Connectly Recruiting, in conjunction with The Boland Group is leading the executive search process for our esteemed non-profit client in Baton Rouge, LA. All inquiries and applications will be handled in strict confidence.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the strategic and operational leader of a mission-driven nonprofit organization providing specialized therapeutic, developmental, and educational services to children and families. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring long-term sustainability, and leading a team committed to delivering life-changing outcomes.

As the organization’s chief ambassador, the CEO cultivates relationships with donors, community partners, healthcare leaders, and policymakers to elevate visibility, expand impact, and secure the philanthropic and diversified revenue streams needed to fulfill the mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of a forward-looking strategic plan that aligns the organization around a shared mission and vision.

• Oversee the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based programs and services supporting developmental and educational success for children and families.

• Build a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across clinical, educational, and operational teams.

• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson and representative within the community and sector.

Board Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors to shape strategic direction, ensure effective governance, and maintain strong communication and transparency.

• Support Board engagement, recruitment, and development to strengthen organizational leadership capacity.

• Provide timely insights and recommendations that inform sound, mission-aligned decision-making.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Lead all fundraising and resource development efforts, cultivating relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

• Strengthen partnerships and community collaborations that advance service delivery, innovation, and long-term sustainability.

• Represent the organization’s mission to key stakeholders, serving as a credible and compelling advocate.

Financial & Operational Oversight

• Oversee all financial operations and ensure fiscal integrity for a budget of $8M or greater, aligning resources with mission priorities.

• Ensure effective management of revenue cycle operations and financial systems to support organizational sustainability.

• Lead a talented executive team, fostering professional development and succession planning.

• Promote operational excellence and compliance across all regulatory, financial, and service areas.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline.

• 10+ years senior-level leadership experience in a healthcare or nonprofit setting.

• Proven people management experience, including leading multidisciplinary teams.

• Sufficient healthcare savvy to understand revenue cycle management, ensure credibility with clinical staff 

• Experience managing an organizational budget of $5M or greater.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship development.

• Prior general management accountability in a healthcare or therapeutic setting.

• Second-line management experience (managing leaders who manage teams).

• Combined clinical and operational leadership experience within healthcare or early-intervention environments.

• Proven success in diversified revenue generation and advanced fundraising strategy.

• A track record of initiative and innovation, resulting in sustainable programs and

• services.

• Ability to think strategically and plan for the long-term success of an organization.

• Experience and skill in board relations and governance, including board service and

• prior experience reporting to a governing board or body.

• Collaborative leadership skills and experience that demonstrates the ability to lead

• a client service-driven organization from the top down.

• Track record as an effective leader with the ability to manage change.

• Eloquent communicator and public speaker who is able to connect with a broad

• spectrum of people.

• Collaborator who thrives on building partnerships of community significance.