Executive Director

Job Summary

The Executive Director of the First Born Program of Los Alamos serves as the chief executive leader of the organization, charged with guiding its mission and ensuring operational excellence across all facets. This role is responsible for providing strategic leadership and organizational oversight, including the management of staff, programs, finances, and compliance requirements.

The Executive Director will work with the Board of Directors to shape the program’s long-term vision and goals while maintaining alignment with its core mission of supporting families through home visiting services. Key responsibilities include ensuring adherence to government and model-office regulations, fostering a collaborative and supportive team culture, managing the budget and identifying additional funding, and developing strong community and stakeholder partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

● Provide leadership and direction to staff, fostering a positive, equitable and supportive work environment.

● Oversee the agency's daily operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery that is aligned with relationship-based practice and within the home visiting scope of service

● Represent the agency in the community, building relationships with stakeholders, potential partners and donors.

● Ensure accurate maintenance and completion of database entries, and adherence to all state funding compliance requirements

● Update and develop policies and procedures as needed.

● Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans to achieve the agency's goals and mission.

Program Development and Implementation:

● Ensure the quality and effectiveness of the home visiting program and services, aligning them with the agency's mission, needs of the community and requirements of the NM Early Childhood Education and Care Department.

● Maintain fidelity to First Born & More model essential elements and work effectively in concert with other First Born programs.

● Develop and implement new programs and services as needed.

● Monitor and evaluate program outcomes, adjusting approach as necessary.

Financial Management:

● Develop and manage the agency's budget, ensuring financial stability and sustainability.

● Oversee financial operations, including fundraising, grant writing, billing and reimbursement.

● Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements.

● Work with accountant to provide state and federal documentation, ensure regular and accurate payments, and adjust budget as needed

Staff Management:

● Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff, fostering a supportive and growth-oriented work environment through regular coaching, supervision, and access to professional development opportunities.

● Ensure staff adherence to all organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory standards.

● Conduct timely and constructive performance evaluations; proactively address performance challenges or concerns.

● Oversee all HR-related functions, including conflict resolution, dissemination of benefit information, and ensuring the accurate maintenance of employee benefit records.

● Ensure that all employee benefits promised are implemented and paid accordingly, maintaining transparency and compliance with relevant policies and funding requirements.

● Support home visitors in building the capacity, knowledge, and culturally responsive skills necessary to effectively serve diverse families through a multi-generational, relationship-based, and family-centered approach.

Compliance and Advocacy:

● Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and accreditation standards.

● Ensure HIPAA-compliance in the delivery and administration of services and uphold high standards of confidentiality within the agency and between organizations that serve First Born clients.

● Advocate for the agency's mission and the needs of the families it serves.

● Stay informed about current trends and issues in the field of home visiting and early childhood, and translate to programmatic improvements as appropriate.

● Ensure agency alignment with the strengths-based theoretical framework of the program model that treats families as experts on their own experience; model and support thoughtful emotional response during intense interactions.

Qualifications

● Educational Background:
Master’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Early Childhood Education, Social Work, Public Administration, Counseling, or related disciplines), or a Bachelor’s Degree with at least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a related area.

● Sector-Specific Expertise (Preferred):
In-depth knowledge and experience in Early Childhood Education, Infant Mental Health, and/or Non-Profit Management. Additional relevant experience in allied fields such as Education, Social Work, Counseling, or Social Services is highly valued. Backgrounds in Nursing or Medical services will be considered if applicable to the organizational mission.

● Clinical and Ethical Understanding:
Demonstrated understanding of the ethics, scope of practice, and best practices associated with working in direct service or supportive roles with clients, particularly in high-impact or trauma-informed environments.

● Emotional Intelligence and Interpersonal Skills:
High degree of emotional intelligence, with strong social and emotional skills essential for fostering healthy workplace dynamics, engaging stakeholders, and managing complex interpersonal situations with sensitivity and professionalism.

● Non-Profit Leadership and Operational Acumen:
Proven ability in non-profit management, including strategic planning, budgeting, grant writing, compliance with contract and funding requirements, reporting, and data-driven decision-making. A track record of supporting organizational growth and sustainability is strongly preferred.

● Supervisory and HR Competence:
Demonstrated experience in supervising and developing staff. Working knowledge of human resources practices including benefits administration, employment law, personnel policies, and regulatory compliance is a plus.

● Technical Proficiency:
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace. Comfortable navigating budgeting platforms, data management systems, and reporting software relevant to nonprofit operations.

● Commitment to Equity and Inclusion:
Deep understanding of anti-oppression principles and experience advancing equity within organizational systems. Demonstrated success in building inclusive, culturally responsive environments.

● Cross-Sector Collaboration:
Experience collaborating with diverse partners such as Boards of Directors, healthcare professionals, educators, donors, funders, and community-based service providers. Skilled in navigating varied stakeholder interests to build shared vision and outcomes.

● Government and Public Sector Familiarity (Preferred):
Experience working with or within government departments, public funding entities, or oversight agencies is highly desirable.

We are seeking a mission-driven leader who embodies the following qualities:

● Empathetic and Visionary Leadership
Leads with empathy, humility, and courage. Builds trust across teams and stakeholders while inspiring and nurturing leadership within the organization.

● Strategic and Inclusive Communicator
Communicates the organization's mission and impact with clarity and authenticity across diverse audiences, including funders, partners, and community members. Models cultural humility and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

● Operational and Organizational Excellence
Brings strong executive function to manage complex operations, align resources with strategic goals, and ensure effective implementation of initiatives.

● Conflict Navigation and Emotional Intelligence
Approaches challenges and difficult conversations with integrity, clarity, and emotional intelligence, promoting psychological safety and continuous learning.

● Values-Driven and Advocacy-Oriented
Deeply aligned with the organization’s mission and values, and committed to advancing policies and practices that support community and family wellbeing.

● Collaborative and Partnership-Oriented
Excels at building authentic relationships across sectors and communities to enhance organizational impact and long-term sustainability.

● Self-Aware and Growth-Minded
Embraces feedback and reflection as tools for personal and organizational growth. Models adaptability and openness to learning.

● Wellness-Centered and Boundary-Conscious
Prioritizes staff and client wellbeing, while maintaining clear professional boundaries and fostering a culture of ethical, heart-centered leadership.

Location Requirement

This position is based in Los Alamos, New Mexico. Candidates must either reside in the area or be willing to relocate prior to the start of employment. Reliable commuting to the office and service locations is required.

Benefits

The First Born Program of Los Alamos offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the well-being and work-life balance of our employees. Benefits include:

● Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance – Comprehensive coverage to support your physical and mental well-being.

● Simple IRA Retirement Plan – Employer-supported retirement savings to help plan for your future.

● Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) – Ample leave to support personal needs, family time, and rest.

● Flexible Work Schedule – Primarily Monday through Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours; flexible scheduling and some telecommuting options available.

If you are a thoughtful, visionary, and people-centered leader committed to advancing equity and systemic change, we invite you to apply and join our journey. Please provide a cover letter along with three (3) professional references in addition to your resume.

Job Type: Full-time (35-40hrs/wk)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $65,000