Executive Director

Executive Director

Summertree Residential Centers | Northern Michigan

Lead with purpose. Strengthen our mission. Make a lasting difference.

Summertree Residential Centers is seeking an experienced, compassionate, and strategic Executive Director to lead our nonprofit organization in providing quality residential services to individuals with disabilities.

This is a key leadership position for a professional who understands that successful nonprofit management requires more than overseeing daily operations. It requires strong financial stewardship, effective leadership development, regulatory accountability, strategic planning, and a commitment to the people and communities the organization serves.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide organizational leadership, oversee residential operations, develop and support management teams, and ensure the organization’s resources are used responsibly to advance its mission.

We are looking for a leader who can think strategically, make sound business decisions, build strong relationships, and foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and person-centered care.

Key Responsibilities

Nonprofit Leadership & Board Governance

• Serve as the organization’s chief executive leader, implementing organizational goals and priorities established in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Report directly to the Board of Directors and prepare and present comprehensive monthly board meeting updates.
• Communicate organizational performance, financial results, staffing trends, operational challenges, compliance matters, and strategic initiatives to board members.
• Provide the Board with accurate, timely information to support informed decision-making and organizational oversight.
• Develop and implement strategic plans that support the organization’s mission, long-term sustainability, and continued effectiveness.
• Maintain transparent communication and a productive working relationship with the Board of Directors.

Financial Management & Stewardship

• Oversee organizational budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and expenditure monitoring.
• Present financial information, budget updates, and relevant operational trends to the Board of Directors.
• Evaluate the financial implications of organizational decisions and develop strategies to use available resources effectively.
• Balance fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain safe, high-quality residential services.
• Identify operational efficiencies and opportunities to strengthen the organization’s long-term financial sustainability.

Residential Operations & Quality of Care

• Provide oversight of residential programs serving individuals with disabilities.
• Ensure services promote dignity, independence, safety, inclusion, and person-centered support.
• Monitor program performance and ensure compliance with applicable licensing requirements, regulations, contracts, and organizational policies.
• Establish clear operational expectations and promote consistent practices across residential programs.
• Identify opportunities for quality improvement and address organizational risks and challenges.

Management & Employee Development

• Lead, mentor, and support supervisors, residential managers, and other professional staff.
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability at every level of the organization.
• Strengthen recruitment, employee retention, leadership development, and workplace culture.
• Support managers in addressing staffing challenges, employee performance, attendance, and operational concerns.
• Promote effective communication, teamwork, and consistent leadership practices throughout the organization.
• Develop management teams capable of sustaining high-quality services and meeting organizational goals.

Strategic Planning & Community Relationships

• Build productive relationships with funding agencies, community partners, families, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee organizational planning, administrative functions, and performance reporting.
• Anticipate changes in funding, regulations, staffing needs, and service demands.
• Represent Summertree professionally and advocate for the organization’s mission and the individuals it serves.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Demonstrated management and leadership experience.
• Experience in financial planning, budgeting, and fiscal oversight.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop professional staff.
• Strong strategic planning, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare reports and present organizational and financial information to a Board of Directors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and related business technology.
• Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record.
• Ability to travel as needed and work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and meetings outside normal business hours.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit management or executive leadership.
• Experience in disability services, residential services, behavioral health, healthcare, or human services.
• Familiarity with nonprofit board governance and executive-board relationships.
• Experience with regulatory compliance, quality assurance, and funding or contract requirements.
• Demonstrated success improving organizational performance, developing management teams, and strengthening employee retention.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal Executive Director is a mission-driven leader who combines business knowledge with compassion and sound judgment.

You are someone who:

• Leads with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Understands the importance of board communication and responsible organizational governance.
• Makes thoughtful financial decisions while protecting the quality of care.
• Develops strong managers and builds a positive, professional workplace culture.
• Adapts to changing circumstances and finds practical solutions to complex challenges.
• Understands that the organization’s success is measured not only by its financial and operational performance, but also by the quality of life and support provided to the individuals it serves.

Make a Difference Through Leadership

At Summertree Residential Centers, the Executive Director has the opportunity to shape organizational direction, support dedicated employees, strengthen residential services, and help ensure the organization remains focused on its mission.

If you are a strategic, accountable, and people-focused leader who is ready to make a meaningful impact in nonprofit human services, we encourage you to apply.

Application Requirements: Please submit your resume along with your salary requirements for consideration on Indeed.

Job Type: Full-time

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Location:

• Boyne City, MI (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person