Work to change lives and impact survivors

Join the PK team for a passion-filled work life

Executive Director – Project Koru

Location: Remote with required travel to program sites and key events
Reports To: Board of Directors
Employment Type: Part-time with potential for Full-time

About Project Koru

Project Koru is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of young adult cancer survivors through community and outdoor adventure. Our programs are led by survivors, for survivors and include the transformative Camp Koru retreat and ongoing community-building initiatives that empower survivors to heal, grow, and thrive.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the visionary and hands-on leader of Project Koru, responsible for all operational, fundraising, and programmatic functions. This role requires a balance of big-picture thinking and grassroots-level execution. The ideal candidate is not only a strategic leader but also someone who isn’t afraid to dig into the details; executing tasks independently, scouting out resources, and solving problems creatively. The ED wears many hats and must lead all aspects of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership

  • Cultivate a passion for Project Koru’s mission and serve as its public ambassador.

  • Lead and support a joyful, resilient organizational culture for staff, volunteers, and program participants.

  • Maintain a deep understanding of the survivor experience while providing grounded, objective leadership.

Program Oversight

  • Manage and execute planning and implementation of all Project Koru programs.

  • Expand program delivery opportunities that reflect Project Koru’s mission, values, and strategic direction.

  • Ensure program quality, safety, participant satisfaction, and mission alignment.

  • Regularly assess and adapt programs based on feedback from the community we serve.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

  • With the Board, develop and implement a robust annual fund development plan.

  • Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and community partners.

  • Lead fundraising events such as Crest & Conquer and support additional grassroots fundraising events.

  • Create and execute a social media plan.

  • Serve as a visible and compelling spokesperson for Project Koru’s work and mission.

Financial Management

  • With collaboration from the Board, develop and manage an annual operating budget.

  • Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, compliance, and accountability.

  • Monitor financial health and oversee fiscal planning to sustain and scale from a $350K to a $1M budget.

  • Understand that as a nonprofit, Project Koru must balance the financial health of the organization while also utilizing funds to move the mission forward.

Operations & Project Execution

  • Execute both strategic initiatives and minute-to-minute operational tasks as needed.

  • Research, develop, and implement systems and solutions to improve efficiency and capacity.

  • Manage multiple concurrent projects across fundraising, programming, and administrative functions.

Board Engagement & Strategic Planning

  • Partner with the Board Chair to support and engage the Board of Directors in moving Project Koru’s mission forward.

  • Lead the progress, execution, and evaluation of the organization’s Strategic Plan.

  • Maintain regular, open communication with the Board on goals, challenges, and organizational health.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Experienced nonprofit leader with 5+ years of leadership experience, ideally in a small or mid-sized mission-driven organization.

  • A self-starter with grassroots sensibilities: capable of visioning and executing, sometimes in the same day.

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, program development, and community building.

  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing nonprofit budgets and revenue growth.

  • High emotional intelligence and the ability to lead with empathy and clarity.

  • Passion for empowering young adult cancer survivors and a deep respect for survivor-led healing.

Preferred Skills & Characteristics

  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong project management and organizational abilities.

  • Experience leading a team with limited resources.

  • Comfortable wearing many hats and pivoting between leadership and implementation roles.

To Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to board@projectkoru.org.