Executive Director of Merrowvista

Reports To: AYF President/CEO                                                

Mission
The American Youth Foundation dares people to discover and celebrate the very best in themselves and others, inspire them to explore diverse perspectives and complex challenges, and embolden them to live courageously, engaging their full capacity.

Job Summary
The Executive Director of Merrowvista is responsible for the overall leadership, management, and strategic direction of the Merrowvista site, a premier site of the American Youth Foundation (AYF). This role oversees staff leadership and development, program delivery, site operations and advancement initiatives to ensure a thriving, mission-aligned experience for participants, families, staff, and supporters. The Executive Director will champion the AYF’s commitment to youth empowerment, inclusive leadership, environmental stewardship, and community impact.

Position Responsibilities:

Leadership and Supervision

• Lead the development and execution of Merrowvista’s strategic vision, aligning with the mission and values of the American Youth Foundation.
• Lead the Merrowvista Site Leadership Team of Directors to oversee daily operations and priorities for the site throughout the calendar year.
• Serve as a member of the AYF Leadership Team, contributing to the organization’s overall strategic goals.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Staff Development

• Recruit, hire, and develop a diverse and high-performing team of full-time program, operational, and administrative staff. Collaborate with AYF Leadership Team to hire and supervise operations and program team members.
• Provide mentorship, performance management, and professional development opportunities for all staff members.
• Develop and oversee a comprehensive seasonal staff hiring plan in conjunction with leaders of operations and program teams.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive workplace culture that reflects the values of AYF.

Advancement and Community Engagement

• Serve as the primary ambassador for Merrowvista, building relationships with alumni, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Partner with the AYF Advancement Team to develop and execute fundraising strategies, including donor stewardship, grant writing, and major gift cultivation.
• Lead efforts to enhance visibility and engagement within local and national communities. Maintain and develop local partnerships and relationships with the local community.

Program Delivery 

• Oversee the implementation and evaluation of all programs at Merrowvista, including summer camps, community and school programs, adult and alumni initiatives.
• Ensure all programs are mission-driven, high-quality, and responsive to the needs of youth and families.

Operations Management

• Provide oversight of site operations, including facilities, food program, office administration, risk management, licensing and accreditation, and all health and safety regulations.
• Collaborate with facilities and operations staff to ensure the Merrowvista site remains safe, sustainable, and well-maintained.
• Manage the site’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation aligned with strategic priorities.
• Oversee client and partner relations, marketing, and the development of new business opportunities for the site.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Passion for youth empowerment programming and alignment with the mission and values of the American Youth Foundation.
• Proven experience in leadership roles within nonprofit, youth-serving, or educational organizations.
• Strong understanding of program development, risk management, and operational oversight.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with experience embedding these principles in programs and organizational culture.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with fundraising and advancement, including relationship management with donors and partners.
• Financial acumen, including budget management and resource allocation.
• Ability to live on-site seasonally and regularly commute to Merrowvista during the school year.
• Self-motivated, energetic, service-oriented team player.
• Willingness to expand knowledge and responsibilities.

Preferred Experience:

• 5-8 years in management or leadership in the human services or nonprofit sector
• Experience and knowledge of the outdoor, experiential education field
• Computer literacy required, with the ability to use Microsoft 365, Teams, Outlook, and Excel

Work Environment: This position is based at the Merrowvista site in Center Tuftonboro, New Hampshire. The Executive Director must be comfortable working in a residential camp setting and engaging with outdoor programs in a rugged outdoor environment. The role will require on-site residence during the 8-week summer season and additional periods of program activity. Hybrid work-from-home days are during the winter months, November-February.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $95,000-$105,000
• Benefits
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • SIMPLE-IRA retirement plan with optional 3% salary match
  • Family accommodations during on-site required living periods
  • Free tuition for dependents
  • 12 annual holidays
  • Paid Time Off 

Company Culture

The AYF believes that how we act and interact reflects who we are as a community. In practice, at the AYF we value investing in youth, stewarding the environment, encouraging participants and staff to explore and develop their values and beliefs, belonging in community, and growing together.

Recognizing the full value of all, the American Youth Foundation affords equal opportunity for employment and program participation to all individuals based on merit and / or eligibility without regard to race, color, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, familiar status, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required for this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Updated: 1/15/2025