Executive Director

Just-A-Start Corporation, Inc. (JAS), a 50-year old nonprofit community development corporation with a legacy of excellence in affordable housing, youth and adult education, workforce development and tenant/landlord services, announces its search for a new Executive Director (ED). Since its inception, Just-A-Start has been a valuable bridge to opportunity for youth and adults in Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Somerville and other nearby communities. The new leader will work collaboratively with the board, staff and stakeholders to expand the organization’s reach and increase its impact by crafting and executing a new strategic plan, securing additional resources and strengthening partnerships within the community.

JAS’s vision is a better future for every community member: a secure home, a sustaining career, and engagement in the community. The organization is committed to building the housing security and economic stability of low-to-moderate-income people in Cambridge and nearby communities. Through comprehensive and integrated programs, JAS creates and maintains affordable housing, provides housing resources and services, offers education and workforce training for youth and adults, and builds community engagement.

The new ED will report to a 17-member board of directors comprised of civic and corporate leaders from JAS’s service areas. S/he will be expected to refine the organization’s strategic direction and lead the way in implementing it as well as managing the day-to-day functions of the organization. Over the past five years, the current ED has strengthened the internal operations of JAS, broadened and increased access to capital, increased the strength and effectiveness of the programs and staff and, with the board, improved and diversified the governance structure. The next ED will build upon these achievements by both leading and empowering the staff and cementing bonds with partners and the community.

The Executive Director will be responsible for a yearly operating budget of more than $6 million and the management of a $23 million real estate portfolio. The organization’s 45-member staff of talented and committed professionals includes a five-person leadership team that reports directly to the Executive Director. The leadership team consists of the Housing Director, the Education and Training Director, the Development Director, the Acting Real Estate Director and the Finance and Administration Director, a post which is currently vacant. 

This position is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to create solutions for low-to-moderate income residents of the community by enhancing their access to the innovative, entrepreneurial and client-focused spirit that has characterized the emergence of Cambridge as a high tech and biotech hub. S/he will address both long-standing challenges for these residents that are made more acute by prosperity and income disparity. It requires a person who combines a passionate commitment to social and economic justice, sensitivity to community needs and strong management skills to lead an organization that occupies a uniquely important position in the City of Cambridge and surrounding communities.

JAS has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to:

Monroe “Bud” Moseley, Donna Cramer and Emily McCarthy

https://www.imsearch.com/6738

Electronic submission of application materials is strongly preferred.

JAS is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer.