About the Organization

YWCA Darien/Norwalk has served the community for nearly 50 years through programs, education, advocacy, and community-building initiatives that support women, children, and families. As part of the broader YWCA movement, the organization is aligned with the national mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

YWCA Darien/Norwalk’s work includes mission-driven initiatives, community-building programs, family and youth programming, and economic empowerment efforts designed to strengthen opportunity, connection, and belonging across Darien, Norwalk, and neighboring communities.

About the Role

YWCA Darien/Norwalk is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and community-oriented part-time Chief Executive Officer to help lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact.

This role is ideal for an entrepreneurial and externally focused leader who is passionate about community engagement, partnership development, fundraising, and mission-driven leadership. Working in close partnership with the Board and staff, the CEO will help advance organizational priorities, strengthen community visibility, and support long-term sustainability.

The CEO will serve as the public face and ambassador of the organization, cultivating meaningful relationships with donors, corporations, community leaders, nonprofit partners, and stakeholders throughout the region.

This is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours per week. The role is expected to maintain a visible presence in the community and at key organizational activities, while working collaboratively with Board leadership and internal staff to ensure alignment between strategic priorities and day-to-day operations.

Key Priorities

Strategic Growth & Community Impact

• Lead the organization’s next phase of strategic growth, visibility, and community engagement

• Help shape and advance mission-aligned programming that responds to community needs

• Support continued expansion of the organization’s presence and impact in Norwalk and surrounding communities

• Work with the Board and YWCA staff to translate strategic goals into measurable organizational progress over time

Partnerships & External Relations

• Build and cultivate relationships with local corporations, business leaders, community organizations, and donors
• Expand sponsorship and partnership opportunities
• Serve as a visible and collaborative ambassador for the organization throughout the community

Fundraising & Development

• Help strengthen and expand fundraising and development efforts across individual giving, sponsorships, grants, and community partnerships

• Partner with Board leadership, consultants, staff, and volunteers to support donor engagement, sponsorship development, grant activity, and fundraising strategy

• Contribute to the development of a sustainable funding pipeline and help advance fundraising goals established by the organization and Board

Organizational Leadership

• Lead, supervise and support a dedicated team of staff and volunteers
• Provide leadership, oversight, and prioritization across organizational operations in partnership with staff and Board leadership
• Foster a collaborative, mission-driven, and positive organizational culture
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors and Board leadership to help shape priorities, support governance, and advance the organization’s mission

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Proven ability to build relationships, partnerships, and community engagement
• Experience with fundraising, sponsorships, development, or grant funding
• Strategic thinker with strong execution skills
• Exceptional communication, leadership and supervisory abilities
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven mindset
• Experience leading within a nonprofit, community-based, or small organizational environment preferred
• Passion for the mission and values of the YWCA
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural competence, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders

The ideal candidate will bring a leadership style that reflects YWCA’s longstanding commitment to equity, collaboration, and community-centered impact, and will be energized by the opportunity to serve a diverse and evolving region.

The CEO will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors and the YWCA internal staff and is expected to maintain regular communication with Board leadership regarding organizational priorities, fundraising activity, and community engagement.

Position Details

Flexible part-time structure (approximately 20 hours/week)

Location: Darien/Norwalk, Connecticut

Schedule: Flexible, with the expectation of regular participation in key meetings, community engagement, and select organizational events

Work arrangement: In-person presence required for priority meetings, events, and community-facing responsibilities; flexibility otherwise based on organizational needs

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to ceosearch@ywcadn.org.

1. Cover Letter outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you are the right leader for YWCA Darien/Norwalk.
2. Current Resume