• Provide regular updates on programs, finances, and strategic initiatives.

• Prepare materials and reports for board meetings.

• Support board committees and assist with board development.

• Ensure strong governance and alignment with the strategic mission.

Program Oversight & Community Impact

• Ensure programs effectively meet the needs of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

• Oversee program staff and volunteers.

• Evaluate and improve programs to maximize community impact.

• Strengthen relationships with schools, healthcare providers, disability organizations, and community partners.

Staff Leadership & Culture

• Recruit, support, and develop staff and volunteers.

• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture.

• Establish clear policies, procedures, and accountability structures.

• Provide coaching, evaluations, and performance feedback.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee financial health including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.

• Work with the Board to develop and manage the annual operating budget.

• Ensure compliance with financial, legal, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain strong operational systems and internal controls.

• Monitor organizational performance and program impact.

Communications & Community Relations

• Serve as the public spokesperson and ambassador for DSACF.

• Represent DSACF at community events, partnerships, and regional initiatives. 

• Build relationships with families, community leaders, healthcare providers, schools, and nonprofit partners.

• Increase awareness of the organization’s mission and programs.

• Oversee marketing and communications.

• Engage families, volunteers, donors, and the broader community.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 7-10 years of leadership experience in nonprofit, mission-driven, or community-based organizations, including significant responsibility for organizational management and staff leadership.

• Demonstrated track record of successful fundraising and donor development, including cultivating individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partnerships.

• Proven ability to personally secure philanthropic support, including major gifts, sponsorships, or grant funding.

• Strong leadership and team management experience, including hiring, developing, and managing staff and volunteers.

• Experience overseeing organizational budgets, financial reporting, and nonprofit financial management.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a Board of Directors, including strategic planning, governance support, and board engagement in fundraising.

• Bachelor’s degree required (advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, or related field preferred).

Preferred

• Experience in disability advocacy, human services or community-based nonprofit work.

• Personal or professional connection to the Down syndrome community.

• Strong public speaking and community engagement skills.

• Familiarity with nonprofit CRM and donor management systems.

• Prior experience serving as Executive Director, Deputy Director, Development Director, or senior nonprofit leader

• Experience managing major fundraising events, donor campaigns or major gift programs.

• Established relationships within the Central Florida philanthropic or nonprofit community

• Experience expanding fundraising channels beyond event-based revenue

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and organizational leadership

• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, families, and community partners

• Ability to inspire volunteers, supporters, and staff

• Collaborative leadership and emotional intelligence

• Comfort serving as the public face of an organization

• Commitment to inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome 

Work Environment

The Executive Director is expected to maintain an active presence within the Central Florida community and attend evening and weekend events as needed, particularly related to fundraising and community engagement.

Compensation 

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience, with a salary range expected to be between $95,000-$120,000 plus benefits.