Chief Executive Officer; CEO

To apply: Please email a resume and cover letter to

Reports to: Board of Directors
Supervises: 6 staff members
Location: Goshen, Indiana
Status: Full-time, Exempt

Ryan’s Place is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing compassionate support to grieving children, teens, and families throughout Elkhart County and beyond. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides overall leadership and direction for Ryan’s Place, ensuring that its mission—to offer hope and healing to children and families who are grieving the death of a loved one—is fulfilled with excellence and integrity.

The CEO works closely with the Board of Directors to set strategic priorities, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure financial sustainability. This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to a collaborative, compassionate, and visionary individual who thrives in a small, mission‑driven environment.

• Provide inspirational leadership to staff, volunteers, and community partners in alignment with the mission and values of Ryan’s Place.
• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan.
• Promote a culture of compassion, teamwork, and accountability within the organization.
• Represent Ryan’s Place as a trusted leader and advocate for grieving children and families across northern Indiana.

• Support program staff in program development, evaluation, and the integration of best practices in children’s grief support.
• Ensure the consistent delivery of high‑quality grief support programs, including family support groups, school‑based grief groups, Camp Hope, expressive arts and music therapy programs, and crisis response services.
• Maintain and grow partnerships with schools, youth‑serving agencies, and community organizations to expand access to grief services.
• Oversee program evaluation and data collection to demonstrate program impact and guide continuous improvement.

• Lead all fundraising and development activities in collaboration with the Director of Development and Board of Directors.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with individual donors, corporations, foundations, and community partners.
• Oversee major fundraising initiatives, including the annual Ryan’s Place Gala, capital campaigns, and grant submissions.
• Represent Ryan’s Place with donors and community stakeholders to enhance visibility and support.

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget in partnership with the Board Treasurer and Finance Committee.
• Ensure the organization’s financial health through sound management practices, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Provide timely financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting its governance, decision‑making, and long‑term planning functions.
• Work with the Board Chair to plan and facilitate meetings and ensure effective communication.
• Support recruitment and development of engaged, diverse Board members committed to advancing the mission.

• Serve as the public face of Ryan’s Place in the community and region.
• Strengthen partnerships with local schools, healthcare providers, faith communities, businesses, and civic organizations.
• Promote awareness of children’s grief issues and the importance of community‑based grief support.
• Represent Ryan’s Place in media, public presentations, and professional networks, including the National Alliance for Children’s Grief.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree in nonprofit management, counseling, social work, or related field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or human services organization.
• Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; skilled public speaker.
• Ability to lead a small, mission‑driven team with empathy, flexibility, and vision.
• Familiarity…