Executive Director

Overview

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Executive Director role at May Institute in West Springfield, MA. This is a full-time position.

Lead with purpose. Drive operational excellence. Empower lives.

May Institute is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead our Adult Services program in West Springfield, MA by overseeing the development, operations, and delivery of high-quality services across educational and residential programs.

This is a unique opportunity to shape service excellence, lead high-performing teams, and make a measurable difference in the lives of the individuals and families we support. As a senior operational leader, you’ll champion integrated care models, foster innovation, and uphold the highest standards of compliance, accountability, and dignity.

What You’ll Do

• Provide Visionary Leadership: Oversee the strategic direction and daily management of programs supporting individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities.
  
• Align services with May Institute’s mission, values, and long-term goals for growth, quality, and impact.
  
• Lead all aspects of program operations, including scheduling, staffing, census management, and implementation of clinical and behavioral plans.
  
• Maintain strong relationships with parents, guardians, and funding agencies to ensure coordinated, transparent communication.
  

Drive Compliance & Quality

• Ensure adherence to all relevant licensing, regulatory, and accreditation requirements (e.g., DDS licensing, CARF, and ISP implementation).
  
• Oversee audits, manage documentation, incident reporting, emergency protocols, and risk mitigation strategies.
  

Lead High-Impact Teams

• Supervise, coach, and develop direct reports, ensuring staff meet performance standards, maintain certifications, and receive ongoing professional development.
  
• Conduct regular staff meetings, supervision sessions, and performance evaluations.
  
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and culturally responsive team environment.
  

Promote Fiscal Responsibility

• Manage program budgets, control expenses, and ensure financial records are accurately maintained.
  
• Use data-driven insights to inform planning, measure progress, and ensure continuous improvement.
  

Champion Collaboration

• Partner with Clinical, HR, Finance, and Quality teams to deliver integrated services and solutions.
  
• Facilitate clear, effective communication across stakeholders including families, staff, funders, and leadership.
  

What You Bring

• Executive Leadership: Minimum 6–8 years of progressive leadership in education, special education, residential services or human services, including oversight of multi-site programs and complex teams.
  
• Operational Expertise: Deep experience in school and residential administration and compliance, financial oversight, and program development.
  
• Strategic Vision & Execution: Proven ability to set long-term strategy, define success metrics, and lead teams toward ambitious, mission-aligned goals.
  
• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrated integrity in service delivery, with a focus on dignity, access, and culturally responsive practices.
  

Why Join May Institute?

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Be part of a national nonprofit known for its compassion, innovation, and evidence-based care.
  
• Executive Impact: Shape the future of special education across a network of schools and services supporting thousands.
  
• Continuous Learning: Support cutting-edge applied research, attend national and regional conferences, education and networking events to continue enhancing expertise in the field and representing May Institute.
  
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, medical/dental/vision coverage, student loan support, and a 403(b) with employer match.
  

Who We Are

For more than 70 years, May Institute has been a recognized leader in applied behavior analysis, special education, and community-based services. Our organization supports individuals with autism spectrum disorder, brain injury, and developmental disabilities from preschool through adulthood—guided by science, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to inclusion.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of transformation? Join us and let\'s make a difference together!

Job Details

• Seniority level: Executive
  
• Employment type: Full-time
  
• Job function: Business Development and Sales
  
• Industries: Individual and Family Services
  

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