Summer Search - Executive Director, Boston

In the United States, students from underserved communities – disproportionately BIPOC and first-generation – face systemic inequities in school, in the workforce, and in life. Nevertheless, these young people possess unique strengths, resilience, and limitless potential. At Summer Search, we believe in 'No Ceilings' and envision a world in which young people, regardless of circumstances, can chart their own destiny. 

Since 1990, Summer Search has partnered with young people during their transition from adolescence into adulthood by connecting them to expansive opportunities, professional mentoring, and a community of support. Summer Searchers recognize their potential and build a toolkit to navigate and challenge systemic barriers, break new ground for their families and communities, and achieve economic equity and a life of purpose.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Chief Impact Officer, the Executive Director (ED) will lead the vision, overall strategy, and direction of Summer Search Boston, an established and far-reaching program currently serving 400 high school and 600 post-secondary participants. The ED is responsible for driving fundraising success, ensuring high-quality program delivery, and leading a dynamic team that supports youth in achieving personal and professional success. This role requires a balance of strategic vision, relationship-building acumen, and disciplined execution to strengthen both local outcomes and network-wide priorities.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Organizational & Strategic Leadership

Provide strategic leadership over Summer Search’s network-wide OKRs to achieve mutually beneficial goals in Boston.

Strategic Leadership and Fundraising

You will lead Summer Search Boston’s overall strategy in close partnership with national leadership, including the Managing Director of Development and other senior leaders, to ensure strong alignment with organizational priorities and long-term growth. You will design and execute a comprehensive annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed Boston’s $3.7MM goal, playing a highly visible role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

You will partner closely with the Boston Board of Directors to expand Summer Search’s visibility and donor base, leveraging their networks and influence to deepen philanthropic support. In collaboration with national and regional colleagues, you will strengthen fundraising systems and strategies that sustain and grow revenue over time.

Financial Management

You will oversee the financial health of the Boston region in partnership with the National Finance Team, leading the development and management of the annual budget. You will monitor expenditures, ensure responsible and sustainable use of resources, and maintain strong alignment between financial decisions and strategic priorities. Through this work, you will uphold a high standard of fiscal transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

Board Relations & Governance

You will work closely with the Boston Board Chair and Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and strategic alignment with Summer Search’s mission. You will engage board members as active partners in fundraising, advocacy, and community-building efforts, while also leading the recruitment, onboarding, and development of new members who reflect the diversity and values of the communities we serve.

Program Excellence

You will partner with the Regional Program Director and National Program Team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, outcomes-driven programming across student recruitment, mentoring, summer experiences, and post-secondary success. You will use data to monitor performance, evaluate impact, and inform continuous improvement, while contributing to organizational storytelling by translating outcomes into compelling narratives.

Team Leadership

You will lead and support a Boston-based team of 18 staff, directly managing the Regional Program Director and supporting the leadership of the Director of Development. You will foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture grounded in clear expectations, strong communication, and shared accountability. As part of a broader organizational team, you will collaborate closely with national departments to ensure alignment, coordination, and operational excellence across all functions.