Executive Director
Organization: Colin’s Hope
Location: Austin, TX (WFH with regular in-person engagement and some travel)
Position Type: Full-Time
Compensation: Competitive, commensurate with experience
About Colin’s Hope
Colin’s Hope is a Texas-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing childhood drowning by providing education, resources, and programs that save lives. We work with families, community organizations, and partners across Texas and beyond to increase water safety awareness and reduce preventable tragedies.
Position Overview
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of Colin’s Hope, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission through strong fundraising, community engagement, and impactful program leadership.
This role requires a proven fundraiser and relationship-builder who can grow and sustain diverse revenue streams while leading day-to-day operations of the organization. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors and founding family to ensure alignment with organizational priorities, while building deep connections within the local nonprofit and philanthropic community.
The ideal candidate brings both hands-on leadership and strategic vision, ensuring Colin’s Hope continues to expand its impact in drowning prevention.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Fundraising & Revenue Development (Priority Focus)
● Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events
● Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and foundations
● Build and maintain a diversified and sustainable revenue portfolio
Community Engagement & External Relations
● Serve as the primary ambassador for Colin’s Hope within the Austin and broader Texas nonprofit community
● Build strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and industry stakeholders
● Represent the organization through public speaking, events, and advocacy efforts
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction
● Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with Board-defined goals and long-term vision
● Ensure the organization effectively balances day-to-day execution with long-term growth and impact
Board Relations & Governance
● Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and founding family
● Maintain proactive communication and ensure transparency in organizational performance and strategy
● Support Board engagement in fundraising and strategic initiatives
Financial Management & Oversight
● Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal management
● Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and regular financial reporting
Operations & Program Leadership
● Oversee daily operations and ensure effective execution of programs
● Strengthen and evolve programs to maximize measurable impact in drowning prevention
● Identify opportunities for program innovation and growth
Staff & Volunteer Leadership
● Recruit, supervise, and develop staff, volunteers, and interns
● Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven organizational culture
Mission Impact & Program Innovation
● Ensure programs deliver measurable outcomes aligned with drowning prevention goals
● Use data, partnerships, and best practices to continuously improve impact
Compliance & Accountability
● Ensure compliance with all nonprofit regulations and organizational policies
● Maintain transparency, integrity, and accountability across all operations
Minimum Requirements
● Proven success in fundraising and revenue development, including donor cultivation and/or grant writing
● Experience in a leadership role within a nonprofit or community-focused organization
● Strong connections to, or experience working within, the nonprofit and philanthropic community
● Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with community, corporate, and public-sector stakeholders
● Experience managing staff, volunteers, and/or cross-functional teams
● Strong financial literacy, including budgeting and oversight
● Excellent communication and public speaking skills
● Ability to operate effectively in both strategic leadership and hands-on execution
● Commitment to the mission and values of Colin’s Hope
● Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel as needed
Preferred Qualifications
● 5+ years of senior nonprofit leadership experience
● Demonstrated success growing fundraising programs and revenue streams
● Experience planning and executing fundraising and community events
● Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholders
● Familiarity with water safety, drowning prevention, or public health initiatives
● Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Neon)
● Bilingual English/Spanish preferred