Job Description

Position Title: Chief Executive Officer

Organization: The Arc of Opportunity in North Central Massachusetts

Reports to: The Board of Directors

Position: Full-Time, On-site. Exempt

Location : Fitchburg, Massachusetts

Salary: $210,000 - $250,000/year, plus benefits 

About The Arc of Opportunity

The Arc of Opportunity is a leading nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and acquired brain injuries (ABI), and their families across North Central Massachusetts. Through a wide range of services—from residential programs and employment support to family resources and advocacy—The Arc ensures that people with disabilities have the tools, opportunities, and respect they need to live full, self-directed lives.

With deep roots in the region, the organization is recognized for its commitment to dignity, inclusion, and innovation in service delivery. The Arc of Opportunity’s work transforms lives and sets the standard for disability services statewide. Backed by a team of dedicated professionals and strong community partnerships, the organization combines person-centered care with advocacy efforts that shape the future of disability rights and inclusion.

The Role

The Arc of Opportunity seeks a visionary, collaborative, and mission-driven Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will oversee a $23M+ budget, more than 280 staff, and a diverse portfolio of programs funded primarily through state and federal contracts.

This is a pivotal moment for The Arc of Opportunity. The incoming CEO will inherit a financially stable organization with a strong reputation and an engaged Board, but one operating in a rapidly changing environment for disability services. Strategic leadership is needed to navigate funding shifts, workforce challenges, and increasing demand for high-quality, community-based programs—while elevating The Arc of Opportunity’s voice, impact, and reach.

The role offers an opportunity to influence both local and statewide service delivery, strengthen organizational resilience, and ensure that individuals with disabilities can thrive in inclusive, supportive communities.

Impact Areas

Strategic Vision & Change Leadership

• Set and communicate a clear, forward-looking vision aligned with The Arc’s mission.
• Navigate sector-wide shifts, anticipating policy and funding changes.
• Lead strategic growth initiatives that expand services and strengthen impact.
• Balance tradition with innovation to meet evolving community needs.
• Work in partnership with the Board to support its governance responsibilities—including strategy, policy, and fiduciary oversight—while maintaining full accountability for daily operations and staff leadership.

Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Strengthen infrastructure, technology, and processes to enhance efficiency.
• Streamline operations to improve service delivery and staff productivity.
• Explore new service models and partnerships aligned with mission and community needs.
• Assess and pursue growth opportunities, including strategic alliances or mergers.

Workforce Culture 

• Recruit, retain, and develop a skilled, diverse, and engaged workforce.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, respect, and empowerment across all levels of the organization.
• Build strong relationships with frontline staff, listening to and addressing their needs.
• Champion initiatives to reduce burnout, improve morale, and promote career advancement.
• Advance the shared leadership model by strengthening team autonomy, distributed decision-making, and accountability structures.
• Embed the use of RACIE (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed, Equity) practices to clarify roles, improve transparency, and streamline collaboration across departments.

Financial Resilience & Revenue Diversification

• Ensure disciplined financial oversight and long-term fiscal sustainability.
• Strengthen internal financial systems for transparency and efficiency.
• Maintain stability in government funding while expanding diversified revenue streams.
• Explore philanthropy, fee-for-service models, and innovative funding partnerships.

Community Engagement & Advocacy 

• Serve as the public face of The Arc, building strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Expand visibility through strategic communications and community outreach throughout North Central Massachusetts.
• Advocate for disability rights and influence public policy at local, state, and national levels.
• Engage funders, partners, families, and self-advocates in advancing the mission.

• Ensure effective use of marketing and communications strategies to amplify advocacy efforts and raise awareness of The Arc’s work.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public policy, human services, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years in senior leadership, with at least 5 years in an executive or CEO role within the nonprofit, human services, or disability services sector.

Policy Expertise: Experience navigating Massachusetts policy and regulatory environments, or significant expertise with complex state and federal funding systems, is highly desirable.

Track Record: Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fiscal management, Board engagement, and organizational growth.

Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage multi-million-dollar budgets, government contracts, and diverse funding streams.

Community Leadership: Experience serving as the public face of an organization, engaging effectively with diverse stakeholders, and cultivating strong partnerships.

Fundraising & Advocacy: History of securing funding through government, philanthropic, and community sources, and influencing policy or systems change.

DEIB Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in leadership, staffing, and programming.

Organizational Change: Experience guiding organizations through transitions, growth, or restructuring while maintaining mission alignment and staff engagement.

Benefits

The Arc of Opportunity has retained the services of Charity Search Group to coordinate the search for this position. To apply, please complete this online application. If you have questions or need accommodations, please contact Tanya Henry at tanya@charitysearchgroup.com ​or visit

The Arc of Opportunity is an equal opportunity organization that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Arc of Opportunity does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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