Executive Director

Northeast Passage is seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. Northeast Passage (NEP) is a program of the University of New Hampshire’s College of Health and Human Services specializing in adapted sports and community-based recreational therapy. NEP serves as a living laboratory for UNH students and a research and engagement partner across campus, advancing active living and well-being initiatives.

The Executive Director will be deeply committed to the missions of both Northeast Passage and UNH. Reporting to the Dean of the College of Health & Human Services, the Executive Director provides strategic leadership in university engagement, program administration, financial management, and external partnerships. This outward-facing role includes a strong emphasis on fundraising and cultivating relationships that advance NEP’s impact and sustainability.

• Maintain a strong connection to the academic mission of the University including service, practice, education, and research.
• Engage all Northeast Passage staff in this mission.
• Serve as the lead contact for NEP with leadership at UNH.
• Maintain visibility and connection across campus through participation at important University events, regular attendance and participation in meetings, presentations, and engagement with Advancement, Finance, RMP, CHHS, Athletics, Administration, and other key stakeholders.
• Provide strategic support for academic departments within CHHS and across campus.
• Establish and maintain connections with key allies on campus, i.e., other centers and institutes, campus recreation, and cooperative extension.
• Advocate for NEP needs at each level.
• Participate in discussions related to appropriation requests and legislative action.

• In collaboration with the NEP leadership team, set and execute the strategic direction of the organization that aligns with the needs of participants, RMP, CHHS, and UNH.
• Seek and act upon opportunities to maintain NEP’s and UNH’s national recognition.
• Maintain attention to legislative agenda within the fields of therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports and engage in these initiatives to advance and protect the fields.
• Oversee and facilitate program development in key and emerging areas within NEP’s scope.

• Co-lead the Futures Board with UNH Advancement.
• Identify key priorities for fund development.
• Work closely with Advancement team to identify and solicit potential donors and sponsors.
• Provide appropriate stewardship of key donors to continue engagement.
• Oversee yearly fundraising plans and events.

• Supervise and guide program directors.
• Support productive culture and work environment.
• Assure that staff are educated and invested in the mission, purpose, and values of NEP, CHHS and UNH.
• Oversee development and compliance with policies and procedures.
• Devise remedial actions for any identified issues and conduct crisis management when necessary.
• Identify and address potential risks and opportunities within the organization and the surrounding environment and take appropriate action to mitigate or maximize the impact.

• Budget preparation and management:
  • Annual budget development.
  • 3 Year budget projections.
  • Monthly monitoring of all accounts for income and expenses to assure adherence to budget.
  • Oversee salary allocations and adjustments across funds.
  • Revenue generation:
    • Review fee structure and adjust to keep pace with cost and market.
    • Seek and establish reimbursement mechanisms.
    • Grant writing and reporting.
    • Fundraising.

• Foster positive relationships with other universities, strategic partners, professional organizations, legislative connections.
• Act as the public speaker and public relations representative in ways that strengthen NEP and UNH’s profile.
• Develop partnerships with stakeholders, sponsors, and collaborators to meet program and participant needs.

Master’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Nonprofit Management or a closely related field; a minimum…