Executive Director

POSITION SPECIFICATION

Riverdale Neighborhood House

Bronx, NY

For over 150 years, Riverdale Neighborhood House (“RNH”) has served as the only non‑sectarian, multi‑service agency in Riverdale. Located in a vibrant and diverse area bordered by the Hudson River, Van Cortlandt Park, Manhattan, and Yonkers, RNH strengthens community by delivering responsive programs, building meaningful connections, and fostering equity and belonging across generational, cultural, racial, and economic lines.

Operating with an annual budget of $6M, RNH serves more than 6,000 neighbors each year through educational, youth development, food justice, arts, wellness, and civic engagement programs that bring together residents across generations and backgrounds. Programs include no‑cost preschool education and after school programming, internships and college readiness support, enrichment and volunteer opportunities for adults and older adults, and community‑centered initiatives such as the Food & Farm Hub, which includes a teaching garden and farm stand.

As a longstanding settlement house, RNH’s programs are shaped by ongoing community needs assessments, partner input, and deep relationships with neighborhood residents. Approximately 70% of RNH’s staff live in the surrounding community, reflecting the organization’s strong neighborhood roots and culture of connection.

RNH continues to expand its programming, strengthen operations and infrastructure, and deepen its role as a trusted neighborhood anchor. The organization recently adopted a strategic plan focused on fostering social connection, belonging, and community life, while also advancing a master plan for campus redevelopment. In support of this momentum and vision, RNH was recently awarded a Yield Giving grant from Mac Kenzie Scott.

At this exciting moment in the organization’s rich history, RNH seeks a new Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact. This is a unique opportunity for a mission‑driven and dynamic leader to help shape the future of a beloved community institution known for responding thoughtfully and creatively to evolving community needs.

Reporting to and partnering closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee a staff of 110, including a collaborative senior leadership team, and seven direct reports. Serving as a visible ambassador for the organization throughout Riverdale and the broader Bronx community, the Executive Director will strengthen relationships, elevate RNH’s visibility, and advance its mission and impact.

The next Executive Director will play a critical role in advancing RNH’s strategic vision by translating ideas into action in key areas, including strengthening fundraising and external engagement, deepening community partnerships, fostering a collaborative and community‑centered culture, and ensuring strong operational leadership.

Organizational Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Drive excellence across RNH’s diverse portfolio of education, youth development, arts, wellness, food justice, and community‑building programs.
• Partner with the Board and senior leadership team to advance RNH’s strategic plan and long‑term priorities.
• Lead implementation of key strategic initiatives related to program growth, community engagement, fundraising, and campus planning.
• Identify opportunities to expand programs, partnerships, and neighborhood engagement in response to evolving community needs.

Fundraising, External Relations & Community Engagement

• Serve as the organization’s primary external ambassador with donors, elected officials, community leaders, and institutional partners.
• Lead fundraising efforts across individual, foundation, government, and corporate sources, while helping position RNH for a future capital campaign.
• Partner with the Board on fundraising, relationship building, and organizational advancement.
• Cultivate strong relationships across Riverdale and the Bronx, serving as a visible and trusted presence within the community.

Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead, support, and…