Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

Salary :

Accelerate Transformational Change in Organization

Heartbeet Lifesharing seeks a visionary leader to drive organizational excellence while building a thriving community where adults with intellectual differences and their support networks create meaningful lives together. Leading our 160-acre community in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, with 80 acres under biodynamic stewardship including forest, farm, and market garden, you'll nurture a sustainable community, find and develop exceptional talent, and strengthen our reputation as a mission-driven and effective organization.

Our Mission

Heartbeet is a vibrant life sharing Camphill community and licensed therapeutic residence that includes adults with developmental disabilities and interweaves the social and agricultural realms for the healing and renewing of our society and the earth. Community members live and work together, in beautiful extended family households, forming a mutually supportive environment that enables each individual to discover and develop his or her unique abilities and potential.

What You'll Do

Drive strategic vision for our next phase of growth, expanding from 45 to 60 community members while maintaining our commitment to authentic relationships and sustainable agriculture. Partner shoulder-to-shoulder with our board, households, and extended community to chart an ambitious path forward that honors our Camphill roots while embracing innovative approaches to supporting adults with intellectual differences.

Build and empower caring, connected teams across our residential, agricultural, and programs divisions. You'll recruit, mentor, develop, and train diverse staff who share our values of inclusion, environmental stewardship, and human dignity. Lead efforts to establish Heartbeet as Vermont's most sought-after workplace for professionals committed to transformational community living.

Strengthen financial sustainability through strategic fundraising, grant development, and earned revenue growth. Cultivate relationships with foundations, individual donors, and government partners while stewarding our $2M annual budget with transparency and accountability.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Organizational Leadership - Provide strategic clarity and innovative solutions for community growth, policy development, and mission fulfillment. Navigate complexity while maintaining our consensus-based decision-making culture and anthroposophical values.

Talent Development & Culture - Create comprehensive recruitment, retention, and professional development systems. Build pathways for leadership advancement while fostering an inclusive workplace where all staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.

Resource Development - Lead philanthropic efforts generating $1M+ annually while expanding earned revenue through our farm, crafts, and residential programs. Engage strategically with Vermont's agricultural and disability communities.

External Partnerships - Represent Heartbeet regionally and nationally, building coalitions with Camphill organizations, disability advocates, and sustainable agriculture leaders. Influence conversations about innovative approaches to supporting adults with intellectual differences.

Your Experience

Mission-driven leadership with 7+ years developing organizations that serve vulnerable populations. Demonstrated passion for inclusion, community building, and environmental sustainability. Proven ability to build consensus, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and drive organizational growth.

Financial acumen including budget management, fundraising, and grant writing. People leadership experience recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse teams. Cultural competency working with individuals with intellectual differences and understanding of residential care models.

Strategic thinking with ability to navigate uncertainty while maintaining organizational values. Communication excellence for public speaking, donor engagement, and community advocacy. Results orientation with a track record of measurable impact and sustainable growth.

Your Future Team

Join 45+ passionate community members including householders, farmers, artisans, and support staff who embody our values of dignity, creativity, and mutual support. Work alongside 15 adults with intellectual differences who are full participants in our community's work and daily life.

You'll collaborate with an engaged board of directors, supportive Camphill network, and vibrant local Vermont community. Our culture emphasizes lifelong learning, authentic relationships, and shared leadership - where professional growth happens through meaningful work that transforms lives.

Your Impact

Transform lives daily through our innovative life sharing model that has supported adults with intellectual differences over 25 years.

Strengthen communities through our biodynamic farm, residential and vocational programs, and advocacy work.

Build lasting change by developing leaders who carry our mission forward throughout their careers.

How to Apply

Please apply at heartbeet.org / work-here / and a member of the Heartbeet team will be in touch right away.

Heartbeet Lifesharing is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse, inclusive community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.