Executive Director

Position Description

Founded in 1939, the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad (PFARS) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing emergency medical and technical rescue services to Princeton, NJ and surrounding communities.

PFARS’s mission is to save lives, relieve the suffering of the sick and injured, and promote safety
.

As one of the oldest dedicated EMS organizations in New Jersey, PFARS has a long history—beginning as an all‑volunteer organization and later becoming an early innovator in the integrated career & volunteer EMS model
.

PFARS delivers a best‑in‑class standard of care that goes beyond state‑mandated EMT training through:

• A proprietary module‑based training program
• Ongoing drills and recertifications
• An experience‑based promotion system
• Advanced rescue capabilities supporting local, county, state, and federal responses as needed

PFARS is headquartered in Princeton, NJ (Mercer County), a community of approximately 30,000 residents anchored by Princeton University and the Institute for Advanced Study. PFARS maintains a long‑standing relationship with the University, which has been a strong source of volunteer members.

Today, PFARS includes approximately 70 career staff and volunteers
, providing 24/7 coverage
, responding to ~3,500 calls annually
, and operating with an annual budget of approximately $2.4M
.

🔗 Learn more:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

• Organizational Leadership
  • Provide strategic leadership to ensure PFARS remains a best‑in‑class organization
  • Ensure excellence across finance, administration, operations, communications, and systems
  • Foster strong relationships among career staff, volunteers, and elected leaders
  • Partner with senior leadership to maintain facilities and equipment for 24/7 readiness
• Fundraising & Financial Sustainability
  • Partner with the Development Director, Advancement Committee, and Board to meet annual fundraising goals
  • Ensure adequate financial resources for operations, training, and equipment replacement
  • Serve as a visible ambassador to donors, businesses, municipal leaders, and partners
  • Lead key donor meetings, sponsorship discussions, and recognition efforts
  • Oversee budgeting, revenue streams, compliance, benefits, and HR‑related financial activities
  • Manage third‑party vendor relationships
• Community Engagement & Communications
  • Strengthen PFARS’s public profile and visibility
  • Build strong relationships with municipal government, Princeton University, and community partners
  • Ensure clear, timely internal communications
  • Promote PFARS’s mission, impact, and successes
• Strategic Planning
  • Develop and execute a long‑term strategic plan with clear goals and timelines
  • Collaborate with the Board to prioritize strategic investments

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• 10+ years of management experience (nonprofit, corporate, or mission‑driven organizations preferred)
• Strong background in organizational leadership, budgeting, and financial management
• Proven success in fundraising, marketing, and external relations
• Experience leading diverse teams with high emotional intelligence
• EMT, first responder, or medical experience preferred but not required
• Mission‑driven, self‑directed, and values‑aligned leadership style
• Strong commitment to PFARS’s mission and community‑centered service

📍 2 Mount Lucas Road, Princeton, NJ

This is primarily an in‑office role during standard business hours, with flexibility required for after‑hours meetings and events.

• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, disability)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Approximately 4 weeks of paid time off annually
• PFARS 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Salary range: $120,000 – $135,000
  , commensurate with experience

PFARS is committed to equal employment opportunity and a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. This applies to all aspects of employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing experience and vision for PFARS

📧 Send materials to: EDsearch

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. References will be requested as needed.

Last updated:
February 3, 2026