Job Description
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and visionary leader of BOPN, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability. The ED oversees organizational operations, financial health, fundraising and development, staff leadership, external partnerships, board relations, and provides organizational and policy-level support for curriculum and classroom practices to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission, values, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a collaborative, values-driven leader with a strong commitment to equity, nature-based education, and organizational excellence.
Description
Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Strategy
- Provide visionary and inclusive leadership aligned with BOPN’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans and organizational goals.
- Ensure organizational policies, practices, and culture reflect principles of equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Program Oversight & Quality
- Support the Director of Programs and Education in overseeing the delivery and continuous improvement of high quality, nature-based early childhood programs across all sites.
- Support senior leadership in maintaining compliance with all applicable licensing, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Ensure program growth and innovation are mission-aligned and financially sustainable.
- Manage site partnerships to ensure alignment, clear expectations, and shared goals with host sites.
Financial Management & Sustainability
- Oversee the organization’s financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Partner with the Director of Finance and Administration and Board Treasurer to ensure strong fiscal controls and transparency.
- Identify and manage financial risks while planning for long-term sustainability.
Fundraising & External Relations
- Support the Director of Development in fundraising efforts, including individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, and special events.
- Serve as a primary ambassador for BOPN, cultivating relationships with funders, partners, families, and community stakeholders.
- Represent BOPN publicly through speaking engagements, advocacy efforts, and community collaborations.
People & Culture
- Lead, support, and mentor the senior leadership team, fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.
- Foster inclusive, well-aligned systems for hiring, onboarding, evaluation, and professional development across the organization.
- Promote a positive organizational culture and morale.
- Support Community and Staff Forum facilitators as needed.
Board Relations & Governance
- Maintain a strong, transparent partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Provide timely and accurate information to support board decision making.
- Support board development, committee work, and governance best practices.
- Advise and counsel the Board on the organization’s strategic vision, priorities, and long-term sustainability to support informed decision-making.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, or a related field.
- Strong alignment with BOPN’s mission and commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Experience overseeing budgets, financial management, and organizational operations.
- Excellent communication, relationship building, and leadership skills.
- Experience in early childhood education, nature-based education, or youth-serving organizations.
- Familiarity with Massachusetts EEC regulations or similar licensing environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading multisite or growing organizations.
Core Competencies
- Strategic and systems thinking
- Collaborative leadership
- Financial and operational insight
- Fundraising
- Supporting internal and external relationships
- Change management and adaptability
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and mission-driven work
Compensation & Benefits
BOPN offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package that include health insurance, paid time off, professional development support, and flexible/hybrid work arrangement based in Massachusetts.
Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000
Location: Greater Boston Area (Hybrid)
Position Type: Fulltime, Exempt
Reports to: Board of Directors
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their interest in the role and alignment with BOPN’s mission.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.
About the Company
Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, nature-based early childhood education across Greater Boston. We partner with public parks, historic sites, and cultural institutions to offer immersive, outdoor preschool programs that support the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively.
What sets BOPN apart is our belief that nature is not just a backdrop for learning, but a powerful teacher. Our classrooms are forests, fields, and parklands, where children build curiosity, resilience, empathy, and a lasting connection to the natural world through play-based, child-centered experiences. We are deeply committed to expanding access to outdoor education and fostering inclusive learning environments for children and families from diverse communities.
As an organization, we value collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous learning. We strive to support our educators and staff with meaningful professional development, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and early childhood education.