College Guild is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase, with a focus on fundraising, operations, and long-term sustainability. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the primary fundraiser and operational leader, guiding the organization’s work providing free correspondence courses to incarcerated individuals and building connection beyond prison walls. The Executive Director will partner closely with the board to strengthen the organization’s financial foundation and help shape a clear path forward.

The ideal candidate brings nonprofit leadership experience, demonstrated success in fundraising (including individual donors, major gifts, and grants), and the ability to operate effectively in a small, hands-on environment.

About College Guild:

Based in Brunswick, Maine, College Guild provides free, non-accredited correspondence courses to incarcerated individuals across the United States. For more than 20 years, the organization has created meaningful connections through learning, offering intellectual engagement, creativity, and a sense of purpose to people with limited access to education and connection. The work is simple in design but powerful in impact, reaching participants in all 50 states.

With strong demand, a committed community of volunteers, and a clear mission, College Guild is well positioned for its next phase. This is an opportunity to lead a small, high-impact organization, strengthen its foundation, and extend its reach.

Main Responsibilities

Develop and lead a fundraising strategy; maintain and expand relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and other funding sources to increase and diversify revenue over time
Assess and strengthen day-to-day operations, systems, and processes to improve efficiency, reduce risk, and support reliable program delivery
Provide leadership and support to staff members to build a sustainable and effective team structure
Partner closely with the board, supporting governance, planning, and board recruitment
Help define a clear path for sustainable growth, ensuring financial stability and expanded reach
Maintain a collaborative and mission-aligned culture that supports staff retention, engagement, and alignment with the organization’s values

Qualifications:

Minimum of three years of leadership experience in a nonprofit setting, with responsibility for operations and team management
Demonstrated success leading fundraising efforts with measurable results, including securing grants, cultivating donors, and executing fundraising campaigns
Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management; experience with accounting, database, and workflow systems (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, Google Workspace, Little Green Light)
Experience leading organizations or teams through periods of transition or change
Strong operational skills, including improving and scaling systems and processes, with the ability to balance immediate operational needs with longer-term growth
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders
Ability to assess situations, make informed decisions, and adapt in a dynamic environment

The Executive Director should have a genuine interest in expanding access to education for incarcerated individuals. Direct experience in this field is not required, but candidates should demonstrate a commitment to equity and expanding opportunity with genuine respect for the population served and be comfortable working in a space that may not be widely understood or supported

Location: This position is based in Brunswick, Maine (Hybrid). A remote work arrangement may be considered.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Supervises: Program Manager & Program Assistant

Pay and Benefits: $55,000-$60,000 (32 hour work week)

To Apply: Catherine Nugent HR Consulting has been engaged to manage this search. Please send your resume and cover letter to Cathy Nugent, Principal, at cnugentconsult@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please contact Cathy if you are seeking an accommodation in the application process. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements but believe that you would be a good fit for this position.

College Guild is an equal-opportunity employer committed to team development and a supportive, respectful culture. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.

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Executive Director