Founding Executive Director

Location: Remote with 30% travel

Salary: $150,000 with bonus potential

Reports to: Board of Directors

The Opportunity

Coffee Connectors is hiring its first Executive Director. This is a rare opportunity to lead a growing, mission-driven organization at a defining moment in its story. Founded in 2017 and backed by NorthBridge Partners, Coffee Connectors works to open doors to commercial real estate careers for first-generation college students and professionals who've never had the insider connections that so often determine who gets a shot.

The Executive Director will serve as both the strategic vision-holder and day-to-day builder of the organization — leading program growth, cultivating partnerships, stewarding fundraising, and ensuring the organization is set up to scale its impact for the long haul. This role carries broad accountability across strategy, operations, governance, and program delivery.

This is a role for someone who finds meaning in the work, not just the metrics. You'll build the relationships that fuel our growth and ensure that every touchpoint — from one-on-one mentorships to national summits — creates real, lasting career change for people who deserve a seat at the table. If you're energized by building something that matters, thrive in dynamic and entrepreneurial environments, and are ready to help reshape how a $20 trillion industry finds its next generation of leaders, we'd love to meet you.

About Coffee Connectors

Coffee Connectors is a nonprofit that delivers:
One-on-one mentorship connecting emerging professionals with senior CRE leaders
Networking events and summit experiences that open doors to top firms
Internship placements that provide hands-on industry exposure
Original content and resources that demystify commercial real estate careers

We believe that talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. Coffee Connectors exists to close that gap. Learn more about us at https://coffeeconnectors.com.

What Success Looks Like

In your first 90 days, you will:

Develop a deep understanding of existing programs, partners, and community needs
Build relationships with the Board of Directors and key NorthBridge stakeholders
Identify the highest-leverage opportunities for growth and program improvement
Establish your first fundraising pipeline and begin cultivating sponsor relationships

Within your first year, you will:

Own and execute the full programmatic calendar — mentorships, events, summits, internships, and content
Secure sponsorship and grant revenue that funds the next phase of growth
Build and formalize university and industry partnerships
Stand up systems for tracking, reporting, and communicating program impact
Deliver a multi-year strategic roadmap to the Board

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute a strategic roadmap aligned with Coffee Connectors' mission and long-term vision
Serve as the face of the organization with partners, sponsors, universities, and the broader CRE industry
Build organizational infrastructure for scalable, sustainable program delivery

Program Management

Lead mentorship matching, cohort management, and mentor/mentee experience
Design and produce signature events including networking convenings and annual summits
Manage internship placement pipeline from outreach to employer onboarding
Oversee original content creation that supports program participants and builds community
Define and track key performance indicators; drive continuous program improvement

Fundraising & Partnerships

Lead all sponsorship development, including identifying prospects, building proposals, and managing relationships
Research and apply for foundation grants aligned with the mission
Cultivate and expand university and CRE firm partnerships
Develop a long-term fundraising strategy in partnership with the Board

Governance, Finance & Operations

Manage the annual budget and ensure sound financial stewardship
Ensure full compliance with nonprofit regulatory requirements
Prepare Board materials, facilitate governance meetings, and support strategic planning cycles
Build operational systems and processes that support organizational growth
Communications & Brand
Develop and execute a communications and storytelling strategy across digital and in-person channels
Represent Coffee Connectors in the media, at industry events, and on social platforms
Champion participant stories to demonstrate impact and attract support

What We're Looking For

7+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development, education, or a closely related field
Demonstrated success in fundraising — you have closed sponsorships, managed donor relationships, or secured grants
Exceptional project management skills with a track record of executing complex, multi-stakeholder programs
Outstanding written and verbal communication; you can move a room and write a compelling proposal
Entrepreneurial mindset — you thrive in ambiguous environments, set your own priorities, and find creative solutions with limited resources
Comfort operating as an individual contributor: you do not wait for a team to build something, you build it yourself
Mindset & Values
Deep belief that access and belonging in commercial real estate are equity issues worth solving
Comfort with ambiguity — this role will evolve, and so will your priorities
Genuine relationship-builder who creates trust quickly with students, executives, and everyone in between
High ownership mentality: if it matters to the mission, it matters to you

Compensation & Benefits

The target salary is $150,000 with bonus potential. Coffee Connectors also offers generous benefits including health insurance, and 401k matching. Eligible for up to 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) annually, which may be used for vacation, personal time, or illness. PTO benefits may be adjusted as necessary to comply with applicable state or local law.

Please submit a resume cover letter describing why this role and mission resonate with you.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as they are ready. Coffee Connectors is an equal opportunity organization.

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Executive Director