Adults Working and Advocating for Kids’ Empowerment (AWAKE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is a children’s advocacy center (CAC), accredited by National Children’s Alliance (NCA). We operate as a cornerstone of support and advocacy for child victims of abuse in Jackson and Swain Counties in North Carolina. Our Mission is to:
Coordinate and advocate for abused children of Jackson and Swain Counties.
With a main office located in the heart of Sylva, NC and a second location in Bryson City, NC, AWAKE coordinates services for victims of child abuse in a child friendly environment with caring staff. We provide a lifeline of support to nonoffending caregivers offering a safe space, resources, compassionate care, and a path toward healing.
AWAKE’s comprehensive services include:
- Forensic Interviews with certified, highly trained professions,
- Child Medical Evaluations by specially licensed and rostered medical providers through the Child Medical Collaborative,
- Victim Advocacy by certified staff providing resources,
- On-site Counseling with licensed professionals to begin the healing journey, and
- Multi-disciplinary Team of law enforcement, legal, medical and DSS professional which allows information sharing that promotes teamwork and efficiency for children brought to the CAC.
Find out more about AWAKE at www.awakecacenter.org
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sylva is a picturesque town in Jackson County, Western North Carolina. With a population of just under 3,000, Sylva offers a small-town charm that feels like a scene from a Hallmark movie—complete with historic architecture, vibrant murals, and a welcoming community spirit.
Learn more about Sylva, NC at www.discoverjacksonnc.com
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and community-focused servant leader to serve as our next Executive Director (ED). The ideal candidate is forward-thinking and has experience in financial oversight, management, strategic leadership, and fund development. This candidate will be building collaborative community relationships, donor and fund development, and awareness of the needs of victims of interpersonal violence.
CDP is a financially stable organization with a great community reputation and strong, talented team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Executive Leadership & Governance: Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and attend all meetings; lead strategic planning and fundraising; ensure organizational compliance and sound governance policies and practices and evaluate programs.
- Financial Sustainability: Oversee budgeting, grants, fundraising and donor management to ensure the financial health of the organization; apply for and report on grants and other funding; approve or manage key financial and operational agreements, including grants, contracts, and employee compensation matters.
- Partnerships & Community Engagement: Conduct outreach, build relationships with MDT partners, community leaders and donors; represent AWAKE in collaborative community boards & public events.
- Team Building: Recruit, develop and support staff and contractors (~9 staff & volunteers); ensure best practices.
Qualifications:
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree, demonstrated experience with key responsibilities, track record of fund development, some knowledge of child abuse dynamics, victim advocacy and CAC standards, ability to work occasional evening or weekend hours and proficiency with QuickBooks Online and O365. A successful post-offer background check is required.
- Preferred: Experience with leading a nonprofit, CAC/NCA standards, knowledge of the communities served and leading teams through change.
- Other: Valid NC driver’s license, reside within a reasonable driving distance to AWAKE’s service area or willingness to relocate.
Skills & Attributes:
- Strong leadership, relationship, communication, and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office 350 and QuickBooks.
- Experience with or willingness to learn local, state or federal grant management systems.
- Strong financial acumen.
- Empathy, patience, and a nonjudgmental attitude.
Salary: $80,000-$85,000/year
Benefits:
- Medical through Blue Cross/Blue Shielf
- Supplemental Dental, Vision & Life-Colonial
- IRA-3% employer contribution
- PTO
- Professional Development
- Employee Wellbeing is supported through training and therapy
Equal Opportunity Statement
AWAKE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and a local laws and regulations.
Join us if you’re ready to lead with purpose—driving impactful programs that transform lives while fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive!
Pay: $80,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Application Question(s):
- Do you have some knowledge of child abuse dynamics, victim advocacy and/or CAC standards?
Education:
Work Location: In person
