Executive Director
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
Job Description
Are you a fundraising leader looking to channel your talents into a mission that changes lives?
The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden Cancer Support Center is seeking a passionate, strategic, and resourceful Executive Director to lead a small, high-impact nonprofit that provides vital, holistic support to adults facing cancer.
About the Healing Garden
Nestled on two serene acres in Harvard, Massachusetts, the Healing Garden is a unique sanctuary offering integrative therapeutic services, stress-reducing programs, and educational classes to individuals with cancer, their caregivers, and those bereaved. Through both in-person and virtual programming, we serve clients across Massachusetts—regardless of gender, cancer type, or stage.
Why This Role is a Powerful Opportunity
This is more than a leadership position. It's a chance to make a measurable difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. With a solid foundation, a devoted donor base, and a passionate team, the Healing Garden is poised for growth—and we’re seeking a leader who thrives in development, strategic visioning, and collaborative leadership.
This role is especially appealing to candidates with a strong background in fundraising, donor relations, and community engagement, who are ready to take on an executive-level role with room to grow, build, and innovate.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Development Leadership
- Proven track record in soliciting and closing gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations.
- Experience with leading a small development department including grants, annual fund, individual gifts and Board support.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize varied development efforts to achieve annual budget goals.
Organizational Leadership
- Oversee all aspects of operations, staff leadership, financial management, and program excellence.
- Lead a small, passionate team with a collaborative and nurturing management style.
- Drive the organization’s strategic planning and execution in alignment with our mission and values.
- Promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all areas of the organization.
Community & Board Engagement
- Be a visible, trusted ambassador in the community and among key partners.
- Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees and lead communications and reporting between Board and staff.
- Activate the talents and expertise of Board Members, Advisors, and Event Committees.
What We’re Looking For
- A proven fundraising professional with strong development and relationship-building skills.
- At least 5 years of nonprofit management experience, ideally including leadership of teams and programs.
- Experience working with and reporting to the Board of Trustees.
- Strong understanding of nonprofit operations, budgeting, and donor stewardship.
- Excellent communication skills – a persuasive storyteller and listener.
- Compassionate, mission-driven leadership style with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive service.
Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in nonprofit management or related field a plus.
Why Join Us?
- Lead a beloved, mission-driven organization at a pivotal moment in its growth.
- Make a tangible impact in the lives of people navigating cancer and loss.
- Collaborate with a passionate team of integrative care professionals and engaged supporters.
- Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with a 5-day workweek and hybrid flexibility (1 day/week)
How to Apply
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter sharing why you're passionate about this role to: BoardChair@HealingGardenSupport.org
Please send your resume and a brief cover letter sharing why you're passionate about this role to: BoardChair@HealingGardenSupport.org
Explore more about our work at: The Virginia Thurston Healing Garden
Our Commitment to Inclusion
The Healing Garden is actively committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community—across staff, Board, clients, and collaborators. We welcome applicants from underrepresented and historically marginalized backgrounds.
The Healing Garden is actively committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community—across staff, Board, clients, and collaborators. We welcome applicants from underrepresented and historically marginalized backgrounds.
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan