EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JOB DESCRIPTION
Community Dispute Settlement Center
Cambridge, MA
April 2023

The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was formed in 1979 to provide mediation services in Middlesex County and beyond. The current CDSC Executive Director is retiring, and CDSC is seeking a full-time Executive Director to oversee all aspects of CDSC’s multi-faceted operations and to embark on its next stage of growth and development.

About CDSC

As one of the oldest community mediation centers in Massachusetts, CDSC promotes better ways to understand and deal with conflict through skilled teams of volunteer mediators, training programs in mediation and conflict management, and broad community outreach. CDSC works to ensure that its services are accessible to underserved populations and to address emerging community needs.

CDSC’s services include:

• Mediation services in a variety of circumstances including housing, small claims, consumers, divorce/parenting, elder care, and workplaces.
• Conflict skills training for companies, non-profits, schools, colleges, and youth groups.
• Training in basic mediation skills.
• Continuing education for mediators, including practical hands-on training.
• Conflict coaching to assist in the often challenging demands of a dispute.
  
  

About the Position

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees all aspects of CDSC and serves as the face of the organization, implementing CDSC’s mission. The Executive Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for CDSC’s staff, programs, fundraising, donor relationships, community networking, legislative advocacy, and for providing leadership in the community as an advocate for peaceful conflict resolution.  

The position requires non-profit management experience, executive and interpersonal communication skills, and a strong desire for community building and peacemaking. Experience with mediation and/or conflict resolution is appreciated but not required.  

Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director

The Executive Director serves as CDSC’s Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to its Board of Directors. The Executive Director ensures CDSC meets its mission and financial objectives, including its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The position’s key responsibilities include:

Leadership & Management

• Ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence and consistent quality of communications directing finance, administration and fundraising.
• Actively engaging and energizing CDSC’s network of volunteers, board members, program alumni, partner organizations, and donors, including managing the relationship with the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration and the Massachusetts Trial Courts.
• Leading CDSC’s staff, including hiring, professional development, and evaluating staff according to personnel policies.
• Promoting continued growth and development of diversity initiatives at CDSC, which is committed to equity and social justice work, including engaging with and elevating the perspectives of historically marginalized members of our community.
  
  
  

Fundraising & Advocacy

• Expanding local revenue-generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations and expansion, including planning, implementing, and coordinating fundraising strategy in conjunction with the Board.
• Developing strategy for enhancing CDSC’s positive public image, including refining existing communications.
• Serving as the primary CDSC advocate with state and local legislative and administrative agencies.
  
  
  

Annual & Long-Term Planning

• Organizing and engaging in strategic planning with the Board of Directors and staff.
• Directing the annual and operational budgeting processes and managing accurate regular financial reporting to the Board of Directors.
• Providing leadership in the community as an advocate for peaceful conflict resolution.

Qualifications, Core Competencies, and Traits

Transparent and authentic leadership  – ability to have authentic and honest engagement and collaboration with Board, staff, community partners, donors, and others to achieve common goals and objectives.

Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with staff.

Active fundraising experience, including strong donor relations skills and an understanding of the funding community.

Strong financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting.

Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate CDSC’s mission to donors, volunteers, and the overall community.

Strong organizational abilities, including solid experience with program oversight, development, planning, and evaluation.

Strong public speaking ability.

Experience working with diverse groups of people and with volunteers.

At least 5 years’ experience in non-profit management.

Advanced degree in fields such as law, social work, teaching or human services would be appreciated.

Compensation, Benefits, and Other Important Information

The Executive Director’s work will require being present inperson for regular staff meetings and connecting with stakeholders and potential donors, volunteers, and institutional clients. Otherwise, the Executive Director may work in a virtual office setting.

Candidates must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Candidates must be comfortable with technology, including social media.

This is a full-time, salaried position with a minimum starting salary of $75,000. Benefits include a generous paid vacation policy, paid national holidays, sick days, and available health insurance and 401K benefit plan. Parental leave benefits are also available.

CDSC is an AA/EO employer and a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We especially encourage people of color, bi-lingual people, people with disabilities, and people from underrepresented groups to apply.  Some candidates may see a long list of job requirements and feel discouraged because they don’t match every single bullet point – please apply anyway.

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume in confidence to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Upon completing an interview process, three references will be requested for all candidate finalists.