Executive Director
About People Helping People | Burlington, Massachusetts
People Helping People (PHP) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and community-minded Director / Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.
For more than 30 years, People Helping People has supported individuals and families in Burlington who are experiencing food insecurity and financial hardship. Through our Food Pantry and other community assistance programs, PHP provides essential resources while treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.
Today, PHP is a strong and highly valued community organization supported by dedicated staff, an engaged Board of Directors, hundreds of volunteers, donors, community partners, local businesses, and the Town of Burlington. As the needs of the community continue to evolve, our next Director / Executive Director will have the opportunity to build on that foundation while helping shape PHP's future.
The Opportunity
The Director / Executive Director serves as the senior leader of People Helping People and is responsible for the organization's overall leadership, operations, financial sustainability, community presence, and continued impact.
Working in partnership with the Board of Directors and leading a small, dedicated staff, the Director / Executive Director will ensure that PHP delivers high-quality programs while building the organizational capacity necessary for long-term success.
This is both a strategic and hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between big-picture thinking and the practical realities of running a community-based nonprofit. One day may involve developing a fundraising strategy or meeting with a community partner; another may involve coaching a staff member, reviewing financial results, addressing an operational issue, or working alongside volunteers.
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Provide thoughtful, visible leadership for the organization and its mission.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to establish strategic priorities and translate them into actionable goals.
- Assess organizational needs and strengthen the systems, processes, technology, and infrastructure needed to support PHP's future.
- Use data and community insights to evaluate programs, identify emerging needs, and guide decision-making.
- Help PHP balance its strong community roots with the structure and discipline needed for sustainable growth.
Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
- Lead the development and execution of a diversified fundraising strategy.
- Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, community organizations, and other funding partners.
- Identify opportunities for grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and new sources of financial support.
- Work with the Board and staff to strengthen donor engagement and stewardship.
- Oversee budgeting, financial performance, internal controls, and responsible stewardship of PHP's resources.
- Partner with the Board to ensure the organization's long-term financial sustainability.
Programs & Operations
- Ensure PHP's programs and services are effective, accessible, responsive, and aligned with community needs.
- Provide oversight of day-to-day organizational operations while empowering staff to own their areas of responsibility.
- Establish clear priorities, roles, accountability, and operating practices.
- Strengthen processes and systems where needed without adding unnecessary complexity.
- Ensure appropriate policies, compliance practices, risk management, and organizational controls are in place.
Community Engagement & Partnerships
- Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for People Helping People.
- Develop strong relationships with Burlington's municipal leaders, schools, businesses, faith communities, nonprofit organizations, donors, and other community partners.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration that expand PHP's reach and strengthen services available to the community.
- Represent PHP at community events, meetings, and other activities.
- Build awareness of PHP's mission, programs, impact, and opportunities for community involvement.
Board Partnership & Governance
- Develop a strong, transparent partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Keep the Board informed about organizational performance, opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.
- Provide the information and analysis necessary for effective Board decision-making.
- Support the continued evolution of the Board toward strategic governance and oversight while maintaining the collaborative spirit that has been central to PHP's success.
- Work closely with the Board President and committee leaders to ensure effective governance and organizational alignment.
People & Volunteer Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop PHP's staff, creating an environment of trust, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities and help employees grow their capabilities and ownership.
- Support a positive and inclusive experience for PHP's extensive volunteer community.
- Recognize that volunteers are essential partners in PHP's work and ensure they have the communication, structure, and support needed to succeed.
- Build a culture where employees and volunteers understand how their work contributes to PHP's mission.
The Leader We're Looking For
PHP's next leader does not need to have followed one specific career path. We are looking for a leader who combines strong organizational judgment, empathy, initiative, and the ability to get things done.
The strongest candidates will bring many of the following:
- Leadership experience in a nonprofit, community organization, mission-driven business, public-sector organization, or similarly complex environment.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop people.
- Experience with fundraising, donor development, grants, partnerships, or revenue development.
- Strong financial and operational judgment, including experience working with budgets and organizational resources.
- Ability to build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfort using technology, data, and systems to improve organizational effectiveness.
- Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors is preferred.
- An understanding of food insecurity, human services, community-based organizations, or volunteer-driven organizations is helpful but not required.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who believes deeply in community, dignity, service, and the power of people helping people.
What Success Looks Like
During the first year, the Director / Executive Director will focus on listening and learning while building strong relationships with staff, volunteers, the Board, donors, and community partners. The new leader will gain a deep understanding of PHP's programs and operations, establish clear organizational priorities, strengthen fundraising and financial planning, continue developing the staff team, and work with the Board to create a roadmap for PHP's next several years.
Success will not be measured by changing what already works. It will be measured by preserving the best of PHP while thoughtfully strengthening the organization for the future.
Why People Helping People?
This is an opportunity to lead an organization where the connection between the work and its impact is immediate.
PHP is deeply rooted in Burlington and supported by people who care passionately about their neighbors. The next Executive Director will inherit a meaningful mission, committed employees and volunteers, an engaged Board, and strong community relationships — along with the opportunity to help determine what comes next.
We are looking for a leader who can honor that history while helping People Helping People continue to evolve, grow, and serve the community for years to come.
People Helping People is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
