Essex County Habitat for Humanity, Executive Director
Danvers, MA
ABOUT ESSEX COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Essex County Habitat for Humanity is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to building strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable homeownership. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has partnered with individuals and families across Essex County, Massachusetts to construct and rehabilitate homes that provide a foundation for long-term success.
Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a safe and decent place to call home, Essex County Habitat works in close collaboration with future homeowners, volunteers, donors, and community partners to create high-quality, affordable housing opportunities. Serving more than 30 communities across the region, the organization navigates the complex landscape of housing development ,including land acquisition, permitting, financing, and construction ,to bring projects to life.
Beyond building homes, Essex County Habitat is committed to building futures. Through financial literacy training, homeownership education, and ongoing support, the organization equips families with the tools needed to achieve and sustain homeownership. This holistic approach ensures that each home represents not just shelter, but a pathway to stability, dignity, and generational impact.
With a dedicated volunteer base, strong municipal and corporate partnerships, and alignment with Habitat for Humanity International, Essex County Habitat is poised for its next chapter of growth. As housing challenges continue to evolve, the organization remains focused on expanding its impact, exploring innovative building approaches, and advancing housing equity across the region.
OUR MISSION
Essex County Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build affordable homes, strengthen families and communities, and foster hope.
OUR VISION
One day, everyone will have a decent place to live.
To learn more, visit www.essexcountyhabitat.org.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Essex County Habitat for Humanity is seeking a dynamic, mission-committed Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next chapter of impact. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned nonprofit leader to serve as the chief executive of an organization with a powerful mission, a dedicated community of supporters, and significant potential for growth.
Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the organization, bearing full accountability for its strategic direction, operational excellence, financial health, and cultural vitality. The ED will be the foremost champion of the organization's mission and the primary external voice for affordable housing in Essex County.
The incoming leader will inherit a strong foundation: a committed team, established community relationships, and a proven model for delivering homeownership opportunities to families in need. At the same time, the organization is at an inflection point-poised for its next stage of growth, requiring increased production, expanded partnerships, and evolution of its operating model. This individual will be charged with deepening that impact, strengthening fundraising, expanding community partnerships, ensuring sound fiscal management, and leading a high-performing, mission-driven team.
This is a pivotal moment for Essex County Habitat for Humanity. With a strong foundation in place and growing demand for affordable housing, the organization is ready to expand its reach, deepen its impact, and evolve its approach to development. The next Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to shape that future ,accelerating the pace of homebuilding, forging innovative partnerships, and advancing new models that respond to an increasingly complex housing landscape. For a leader energized by mission, this role offers the chance to make a lasting, visible difference across communities throughout Essex County.
Reports To: Board of Directors
CONTACT
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Liz Lombard, Managing Director, and Christy Farrell, Managing Associate. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing Christy directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
ABOUT DSG | KOYA
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation’s premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of “America’s Best Executive Recruiting Firms” and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.