CEO – The Linden Lodge Foundation

The Linden Lodge Foundation seeks a Chief Executive Officer to preserve its extraordinary resident-centered culture while strengthening the organizational capacity needed for long-term sustainability. The next leader will build upon a foundation of exceptional care, trusted relationships with families, and a deeply committed staff while expanding fundraising, community visibility, governance, and operational excellence.

Mission: The Linden Lodge Foundation, Inc. is dedicated to the recovery of men and women with a serious and persistent mental illness by providing opportunities for our residents to live, work, and learn, while contributing their talents through a community of mutual support. We do this through providing a safe, “home-like” residence and the development of innovative motivational, educational and vocational prospects. Our goal is to provide a high quality of life for all residents, ongoing improvement and increased self-esteem and the ultimate elimination of stigma against those with a mental illness.

Reporting Structure: The Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation reports to the Board of Directors. The Chief Executive Officer provides strategic leadership while ensuring operational excellence, financial stewardship, staff development, and community engagement remain aligned with the organization’s mission.

Total Staff and Budget: Eight staff members and an annual budget of $400,000.

Salary: Base salary of $100,000 with a performance‑based bonus tied to fundraising results.

Working Environment/Location: Onsite in Aberdeen, North Carolina.

Key Responsibilities of the Linden Lodge Chief Executive Officer

• Leadership: Provide visionary leadership that advances Linden Lodge’s mission while preserving its unique resident-centered culture. Lead implementation of strategic priorities established by the Board of Directors. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, compassion, and continuous improvement. Guide organizational change while honoring the legacy established by the organization’s founder. Ensure resident well-being remains central to organizational decision-making.
• Fund Development: As the primary fundraiser, develop and implement a comprehensive and effective fundraising strategy that expands philanthropic support to ensure long-term financial stability. Cultivate and steward relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors. Partner with the Board to build a culture of philanthropy. Expand grant opportunities and diversify revenue sources. Establish measurable fundraising goals and regularly report progress.
• Program Development and Resident Engagement: Ensure residents receive recovery-oriented, person-centered support in a safe, stable, and home-like environment. Strengthen structured daily activities, life-skills programming, transportation, outings, and resident engagement systems. Work with staff to create meaningful opportunities for residents to build confidence, independence, connection, and purpose. Ensure program practices reflect resident dignity, choice, safety, and appropriate support for adults living with serious mental illness. Evaluate program quality and resident engagement on an ongoing basis and recommend improvements as needs evolve.
• Operations & Finance: Provide oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and fiscal stewardship. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and sound internal controls. Strengthen organizational policies, procedures, and administrative systems. Oversee human resources, technology, and risk management. Monitor organizational performance using meaningful metrics.
• Board Relations: Serve as the Board’s chief strategic advisor. Provide timely reports and recommendations to support governance. Assist with strategic planning and policy development. Support committee effectiveness and Board engagement. Maintain open, transparent communication with Board leadership.
• Community Leadership: Serve as Linden Lodge’s primary ambassador. Develop partnerships with behavioral health providers and community organizations. Increase public awareness of Linden Lodge’s mission and impact. Represent the organization before civic, philanthropic, and governmental audiences. Strengthen relationships with families, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.

The Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Progressive nonprofit leadership experience.
• Experience supervising and developing professional staff.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Demonstrated fundraising and major gift experience.
• Demonstrated success working with governing boards.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree preferably in psychology or social work.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Behavioral health, residential services, or human services leadership experience.
• Grant development experience.
• Community partnership development experience.
• Master’s degree or equivalent leadership experience preferred.

About Linden Lodge: Linden Lodge Foundation was founded through the vision, compassion, and perseverance of Marianne Kernan, who recognized a critical need for a residential community where adults living with serious and persistent mental illness could experience dignity, stability, and a true sense of home. Through years of leadership, fundraising, and community engagement, she transformed that vision into an organization dedicated to helping individuals live meaningful, productive lives within a supportive and caring environment.

Benefits: Benefits include paid time off and paid holidays. The Board is committed to attracting an outstanding leader and will consider the non-salary compensation package in relation to the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

How To Apply: Join the Linden Lodge and play a critical role in shaping its future while driving impactful change in the community. To apply, scroll to the bottom of this page. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter, resume, and salary requirements. Please provide all requested information to be considered. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of UMRH as well as the stated responsibilities and qualifications.