ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is a mission-driven, multi-site nonprofit serving children, adults, older adults, veterans, and families across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore since 1948. As an independent affiliate of the national Easterseals, the organization delivers high-impact, community-based services that advance independence, inclusion, and economic opportunity for individuals with disabilities and other barriers.
The organization provides a comprehensive continuum of services across the lifespan, including early intervention and pediatric therapy, adult day services, workforce development and employment programs, community-based supports, and services for veterans and older adults. A signature asset is Camp Fairlee in Chestertown, Maryland — a fully accessible residential camp and conference center that offers transformative recreational and respite experiences and serves as a visible and cherished anchor for fundraising and community engagement.
With multiple service locations, diverse public and private funding streams, and a strong reputation across two states, Easterseals operates within a complex environment shaped by Medicaid funding, state contracts, philanthropy, earned revenue, and regulatory oversight. The organization partners closely with families, employers, state agencies, community leaders, and donors to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for those it serves.
Rooted in more than 75 years of impact, Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is entering its next chapter — focused on strategic growth, operational excellence, financial sustainability, workforce development, and deepened community engagement.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to and partnering with an engaged Board of Directors, the President/CEO serves as the organization’s chief executive and strategic leader — advancing a mission that promotes independence, inclusion, and opportunity for people with disabilities and their families across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The CEO provides clear vision and disciplined execution, ensuring alignment between mission impact, financial sustainability, operational excellence, and long-term strategic growth.
As the primary ambassador of Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the President/CEO cultivates strong partnerships with families, government agencies, philanthropic leaders, employers, and community stakeholders, reinforcing the organization’s reputation as a trusted, high-quality provider and essential regional resource. This leader inspires confidence internally and externally, builds and empowers a high-performing leadership team, and positions Easterseals for continued relevance and measurable impact within an evolving human services landscape.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership & Service Excellence
Advances a bold, forward-looking vision that strengthens mission impact and expands opportunity for individuals with disabilities and their families across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Aligns programs with community needs and national Easterseals priorities.
Leads annual strategic planning, goal setting, and budgeting.
Cultivates key partnerships to drive a shared strategic direction.
Sets and ensures high standards of service quality, outcomes, and client experience.
Financial Stewardship & Organizational Sustainability
Provides transparent oversight of financial operations.
Builds strong reserves, diversified revenue, and long-term financial resilience.
Leads financial forecasting and growth strategies aligned with the strategic plan.
Oversees capital planning and investment decisions.
Maintains strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure accountability.
Development & External Relations
Leads a comprehensive, relationship-based, and data-informed fundraising strategy supporting both operating and capital priorities.
Serves as the chief ambassador to donors, foundations, corporate partners, legislators, and grantmaking institutions.
Builds enduring relationships with key supporters and community stakeholders.
Engages and equips the Board to actively support fundraising and relationship development:
Cultivates a strong volunteer community that expands Easterseals’ reach.
Human Capital & Organizational Culture
Fosters a culture of excellence, learning, and shared purpose.
Leads HR strategies that attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent.
Strengthens organizational capacity through workforce planning and talent development.
Ensures leadership continuity through proactive succession planning.
Board Partnership & Governance
Partners with the Board on recruitment, orientation, and ongoing development of board members.
Ensures the Board is well informed, appropriately engaged and supported in making effective governance decisions.
Collaborates with the Board Chair to develop and engage advisory groups.
Organizational Health, Quality, & Resilience
Ensures compliance with all nonprofit, healthcare, and human services regulatory requirements.
Maintains strong internal communication systems to support alignment and organizational cohesion.
Establishes and monitors quality indicators and performance measures.
Designs and maintains an organizational structure that supports culture, strategy, and service delivery.
Oversees accreditation, licensing, and quality assurance systems.
Service Delivery & Program Oversight
Provides leadership, oversight and ensures accountability across all service areas.
Ensures strong customer relations, service evaluation systems, and compliance with accreditation and licensing standards.
Advocates for appropriate reimbursement levels and sustainable funding structures.
Executive Leadership & Team Development
Recruits, develops, and leads a high-performing senior leadership team.
Coaches and supports leaders to strengthen commitment, accountability, decision-making and performance.
Promotes teamwork, alignment, and shared accountability.
Delegates responsibility appropriately
Models integrity, transparency, and mission-centered leadership.
Advocacy & Public Engagement
Serves as a visible advocate for people with disabilities.and their families or caregivers.
Educates policymakers, community leaders, and the public regarding service needs and system challenges
Advances policy and regulatory initiatives that strengthen access, funding, and service quality.
Builds strong relationships with county, state, and federal agencies across Delaware and Maryland.
Leads external communications to increase awareness, acceptance, and community support.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensures adherence to all local, state, and federal laws, including CMS and state regulatory requirements.
Maintains a comprehensive risk management plan and reviews it annually with the Board Audit Committee.
Models compliance and accountability through participation in required training.
Affiliation with Easterseals National
Ensures compliance with all requirements of the national affiliation agreement.
Represents the organization in national and regional meetings.
Contributes to national initiatives and proposed changes affecting affiliates.
Leadership of ESSD-M, Inc. (Subsidiary Corporation)
Ensures facilities operate safely and support high-quality service delivery.
Leads long-range site and space planning, capital building, and equipment strategies.
Oversees capital projects to ensure on-time, on-budget completion.
Oversees preparation and submission of Bond Bill applications.
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a complex health or human services organization with annual revenue of $10M or more.
Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, public administration, nonprofit management, health or human services), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Proven success securing significant philanthropic support, including capital and operating revenue exceeding $1M.
Demonstrated ability to align organizations around a shared vision and drive strategic execution.
Track record of positioning organizations for growth, visibility, and impact.
Industry / Sector Knowledge
Deep understanding of disability issues and their impact on individuals, families, and communities.
Familiarity with the mission, standards, and affiliation requirements of national nonprofit networks.
Knowledge of organizational design, operations, and program/service management.
Strong understanding of nonprofit governance, regulatory requirements, and disability-related laws.
Working knowledge of accounting, financial management, and core business principles.
Knowledge of health, safety, security, tax, insurance, and state regulatory requirements impacting service delivery.
Professional and Leadership Competencies
Demonstrated ability to develop people and build high-performing teams.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage employees, families, partners, and community stakeholders.
Strategic thinker with strong planning, execution, and organizational leadership capabilities.
Proven success in resource development and relationship-based fundraising.
Strong business acumen, including financial analysis, data interpretation, and operational decision-making.
Skilled in problem-solving, conflict resolution, and navigating complex systems.
Bilingual ability preferred.
Personally aligned with the mission and values of Easterseals.
Respected and trusted leader able to build credibility quickly with diverse stakeholders.
POSITION OVERVIEW
This is a full-time, exempt executive leadership role based onsite at the Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore administrative headquarters in New Castle, Delaware. The President/CEO will maintain a visible and engaged presence across the organization, with some travel throughout Delaware and Maryland to support operations, staff, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
TO APPLY
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore has retained Dunleavy & Associates as its partner for this search. In order to be considered, please submit your resume or CV and a cover letter HERE.
EEO/AAP Statement
Easterseals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. The organization is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law.