Chief Executive Officer - Walker

Each year, Walker provides intensive, evidence-based special education and mental health services for hundreds of the most troubled children, ages 3 to 22, and their families. Walker delivers these services through a network of facilities and multidisciplinary programs which include: The Walker School in Needham, MA (K-8 residential and day therapeutic special education programs; short-term community-based acute treatment programs; respite, after-school, and summer programs), Beacon High School, a therapeutic special education school in Watertown, MA and Walker Partnerships, which provides special education staff and consultation to over 40 public schools and communities. These services have been recognized nationally for their clinical quality and outcomes, with more than 79% of students returning to less-restrictive school-based programs.  Walker also conducts research and is a trusted voice within state and national policy circles.  Please visit: www.walkerschool.org

Walker is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead its passionate staff of 275+ and annual operating budget of $18M in maximizing student outcomes within the rapidly shifting educational, mental health and child welfare environment. The CEO will respect the inherent strengths of Walker’s rich history and nationally-recognized clinical work, while also creating an inspiring, financially sustainable, and operationally aligned vision for Walker’s next fifty years. By infusing fresh strategic and management perspectives -- as well as expanding donor and partner relationships -- the CEO will engage the organization’s Board of Directors, Corporation, staff and families in this innovative direction.

 The CEO candidate will ideally bring:

·         Fifteen or more years leading and operationally managing multi-program child- and family-serving nonprofits, ideally with dual bottom-line and social mission objectives

·         A track record of entrepreneurially charting new or higher-impact courses with tangible examples of success in: change management; executing on ambitious strategic plans; guiding investments in people and systems; supporting stellar clinical needs; engaging donors and partners; and delivering business results

·         A style that is relationship-driven, collaborative, compassionate, respectful and highly committed

·         Experience supporting a positive performance culture along with diversity and inclusion at all levels

·         Advanced degree required, preferably a dual degree (management plus clinical or education)

 Walker is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. The Bridgespan Group, a nonprofit organization, serves diverse organizations and is committed to building high-performing teams that mirror the communities we serve. Please send a detailed resume and cover letter to walker@bridgespan.org