CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FAMILY EQUALITY – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Family Equality is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and dynamic Chief Executive Officer to build upon the successful growth the organization has experienced in the last four years and to provide visionary leadership in addressing emerging challenges. The CEO is responsible for overseeing the administration, policy and program development, strategic planning, and fundraising of the organization, reports directly to the Board of Directors, and is held accountable by the staff. The CEO has the authority to direct the implementation of the organization’s programs and services and is responsible for the management of all staff members and volunteers.

ABOUT FAMILY EQUALITY

Founded in 1979, Family Equality’s mission is to advance legal and lived equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) families, and for those who wish to form them, through building community, changing hearts and minds, and driving policy change.

The organization envisions a future where all LGBTQ+ families, regardless of creation or composition, live in communities that recognize, respect, protect, and value them. They envision a world in which everyone has the right and should have the opportunity to form and sustain a loving family, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, geography, socioeconomic status, disability, or the intersection of those characteristics. Family Equality seeks to build systems of service and support that are free of discrimination and that maximize opportunities for youth needing permanency and LGBTQ+ adults seeking family formation.

Family Equality is proud of finding a balance between advocacy and policy work and direct services. The Family Equality Council Policy Team tracks legislation at the Federal and State level on a range of issues that directly affect both existing LGBTQ+ families, and the ability of LGBTQ+ individuals to form families. Moreover, Family Equality has developed a large network and directory of LGBTQ+ friendly and affirming family-building providers, including fertility clinics, cryobanks, midwives, doulas, surrogacy clinics, and more. For more than 25 years, Family Equality has hosted the largest annual gathering of LGBTQ+ families in the world in Provincetown, MA for our beloved Family Week. Although 2020 did not have an in-person Family Week, this tradition has become a great opportunity for Family Equality and the community to come together and forge long-lasting relationships; one of our greatest strengths is our national network of local family groups.

For more information about Family Equality, please visit: familyequality.org

CORE COMPETENCIES

All candidates must have a “can do” attitude, enjoy a fast-paced environment, be highly organized without losing sight of larger objectives, and be committed to justice and equality for all LGBTQ+ families, including those from underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Candidates will have significant leadership experience, preferably directly overseeing non-profit program design and implementation, service delivery, and/or policy and advocacy work. This individual will demonstrate the ability to build, nurture, and retain a strong team of diverse professionals, and modeling and maintaining a culture of accountability. The CEO will embrace and amplify principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in hiring, mentorship, teambuilding, and stakeholder engagement. Moreover, this leader will actively focus on incorporating equity into policies, processes, and procedures, and into the organizational structure as a whole.

The CEO will have the credibility to build deep and abiding trust with a number of internal and external constituencies, and the capacity to influence and bring them together around shared goals. This individual will be a confident and effective communicator with the ability to speak persuasively about the importance of equality and justice as it relates to LGBTQ+ family formation, expansion, and recognition. They will serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance while leading with personal and professional integrity, warmth, and humor.

A bachelor’s degree is required, and an advanced degree is preferred—however, Family Equality also values critical skills and relevant experience.

Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the following professional competencies and personal characteristics:

• Mission Alignment & Expertise
• Strategic Leadership & Vision
• Expertise in Fundraising
• Relationship-Building & Collaboration
• Change Management & Organizational Development
• External Relations & Communication

For a comprehensive detailed description of the key responsibilities and core competencies, please visit the following link to access the position profile.

CONTACT

Koya Leadership Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Michelle Bonoan and Stephen Milbauer are leading this search, with the support of Navid Nakai and Tenley Bank. To make recommendations or to express your interest in this role please visit this link here or email the Koya Team. All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential.

Family Equality provides a team-based environment and we value the benefits of a diversified workplace. Family Equality provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, (or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to lactation), physical disability, intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer-related or HIV/AIDS-related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Women, people of color, transgender individuals and members of other underrepresented populations are strongly encouraged to apply.

Family Equality performs background checks on all volunteers and staff members as a condition of employment. However, Family Equality also supports and encourages people who were formerly convicted to be active in their community.

Background check results that indicate a conviction do not necessarily disqualify you from employment— Family Equality reserves the right to request further information to fully assess an applicant’s candidacy in relationship to the job duties associated with the position.

ABOUT KOYA LEADERSHIP PARTNERS

Koya Leadership Partners, a member of the Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy—The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World— guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.

Koya is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to creating an environment and team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, styles, and experiences. We encourage all to apply because we believe a diversity of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone. For more information about Koya Leadership Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com