NAMI Southwest Florida - Executive Director

In order to be considered for this position, you must submit your resume & cover letter directly to NAMI Florida at the following email address: info@namiswfl.org.

NAMI Southwest Florida (NAMI SWFL) seeks an experienced, visionary, and mission-driven Executive Director to lead one of the region's most respected mental health organizations.

As the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization, NAMI Southwest Florida offers education, advocacy, support, and public awareness programs that improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness across Lee, Charlotte, and Glades counties.

The Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief executive officer, strategic leader, and public ambassador, guiding NAMI SWFL through its next chapter of growth, sustainability, advocacy, and community impact.

About NAMI Southwest Florida

For more than 35 years, NAMI Southwest Florida has been a trusted voice in mental health advocacy and support. Through evidence-based education programs, peer and family support groups, Mental Health First Aid training, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) partnerships, public awareness initiatives, and advocacy efforts, NAMI SWFL helps thousands of individuals and families each year.

The organization is committed to ensuring that no one affected by mental illness walks alone and that every person has access to hope, support, education, and community.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides leadership across all aspects of organizational operations, including strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, staff leadership, community relations, advocacy, and program oversight.

This position requires a collaborative, entrepreneurial leader who can inspire stakeholders, build sustainable funding streams, strengthen community partnerships, and elevate the organization's visibility and impact across Southwest Florida.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Implement and advance the organization's strategic vision and goals.
• Partner with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, strategic planning, and organizational sustainability.
• Foster a mission-driven culture grounded in accountability, innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.
• Identify opportunities for growth, community impact, and program expansion.
• Ensure organizational compliance with NAMI Affiliate Standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.

Fundraising & Resource Development

• Serve as the chief fundraising officer for the organization.
• Lead efforts across major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, planned giving, and special events.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, foundations, corporations, and community leaders.
• Work closely with the Board to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy and shared responsibility for fundraising.
• Diversify revenue streams to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Serve as NAMI Southwest Florida's primary spokesperson and public representative.
• Build strategic partnerships with healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, schools, elected officials, foundations, businesses, and community organizations.
• Promote public awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma through advocacy and education.
• Represent NAMI SWFL at community events, conferences, coalition meetings, and public forums.
• Advance policies and initiatives to improve access to mental health care and support services.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee annual budgeting, financial planning, reporting, and stewardship of organizational resources.
• Ensure sound fiscal management and accountability.
• Monitor organizational performance and outcomes.
• Manage contracts, grants, risk management, and compliance requirements.
• Ensure efficient and effective daily operations.

Staff & Volunteer Leadership

• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff.
• Support and empower volunteer leaders, facilitators, instructors, and advocates.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Promote professional development and leadership growth throughout the organization.

Program Excellence

• Ensure the quality and effectiveness of all NAMI Signature Programs and community initiatives.
• Monitor program outcomes and community needs.
• Expand outreach to underserved and vulnerable populations.
• Maintain alignment with NAMI National and NAMI Florida standards and best practices.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be a compassionate and strategic leader who combines nonprofit management expertise with a deep commitment to mental health advocacy and community impact.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, social work, public administration, business administration, communications, public health, or related field.
• Minimum five years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, behavioral health, human services, advocacy, or related organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and donor relationship management.
• Experience managing organizational budgets and financial operations.
• Strong public speaking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.

Preferred

• Master's degree in a related field.
• CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) credential.
• Experience in mental health, behavioral health, healthcare, or community advocacy.
• Personal or family experience with mental health challenges and recovery.
• Knowledge of public policy, community organizing, and advocacy initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership
• Fundraising & Resource Development
• Financial Stewardship
• Community Engagement
• Board Relations
• Advocacy & Public Policy
• Organizational Development
• Staff Leadership
• Relationship Building
• Communication & Public Speaking

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $90,000 - $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience
• Paid vacation and holidays are offered, but no health or life insurance or other benefits are provided.
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work environment
• Meaningful opportunity to transform mental health outcomes throughout Southwest Florida

Application Process

Qualified candidates should send their application through email to info@namiswfl.org, including:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Three Professional References

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

NAMI Southwest Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Together, we can create a community where all people affected by mental illness can live healthy, fulfilling lives supported by understanding, education, advocacy, and hope.