About NAMI Greater Indianapolis
NAMI Greater Indianapolis is the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI Greater Indianapolis provides free, peer-led support groups, education programs, and advocacy to individuals and families across Central Indiana affected by mental illness, and works to eliminate stigma through community outreach, public education, and policy engagement.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic and operational leadership for NAMI Greater Indianapolis. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED develops and executes the organization’s strategic plan, oversees program quality and delivery, leads fundraising and financial management, supervises staff and volunteers, and serves as the primary spokesperson and relationship-builder for the affiliate throughout the greater Indianapolis community. The ED ensures NAMI Greater Indianapolis meets NAMI National’s Standards of Excellence and operates as a sustainable, mission-driven organization.
Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Board Relations
- Provide a clear vision and strategic direction for the organization in partnership with the Board of Directors.
- Develop and support an effective, engaged Board, cultivating a strong and transparent working relationship.
- Advise and inform the Board on organizational performance, emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Support Board recruitment, orientation, and ongoing education on governance, mental health, and NAMI.
- Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring effective and efficient program delivery.
Strategic Planning
- Collaborate with the Board to set and execute long-term strategy advancing the mission.
- Develop and implement annual operating plans covering programs, fundraising, communications, and advocacy.
Staff & Volunteer Management
- Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, contractors, and volunteer leaders.
- Maintain an appropriate organizational and staffing structure, including position descriptions and performance standards.
- Foster a healthy, inclusive organizational culture consistent with NAMI’s values of empowerment, support, and integrity.
Fundraising & Financial Management
- Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan, including grant writing/management, individual and corporate giving, and special events such as NAMIWalk.
- Cultivate donor, funder, and sponsor relationships; lead prospecting, research, and proposal/LOI writing.
- Develop and manage the annual budget; present it to the Board and oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensuring cost containment and fiscal sustainability.
- Prepare regular financial reports for the Board and ensure compliance with applicable laws and NAMI National standards.
Program Management & Oversight
- Supervise the Operations Coordinator to ensure classes, support groups, and program activities meet NAMI Signature Program protocols.
- Oversee program design, quality, and evaluation, including tracking and reporting outcomes and key performance indicators.
- Oversee planning and execution of organizational events, including educational programs, the Annual Meeting, and fundraising events.
Advocacy, Community Relations & Communications
- Serve as chief spokesperson and relationship-builder for NAMI Greater Indianapolis with government officials, community leaders, media, and the public.
- Develop and implement a communications strategy (newsletters, social media, website, annual report) that promotes the mission to a broad, diverse audience.
- Represent the affiliate in state and local advocacy efforts, coalitions, and legislative activities affecting mental health policy.
- Coordinate with NAMI Indiana and NAMI National on policy, programmatic, and organizational matters.
Office & Risk Management
- Maintain accurate legal, financial, personnel, and program records.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and NAMI National’s Standards of Excellence.
- Oversee office operations, equipment, and workspace needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 3–5 years of progressively responsible nonprofit leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program oversight, and board engagement.
- Proven track record in fundraising and resource development, including grants, donor cultivation, and special events.
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, fiscal oversight, and reporting.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, public speaking, and media relations skills.
- Experience supervising staff and volunteers; commitment to fostering an inclusive, values-driven workplace culture.
- Knowledge of (or strong willingness to learn) mental health systems, policy, and best practices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media, and donor/database management systems.
- Reliable transportation for local and regional travel to meetings and events.
- Personal or family lived experience with mental illness welcomed and encouraged.
- Successful completion of a background check (required due to work with vulnerable populations; criminal history does not automatically preclude employment and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary: $70,000 commensurate with experience
- Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Flexible/hybrid work schedule
- Professional development, including NAMI National conference attendance
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Primarily a professional office setting; some local and regional travel required for meetings and community events.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer; occasional lifting of event and program materials.
Equal Opportunity Employer
NAMI Greater Indianapolis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. Candidates with personal or family lived experience with mental illness, and candidates from diverse backgrounds, are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to Brian Laskey, Board Governance Chair at [email protected] by Friday August 28, 2026.
Pay: $70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Indianapolis, IN 46240
