President and Chief Executive Officer

Bay Cove Human Services—recognized as one of The Boston Globe’s “Top 100 Places to Work” and rated a “Four Star Charity” by Charity Navigator—seeks a dynamic, visionary and accomplished leader to serve as President and CEO. With a $160 million operating budget and a workforce of over 2,000, this 50-year-old essential nonprofit requires a strategic leader who can inspire and guide the organization’s continued growth. The ideal candidate will combine a deep passion for supporting vulnerable populations with an empathetic approach to staff leadership, while leveraging executive expertise to drive data-informed strategic planning and operational excellence, ensuring Bay Cove’s mission continues to thrive.

Founded in 1974 as a single alcohol detoxification program, Bay Cove has grown into one of Greater Boston’s largest and most respected human services organizations. Today, it operates a network of 175 programs, providing critical services to more than 25,000 adults, children, and families each year. Throughout its growth, Bay Cove has remained committed to its legendary guiding principles – that every human being has potential and deserves to live a life achieving their dreams and goals. With a focus on dignity and respect for all, Bay Cove delivers compassionate care to people across Boston and Southeastern Massachusetts who are navigating developmental disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness and challenges associated with aging.

In addition to delivering exceptional services, Bay Cove is known for its operational and fiscal strength and its vibrant organizational culture. Its service excellence is driven by hundreds of dedicated staff led by a 16-person leadership team that is committed to fostering a positive work environment through participative management, comprehensive training, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Governed by an 18-member Board of Directors, Bay Cove is in the second year of implementing a strategic plan aimed at positioning the organization for future success.

Position Summary:

In this critical, highly visible leadership role, the President and CEO is responsible for guiding the organization’s strategic direction, advancing its mission, and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Key responsibilities include collaborating with the Board, empowering the senior leadership team in decision-making, and refining strategic initiatives such as integrated service development, capacity building, workforce development, DEI programs, and infrastructure improvements. As the organization’s primary front-line champion and an articulate advocate for investing in human potential, the President and CEO will engage both internally and externally across Boston’s health and human services landscape, and at state, regional, and national levels.

Qualifications Summary:

The successful candidate will bring 10+ years of executive leadership experience, preferably within complex, mission-driven organizations; and have a proven track record of driving transformative growth, fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability, and empowering teams to achieve measurable impact. As a forward-thinking thought partner to the Board of Directors, the candidate will possess knowledge of nonprofit governance and best practices in advancing strategic initiatives through data-driven planning and evaluation. Additionally, the candidate must be skilled at representing the organization to funders, partners and stakeholders, demonstrating strong advocacy, fiscal management and philanthropic leadership. A passion for the mission is essential. Experience in a multi-site organization is preferred. A BA/BS degree is required; a master’s degree in a related field preferred.

Bay Cove Human Services is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

This is a retained executive search of Exceptional Executive Search.

For inquiry or application, contact info@eesrecruit.com.