Description

Rural Resilience Executive Director
Reports to: Board of Directors
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Rural Resilience connects rural students, families, and community members to behavioral and mental health solutions while protecting their social well-being and fostering a resilience to thrive.  We provide direct support, education, and community-based programming to promote resilience, reduce stigma, and ensure equitable access to quality mental health care and prevention services. Our work strengthens the well-being of individuals and communities through collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based practices. 

Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) provides visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission of Rural Resilience. This individual oversees all aspects of organizational management (including programs, finances, partnerships, staff development, and community relations) and works closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance and long-term sustainability. The ED serves as the public face of the organization, advocating for the behavioral health needs of rural youth and families across Montana.

Salary: Base $70,000 DOE with full employee benefits                               Schedule: 1.0 FTE

Those interested can apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and references to contact@ruralresiliencemt.org 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Vision - 15%
Provide overall leadership, direction, supervision, and management of the organization’s operations, programs, and staff/independent contractors.
Implement the strategic plan in alignment with the mission and goals established by the Board of Directors.
Cultivate a positive, inclusive, and mission-driven organizational culture that supports staff and community well-being.

Program Oversight & Impact - 20%
Ensure the design, delivery, and evaluation of high-quality programs supporting youth and families’ behavioral and mental health.
Foster partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, community organizations, and local governments.
Champion innovation in rural mental health access, prevention strategies, and youth resilience initiatives.

Financial Management & Fund Development - 30%
Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and sound fiscal management in collaboration with the Board Treasurer.
Lead fund development efforts including grants, individual donations, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Build relationships with funders, agencies, and stakeholders to secure and diversify revenue streams.
Medicaid tracking, compliance, reporting, and financial management.
Payroll, taxes, and required bookkeeping duties.

Board Relations & Governance - 15%
Work in partnership with the Board to implement policy, strategy, and governance best practices.
Provide transparent reporting, financial updates, and program outcomes to the Board.
Support the recruitment, training, and engagement of Board members.

Community Engagement & Advocacy - 20%
Serve as the primary spokesperson, promoting the organization’s mission, programs, and impact.
Represent Rural Resilience in statewide and regional coalitions, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
Social media, website, and digital communications, designs, and marketing applicable to events, hiring, or information for public and stakeholders.
Advance public awareness and reduce stigma surrounding youth behavioral and mental health in rural communities.

Other duties as necessary to advance Rural Resilience’s mission and goals.

Requirements

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required in nonprofit management, public administration, behavioral health, education, or related field preferred.
Minimum of 2 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, behavioral health, or human services.
Demonstrated success in program development, staff supervision, fund development, and fiscal management.
Preferred: Strong understanding of rural communities and the challenges/opportunities related to youth mental health services.
Excellent communication, relationship-building, and advocacy skills.
Confidence in pursuing, developing, and building funder/donor relationships.