NeighborLink Fort Wayne: Executive Director

NeighborLink is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our mission of mobilizing the local Church in Fort Wayne to “neighbor their neighbors.” Thousands of seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others facing challenging life circumstances struggle with access issues, home maintenance, and essential repairs—needs they cannot physically or financially meet on their own.

At NeighborLink, our mission is to demonstrate God’s love through practical, neighbor-to-neighbor acts of service. Our vision is to identify and share these needs so that concerned neighbors can respond with conversation, assistance, prayer, and tangible acts of kindness.

As Executive Director, you will exemplify a mature relationship with Jesus Christ and a deep passion for introducing others to God’s love—expressed through selfless service for His glory. Your own experiences engaging with vulnerable neighbors will have shaped and transformed you. You will be committed to ensuring that both staff and volunteers grow in their Christian formation through the work of NeighborLink.

You will champion NeighborLink’s mission in the local community, bringing creativity and problem-solving to the complex issues facing vulnerable neighbors and neighborhoods. With a heart for connecting people, you will lead a team of dedicated staff, enhance the NeighborLink experience, and position the organization for its next phase of growth.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Live out the mission of NeighborLink by modeling the ministry and work of Jesus Christ— connecting neighbors who can serve with neighbors in need across Fort Wayne and Allen County.
• Train and equip volunteers to build meaningful relationships and spiritual connections with those they serve.
• Build strategic partnerships with other organizations that support the most vulnerable members of our community.
• Lead and develop the NeighborLink staff by supporting their roles, fostering collaboration, and ensuring a positive workplace culture.
• Communicate effectively and transparently with staff and the Board of Directors, encouraging two-way dialogue and providing the staff with appropriate updates regarding board discussions and decisions, and communicating staff concerns and questions to the Board.
• Oversee financial sustainability by developing and maintaining financial reporting, proposing annual budgets, and ensuring long-term fiscal health.
• Fundraising & Community Engagement:
  • Cultivate relationships with donors and stakeholders to generate financial support.
  • Explore new funding streams while stewarding existing relationships.
  • Represent NeighborLink at public events, speaking engagements, and community gatherings.
• Ensure effective operations by managing the NeighborLink website, ensuring it remains a seamless tool for connecting volunteers with those in need.
  • Stay committed to the core purpose of the platform, making improvements as needed while maintaining its mission.
  • Gather user feedback and implement changes to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
• Maintain flexibility and adaptability to problem-solve unexpected challenges in projects and day-to-day operations.

Workplace Culture & Leadership Fit

At NeighborLink, we are more than coworkers—we are friends who share a common faith and a deep desire to love others through our work.

• We thrive in a balance of independence and teamwork. Each team member brings unique strengths and is trusted to run with them.
• Communication is key. Clarity and openness between the Executive Director and staff are essential. We function best when we’re informed and aligned while also having space to do our jobs well.
• We work hard, but we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Laughter, joy, and a sense of humor are part of our daily rhythm, even as we carry the weight of our mission.
• Flexibility and work-life balance matter. Many of us wear multiple hats—whether as parents, students, or in other roles—so we encourage creative approaches to balancing responsibilities.
• Leadership at NeighborLink requires both vision and structure. We need someone who can dream and build relationships while maintaining enough administrative focus to keep things running smoothly.
• A heart for service and selflessness is a must. This applies to those we serve and how we work as a team—supporting and looking out for one another.

General Details

• Full-time position (40+ hours per week)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Experience:
  • Five or more years in professional and/or nonprofit leadership
  • Experience working with a Board of Directors
  • Proven ability to oversee and collaborate with staff
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Transparent, high-integrity leadership
  • Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with the vision to communicate the organization’s future to staff, board, volunteers, and donors
  • Active fundraising experience with a successful track record of generating new revenue streams, improving financial outcomes, and donor stewardship
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, analysis, decision- making, and reporting
• Compensation & Benefits:
  • Salary range: $85,000+ (with upside flexibility depending upon experience)
  • Health insurance benefits available
  • SIMPLE IRA match after 2nd anniversary

TO APPLY

To apply for the role, please download and fill out the following application form. Email your resume and completed form to: [email protected]

NeighborLink Fort Wayne is an Equal Opportunity Employer.