EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn, Ltd. (FIAO) is seeking an accomplished, visionary, and dynamic Executive Director to lead the organization into its next era of growth, impact, and community leadership.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as FIAO’s chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strengthening its financial position, expanding programs and services, and positioning FIAO for long-term success.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board to establish and execute a forward-looking strategic vision focused on organizational growth, program excellence, fundraising, financial sustainability, community engagement, and institutional development.

As FIAO’s principal ambassador and spokesperson, the Executive Director will build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, funders, donors, businesses, schools, nonprofit and community partners, families, and the Italian American community.

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, proven leader, relationship builder, and effective fundraiser who combines strong business and financial acumen with a deep commitment to community service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Governance

· Serve as FIAO’s chief executive, providing vision, leadership, and direction to advance the organization’s mission and long-term goals.

· Partner with the Board to develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan focused on growth, financial sustainability, program excellence, and community impact.

· Keep the Board and its committees informed of organizational performance, financial condition, programs, opportunities, and challenges.

· Strengthen Board engagement in fundraising, advocacy, partnerships, and organizational growth.

· Ensure programs, services, and operations remain aligned with FIAO’s mission and Board-approved priorities.

Organizational & Program Leadership

· Lead a high-performing organization grounded in excellence, accountability, collaboration, innovation, and service.

· Oversee senior leadership, including the Director of Funded Programs and Director of the Community Center, and ensure effective day-to-day operations.

· Ensure the effective delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of FIAO’s programs and services, including publicly funded programs and the privately sustained services of Il Centro Community Center.

· Identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, earned revenue, facilities, and community impact.

· Ensure compliance with all contractual, regulatory, governmental, and organizational requirements.

Fundraising, Development & Growth

· Serve as FIAO’s senior fundraising and development leader in partnership with the Board and Development Committee.

· Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to increase contributed revenue and diversify FIAO’s funding base.

· Cultivate major donors, foundations, corporations, government funders, and philanthropic partners.

· Strengthen development efforts across major gifts, grants, sponsorships, special events, and donor stewardship.

· Engage Board members and key stakeholders as ambassadors and partners in fundraising and organizational growth.

Financial Management & Stewardship

· Oversee FIAO’s financial health, sustainability, and fiscal integrity.

· Develop and manage the annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with senior leadership and the Board.

· Monitor revenue, expenses, cash flow, contracts, grants, and financial performance.

· Maintain strong internal controls, financial accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.

· Work closely with the Board Treasurer, Finance Committee, auditors, and professional advisors on financial oversight and planning.

Government, Community & Public Leadership

· Serve as FIAO’s principal public ambassador and spokesperson, elevating the organization’s profile throughout Brooklyn and New York City.

· Build trusted relationships with elected officials, government agencies, civic leaders, foundations, corporations, businesses, schools, and community organizations.

· Represent FIAO at public events, community meetings, conferences, fundraising events, and other high-profile engagements.

· Advocate for the communities FIAO serves and strengthen the organization’s position as a leading Brooklyn institution serving youth, families, seniors, and the broader Italian American and multicultural community.

Talent & Organizational Culture

· Build and retain a talented, mission-driven, and high-performing team.

· Establish clear goals, performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development opportunities.

· Oversee senior-level recruitment, development, performance management, and succession planning.

· Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and accountable organizational culture.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished nonprofit executive to help shape the next chapter of a highly respected Brooklyn institution.

The Executive Director will build on FIAO’s strong foundation while advancing a forward-looking vision that expands programs, strengthens Il Centro Community Center, grows philanthropic support, develops new partnerships, and increases FIAO’s impact throughout Brooklyn and New York City.

The successful candidate will bring together vision, strategy, fundraising, operational discipline, and community leadership—and translate that combination into measurable results.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

· 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit, community-based organization, social service organization, foundation, government, or related sector.

· Demonstrated success leading organizational growth, strategic planning, development, and change.

· Proven fundraising, donor development, partnership-building, and financial management experience.

· Experience overseeing complex programs, government contracts, grants, and/or publicly funded services.

· Strong organizational, operational, and financial management skills.

· Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and inspire high-performing teams.

· Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills.

· Proven ability to build productive relationships with elected officials, government agencies, donors, foundations, businesses, and community leaders.

· A demonstrated commitment to community service and organizational mission.

· High professional integrity, sound judgment, discretion, and accountability.

LEADERSHIP PROFILE

Visionary — Sees opportunities and establishes a clear path for FIAO’s future.

Strategic — Translates organizational priorities into measurable action and results.

Entrepreneurial — Identifies new programs, partnerships, revenue opportunities, and innovative approaches.

Inspirational — Motivates employees, engages volunteers, inspires donors, and brings stakeholders together.

Community-Focused — Committed to strengthening the families, neighborhoods, and communities FIAO serves.

Relationship-Driven — Builds meaningful relationships across government, philanthropy, business, education, nonprofit, and community sectors.

Accountable — Champions transparency, fiscal responsibility, operational excellence, and measurable performance.

HOW TO APPLY

FIAO is seeking a leader ready to build on a strong legacy while defining its future. The successful candidate will bring energy, vision, credibility, and a demonstrated record of accomplishment to one of Brooklyn’s important community institutions.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter to: [email protected] Att: G Jack Spatola, Chairman of the Board of Directors.

FIAO of Brooklyn is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Join us as an Executive Director to lead impactful programs that transform lives! Your leadership will inspire change—driving growth while fostering a compassionate environment where every individual receives the support they deserve. We’re committed to empowering our team members through meaningful work that makes a difference every day!

Pay: $150,000.00 - $170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person