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Autism Executive Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$150 - $165/hr

The President and CEO works closely with the Board of Directors, senior leadership team members and ... Serve as a visible thought leader and ambassador for Firefly Autism, advancing the organization ...

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Autism Executive Director information

What are some common challenges Autism Executive Directors face in managing programs and staff, and how can they address them effectively?

Autism Executive Directors often encounter challenges such as balancing limited resources with the growing needs of clients, ensuring compliance with complex regulations, and maintaining high staff morale in a demanding environment. Effective communication, strong leadership, and continuous staff training are key to overcoming these obstacles. Building collaborative relationships with stakeholders, advocating for additional funding, and fostering a supportive, mission-driven workplace can help address these challenges and ensure program success.

What does an Autism Executive Director do?

An Autism Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the operations, programs, and strategic direction of organizations that support individuals with autism and their families. Their duties typically include managing staff, developing and implementing policies, fundraising, building community partnerships, and ensuring the organization complies with all relevant regulations. They also advocate for autism awareness and resources, working closely with stakeholders to improve services and support systems. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the needs of the autism community.

What is the difference between Autism Executive Director vs Autism Program Manager?

AspectAutism Executive DirectorAutism Program Manager
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in related field, leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in related field, program coordination experience
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, strategic planning, organizational oversightProgram implementation, team management, service delivery
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare organizations, advocacy groupsService providers, clinics, educational programs
Search & Comparison IntentHigh-level leadership roles in autism servicesOperational roles managing autism programs

The Autism Executive Director focuses on organizational leadership, strategic planning, and overall management of autism-related organizations. In contrast, the Autism Program Manager handles day-to-day program operations, team supervision, and service delivery. Both roles require relevant credentials and experience but differ in scope and responsibilities within autism service organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Autism Executive Director?

To thrive as an Autism Executive Director, you need a background in nonprofit leadership, program management, and a solid understanding of autism spectrum disorders, often supported by a relevant degree in education, psychology, or social work. Familiarity with grant writing, budgeting software, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic vision, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively leading teams and engaging stakeholders. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure impactful program delivery, sustainable organizational growth, and strong advocacy for individuals with autism.
More about Autism Executive Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Autism Executive Director jobs? Cities with the most Autism Executive Director job openings:
What states have the most Autism Executive Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Autism Executive Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Autism Executive Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Autism Executive Director jobs are:
Infographic showing various Autism Executive Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

VP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Firefly Autism

Lakewood, CO • On-site

$150 - $165/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

VP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Full Time Lakewood, CO, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1028

Salary Range: $150,000.00 To $165,000.00 Annually

Position Summary

The President and CEO is a highly‑skilled professional that provides leadership, vision and direction to the leadership team and the broader Firefly Autism organization. The President and CEO represents the organization to the public, leads organizational development and strategic planning, optimizes financial performance, oversees program delivery, builds donor relationships and oversees personnel. The President and CEO works closely with the Board of Directors, senior leadership team members and is responsible for expanding systems and procedures to accomplish the mission and reach the strategic goals set forth by the board.

The President and CEO develops organizational strategy, sound practices and supportive relationships, both internally and externally, resulting in cooperative and effective collaborations that further the mission of Firefly Autism.

Reports To:

Board of Directors

Duties and Responsibilities: Provide thoughtful executive leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission.

  • Drive development and fundraising in collaboration with the Development Director,leveragingthe Board as needed.
  • Establishessustainableandgrowing visibilitywith consistent communicationin the community at large.
  • Collaborates with others to solve bigger community problems inthe autismspace.
  • Commands a strong external presence withall current and prospectivepartners, government agencies, andindividualrelationships to garner new opportunities and build Firefly Autism’s brand in the community.
  • Serve as a visible thought leader and ambassador for Firefly Autism, advancing the organization’s influence,expertise, and impact within the autism, nonprofit, and community sectors.
Programs & Services:
  • Directs,plansand implements policies,objectivesand activities of the organization to ensure continuing operations, to maximize return on investments and to increase impact and successful outcomes.
  • Ensures ongoing programmaticexcellence andrigorous program evaluation
  • Work closely with the leadership team to implement and execute the strategic plan andreportprogress quarterly to the Board of Directors.
  • Comfort in clinical settings/audiences
  • Foster independence in all department leaders in the organization, creating an environment of growth, mobility, and innovation.
  • Lead, support, and develop a high-performing leadership team aligned with Firefly Autism’s mission, values, and strategic priorities.
  • Evaluate and strengthen organizational structure and talent to meet current and future needs.
  • Foster a culture of trust, accountability, inclusion, collaboration, and professional growth.
Finances & Management:
  • Plan, actively manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure its overall successfulfinancial sustainability
  • Provide leadership inorganizationaland financial plans and executeson the policies authorized by the Board.
  • Maintain stringent financial controlsin collaboration withfinance partners, while fostering banking and general financial relationships
  • Active participation and support ofboard and committee meetings.
  • Apply performance measurements to analyze and support strategic decision-making
  • Continuallyfostera culture that encourages collaboration between departments and recognizes positive contributions
  • Activeinvolvementin the organizational structure while supporting team in the management of processes such as hiring, separation, ongoing staff development, performance management, compensation and benefits,andmarketing.
Board Partnership & Governance
  • Maintain and strengthen Firefly Autism’s culture of strong governance, transparency, and board partnership.
  • Build trust-based relationships with the Board of Directors, ensuring clarity in roles, responsibilities, and strategic direction.
  • Providetimely,accurate, and forward-looking communication and reporting to support effective oversight and decision-making.
  • Partner with the Board Chair and Executive Committee to sustain high board engagement, strong member retention, and meaningful board service.
  • Support the Board’s governance and fiduciary responsibilities while reinforcing the Board’s role in setting strategy and the staff’s role in executing that strategy.
Essential Skills and Qualifications:
  • Minimum 7 years leadingmatrix-basedorganizations and teams with seasoned board experience.
  • Provenstrategic thought leader inorganizationalgrowth and change managementimpact
  • Strong command of P&L with diligent fiscal management and preparing organizations to a financially sustainablepath forward
  • Passion for innovative program creation tomaintainrelevance to the community it serves
  • High level strategic thinking and planning.
  • Proven ability to collaborate and work hands on in fast growing organizations
  • Ability to envision and convey the organization’s strategic future to the staff, board, volunteers, and donors.
  • Transparent and high integrity leadership.
  • Ability to foster an environment of accountability, healthy work relationships, and inclusivity among staff tomaintaina positive and collaborative work environment.
  • Must be highly visible across the communities we serve in addition to the community at large.
  • Experience working in ahighly-regulatedfield and navigating legal compliance, approvals, and licensing with state and federal agencies
Additional Considerations:
  • Knowledge of service delivery systems and programs forindividualswith autism
  • An understanding of ABA, related staff qualifications and ethical responsibilities, autism, and behavioral and developmental disabilities.Experience in a clinical or education-related field may be considered in lieu of Autism/ABA experience.
Physical Requirements of the Job:

The incumbent typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment may be similar to or greater than that of an office. Incumbent may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 20 pounds.

At Firefly Autism, we offer a competitive compensation package, with a variety of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision plans, life, accident, disability and other supplemental insurances, employee assistance program, 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and personal time off, 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, opportunity for discretionary fiscal yearend bonus, and other supplemental insurances.

Position Salary Range: $150,000 - $165,000

Starting pay is based on education and experience

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