Executive Director

About The Rural Outreach Center

The Rural Outreach Center (ROC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and families experiencing poverty in rural communities of southern Western New York. ROC County spans more than 60 zip codes and combats challenges unique to rural communities — limited public transportation, dispersed services, and critical shortages of primary care and mental health providers. Over 5% of families in the region live in deep poverty, and the majority of those served by ROC survive on less than $45,000 a year for a family of four.

Founded in 2013 as a faith-based, independent 501(c)3, The ROC provides a centralized hub of wrap-around services including mental health counseling, play therapy, care coordination, mentoring and tutoring, financial literacy, employment support, and job readiness training. In any given month, ROC actively serves more than 100 participants through a holistic, trauma-informed approach focused on fostering stability, dignity, and long-term self-sufficiency.

The ROC's work is guided by five core principles: minimizing charity in favor of empowerment, breaking the cycle of poverty through a two-generation approach, delivering centralized wrap-around services, collaborating with partners to avoid duplication, and measuring outcomes through the social determinants of health.

Learn more at https://theroc.co.

Position Summary

The ROC is seeking an Executive Director to advance our mission, guide strategic development, and ensure operational excellence. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide vision, leadership, and managerial oversight across all programs and personnel.

The Executive Director will also serve as a visible external champion and relationship-builder, pursuing robust fundraising and community partnerships to continue advancing our mission and reputation in integrated human services. The ideal candidate possesses an understanding of rural communities and a commitment to our mission of breaking the cycle of rural poverty by accompanying people toward self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Vision

• Champion The ROC’s mission, values, and goals in all aspects of leadership and managerial oversight.
• Develop and implement strategic plans in partnership with the Board and staff.
• Guide program innovation and expansion in response to evolving community needs.
• Expand The ROC’s reputation as a thought leader in rural human services, supporting the national recognition of our integrated services model and the ongoing collection and evaluation of program data to inform program refinement and growth.

Organizational & Personnel Development

• Cultivate a high-performing, compassionate team through effective management, professional development, and inclusive leadership.
• Ensure strong operational infrastructure, including policies, regulatory compliance. and human resource practices.
• Oversee financial management across an approximately $1.75M budget, working in close partnership with the Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Officer, and Chief Program officer to ensure fiscal health and reporting integrity.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for The ROC in the community.
• Build and sustain strong partnerships with service providers, funders, universities, government entities, and local stakeholders.
• Represent The ROC in local, regional, and statewide initiatives focused on rural poverty and mental health.
• Support the growth of The ROC’s Rural Development Hub, including initiatives such as those in affordable housing, regional transportation, workforce development, and health disparities.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Lead fundraising strategy across grants, government funding, and individual donors, while ensuring continuation of fee-for-service revenue streams.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, foundations, and other key stakeholders.
• Support fundraising efforts related to special events and community partnerships.
• Work closely with the Board to expand and diversify funding sources.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in the nonprofit, health policy, human services, or community development sector.
• Strong background in organizational management, staff development, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated ability to develop community relationships and partnerships.
• Experience with fundraising, grant development, and donor relations.
• Commitment to serving rural populations and understanding the unique challenges they face.
• Familiarity with mental health systems, trauma-informed care, or case management.
• Experience living or working in rural or underserved communities.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, health policy, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

Additional Information

This position requires in-person, on-site presence based in East Aurora, NY. Some regional travel is required. A flexible, 4-day schedule is possible.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range of $120,000 – 135,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as health benefits and a 401K plan.