By Their Side

Executive Director Organization: By Their Side Location: Maryland (Remote with possible occasional statewide travel) Position Type: Part-time (Approx. 24-30 hours/week, with potential to grow to full-time) Position Summary Founded in 1965, By Their Side is a family funded non-profit organization that advocates for Marylanders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities whose parents are no longer able to do so. Since 1965, By Their Side has provided advocacy for hundreds or people.

Our advocates have also provided short term, focused advocacy for families and information and referral services for others.   By Their Side seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial Executive Director with intensive experience in the developmental disabilities field. This strategic leader will guide the organization’s growth, oversee daily operations, recruit and supervise advocates, grow membership and seek new funding sources, with support from the board and other staff. This role requires a collaborative leader who can work effectively with the Board of Directors, staff, families, the office administrator and community stakeholders while serving as a confident and authentic ambassador for the organization.   This is a unique opportunity for a strategic and mission-driven leader to shape the future of a highly respected Maryland non-profit, someone who is energized by innovation, motivated by mission, and eager to translate ideas into action. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with a committed Board of Directors, lead and grow a passionate team, and serve as a trusted voice for families navigating complex systems of care.   This is a remote position, with regular virtual engagement and periodic in person responsibilities such as meetings, outreach events, and stakeholder engagement.

The Executive Director will serve as both a strategic architect and a hands-on leader- someone who can see the big picture while also strengthening the systems, relationships, and infrastructure needed to bring that vision to life. As the organization’s chief ambassador, the Executive Director will elevate the visibility and impact of By Their Side—expanding its reach, strengthening its sustainability, and ensuring it continues to deliver high-quality, person-centered advocacy services. If you are a collaborative leader who brings experience, heart and strategy—and are ready to build, grow, and lead with purpose—this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. Compensation • Salary Range: 24-30 hours/week at $50-60 per hour • Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications • Potential for salary growth as the organization expands in size, revenue, and impact Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth • Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the organization’s mission and vision • Identify and pursue opportunities for innovation, partnerships, and revenue enhancement • Position the organization for sustainable growth while maintaining its values and culture • Translate long-term goals into measurable, practical initiatives Operations & Program Oversight • Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and quality service delivery • Guide the development and expansion of advocacy programs and services • Establish and refine systems, policies, and processes to support organizational growth • Monitor program effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement Staff Leadership & Development • Recruit, hire, manage, and retain high-quality advocacy staff • Foster a collaborative, mission-driven organizational culture • Work collaboratively with the office administrator Community Engagement & Outreach • Represent the organization at outreach events and within the broader community • Build and maintain strong relationships with families, stakeholders, and partner organizations • Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for By Their Side Board Relations & Governance • Work closely with the Board of Directors and Board committees to support strong governance and strategic decision-making • Provide regular updates on organizational performance and strategic initiatives • Partner with the Board to expand philanthropic capacity and fundraising efforts Financial Management • Develop and manage the organization’s budget • Monitor financial performance and ensure responsible stewardship of resources • Support fundraising strategies, grant development, and donor engagement Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field required • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD) o A Master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience • Demonstrated administrative and advocacy experience supporting individuals with I/DD • Knowledge of intellectual/developmental disabilities and the Maryland service delivery system • Proven experience in organizational leadership, program development, and operations management • Experience developing and managing budgets • Strong entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to drive growth and innovation Skills & Competencies • Passionate commitment to the mission of By Their Side • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills • Strong public speaking and presentation abilities • Strong computer skills including Microsoft365 and QuickBooks • Strategic thinking with the ability to execute effectively • Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills • Leadership, team-building, and staff development capabilities • High level of integrity, authenticity, and professionalism Work Environment & Expectations • This is a remote position • Regular virtual communication and management of staff and operations is required • Occasional travel within Maryland is expected for meetings, outreach events, and stakeholder engagement • Some evening and weekend hours may be required • This position is expected to work approximately 24-30 hours per week, with the potential to increase to 40 hours as the organization grows Equal Opportunity Employer Statement By Their Side is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.