Due to the pending retirement of its current Executive Director, The Backstoppers, Inc. is looking for its next leader to drive its mission in supporting and caring for the loved ones of those who have protected us and made the ultimate sacrifice. This search is being conducted by Collaborative Strategies on behalf of The Backstoppers.

The Backstoppers provides needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters and volunteer firefighters, and publicly-funded paramedics and EMTs in our coverage area who have lost their lives or suffered catastrophic injury performing their duty. Roughly 95 families with 70 dependent children whose loved ones served within 28 counties in Missouri and Illinois at the time of their sacrifice in the line of duty are currently supported by The Backstoppers.

In addition to serving families of first responders, this critical role will represent The Backstoppers locally, regionally, and within the first-responder community. The Executive Director will be responsible for driving fundraising and attending community events, providing immediate contact and assistance to families of fallen public safety officers, management and engagement with the Board of Directors, and volunteer management.

The ideal candidate will have genuine compassion for the families served by the organization with a high degree of empathy and passion for supporting others through a critical and devastating time in their lives. The Backstoppers is seeking a leader with strong ties and understanding of the first-responder or first-responder family experience. Previous Command Staff leadership experience highly preferred.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will:

PROVIDE FIRST RESPONDER FAMILY SUPPORT - Represents The Backstoppers to families of fallen police, fire, and EMS workers by meeting with impacted family members immediately after their loss to comfort and console them. Gathers information on the family’s financial obligations and needs, and coordinates assistance.

OVERSEE DAILY OPERATIONS AND BOARD MANAGEMENT - Responsible for operational management and direction of the organization. Partners with the Operations Manager to determine staffing requirements and operational planning, and ensures policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Provides the Board of Directors with recommendations and sees they are fully informed on the condition of the organization. Works directly with the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Directors on matters related to the organization.

REPRESENT THE ORGANIZATION THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH - Participates in fundraising and community events to promote good will and create awareness of the organization. Uses external presence and relationships to develop and strengthen relationships with police, fire and EMS officials, community leaders and donors. Acts as the primary spokesperson of the organization to the media.

DRIVES FUNDRAISING - Adapts fundraising methods and supporter communication practices to utilize all available tools and resources reflecting changing trends and interests in the community and donors. Represents the organization at fundraising events. 

Qualifications

• Previous first-responder experience at the Command Staff level; Prior Chief experience preferred. Strong knowledge of the first responder family experience with prior non-profit executive leadership roles in lieu of direct first-responder work history.
• High degree of empathy, compassion, patience, and strong listening skills.
• Strong public speaking skills with the ability and willingness to be highly visible in the community and public eye.
• Demonstrated strength in building relationships and is viewed as credible, honest and has high integrity.
• Strong financial acumen.
• Previous fundraising, sales or similar experience preferred, but not required.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings and weekends.

Ready to Apply?

If you are interested, qualified and ready to take the next step click the APPLY button on this page. Please do not contact The Backstoppers directly. 

Collaborative Strategies, Inc. is a St. Louis-based consulting firm with a dedicated search practice and has been connecting talent with opportunity since 1994. We take pride in matching talented leaders seeking mission-critical endeavors with entrepreneurial organizations.

Visit us at getcollaborative.com/careers to see all of our current opportunities and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn. We value your privacy. Inquiries and resume submissions will always be treated as strictly confidential.

Equal Opportunity Employer