Job Description

The Opportunity

Nearly a decade ago, parents Leah and Jimmy Wright faced an overwhelming challenge: finding resources to support their teenage son’s recovery from addiction. Through her own personal struggle with her son, Leah realized the need for support for adolescents with substance use disorder. Jimmy and Leah watched the documentary, Generation Found, and saw how their own son’s struggle might have been different if a recovery high school had been available.    

Determined to create a solution, Leah took action. In 2018, she and a small group of advocates laid the foundation for what would become North Carolina’s second recovery high school, Wake Monarch Academy (WMA), opening its doors in 2021. WMA operates under the nonprofit umbrella of Wake Monarch (WM), a 501(c)(3) organization, which was intentionally structured to support future growth beyond the school. As WM continues to evolve to further support adolescents in recovery from substance use disorder, the Board of Directors seeks a new Executive Director, who will be tasked with leading WM through a pivotal period of growth and transition.

This individual will succeed the inspired and dedicated founder of WMA and serve as the first leader of WM, overseeing both WMA and its new program—an Alternative Peer Group (APG). Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will ensure the continued success and sustainability of both programs while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and support for students, families, staff, and the broader recovery community.

As WM continues to expand its reach, the organization is seeking a visionary, skilled, and compassionate Executive Director (ED) to lead its next phase of impact. The ED will be a strategic leader and spokesperson, strengthening partnerships, securing resources, and ensuring operational excellence. This is a rare opportunity to drive meaningful change—helping adolescents build substance-free, connected, and purposeful lives.

The Organization

Wake Monarch exists to support adolescents in recovery from substance use disorder. Through WMA and the soon-to-launch Wake Monarch Alternative Peer Group (APG)—the organization provides both education and peer-based recovery support, ensuring that young people and their families receive the resources they need to heal and thrive.

WMA’s mission is “to provide a recovery-based environment for students to successfully pursue academic, personal, and professional goals.” As a recovery high school, WMA strives to offer a safe, supportive environment where students can heal and learn. Rooted in community, accountability, and acceptance, WMA delivers a rigorous academic program while prioritizing recovery first.

Wake Monarch’s APG, set to begin in the second half of 2025, will extend beyond WMA students to offer a youth-specific approach to recovery for adolescents throughout Wake County. APGs are community-based, professionally staffed programs designed to help young people develop the skills needed to maintain abstinence, build positive peer connections, and strengthen coping strategies. Recognizing that addiction affects the entire family, APGs also offer parent and family counseling, support services, and social activities to help stabilize the family system.

Wake Monarch’s APG, funded by the Wake County Opioid Funding Plan (the local component of the National Opioid Settlement), will complement the impact that WMA has had since its inception several years ago.

Indeed, since its launch in 2021, WMA has demonstrated measurable impact, including:

• Consistently high academic performance, with students maintaining above a 3.0 GPA.
• Sustained recovery, with students collectively celebrating thousands of sober days.
• Strong community engagement, including hundreds of hours annually of student-led service.
• A holistic approach, serving students, families, and the broader community.
• High retention and attendance, with an 88% daily attendance rate.

WM operates on the fundamental belief that recovery develops through connection. True healing does not come from compliance-based fear, punishment, or exclusion, but from reconnection, support, and a commitment to helping each adolescent find their own pathway to recovery. As the leader of this organization, the ED will be responsible for ensuring that every aspect of WM’s programming is guided by these core values:

• Connection over compliance: Recovery is not about fear of being "kicked out" but about reinforcing motivation and resilience in a safe, honest environment.

• Many pathways to recovery: No single approach works for everyone; the ED will help shape a program that empowers teens and families to discover what works best for them.

• A strengths-based, client-centered approach: The ED will cultivate an environment where young people are seen, heard, and supported in their recovery journey.

• Understanding that return to use can be a part of the process: A return to use is possible—even likely—but should be met with support, not punishment, provided that the young person is willing to continue working on their recovery.

• Commitment to families: Recovery is a family process. The ED will lead efforts to ensure families are engaged, supported, and connected to the right resources.

• Long-term vision for recovery: Addiction is a chronic health issue, not a problem with a quick fix. The ED will ensure that WM remains focused on helping young people build sustainable, healthy lives rather than seeking a singular "solution" to their struggles.

Looking ahead, WM is focused on expanding access, strengthening program evaluation, and securing long-term sustainability. Priorities include:

• Enhancing program impact through improved data collection and assessment.

• Launching the APG program to serve more youth and families.

• Building financial sustainability through increased donor engagement and grant funding.

• Strengthening board leadership and governance structures.

• Removing barriers and expanding access to programming for all young people in the community, regardless of their ability to pay.

WM’s next leader has the incredible professional opportunity to position the organization as a leader among the Triangle’s resources for youth and families burdened by the challenges of substance use.

Position Overview and Core Responsibilities

The ED of WM will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight, and mission-driven growth for the organization. Succeeding the founder, this leader will be responsible for guiding WM into its next phase of development, overseeing both WMA and the newly formed APG. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for ensuring the organization’s long-term success and sustainability while maintaining a client-centered approach that honors the many different paths to recovery.

The ED must be a visionary leader with the ability to drive transformational change while maintaining stability. They will be people-centered, balancing empathy with strong decision-making and a firm leadership presence. This individual will serve as the public face of WM, effectively engaging with students, families, staff, funders, and the broader recovery and education communities. They must be a confident communicator, capable of speaking on camera, addressing diverse audiences, and leading fundraising efforts.

This leader will also have a proven track record in organizational growth, financial stewardship, and team management. They must be non-punitive, empathetic, and community-focused, with an understanding of adolescent recovery. Additionally, they will actively work to increase diversity within WM’s student body, APG group, staff, and board while helping to shift public perceptions around addiction and recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Champion WM’s mission, vision, and values, fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring informed decision-making.
• Partner with the Board on strategic planning, governance, and board development.
• Lead WM through a professionalization process, strengthening organizational structure and operations.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, ethical, and regulatory requirements.

Operations & Administration

• Implement and refine policies and processes to streamline operations while maintaining a compassionate, client-centered approach.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation in alignment with long-term sustainability.
• Ensure accurate student/client records, academic oversight, and compliance with recovery-focused policies.
• Serve as the lead problem-solver, proactively identifying and implementing solutions.
• Oversee coordination with Open Table United Methodist Church regarding facility use.

People & Team Management

• Lead with confidence and empathy, inspiring staff, students, and families.
• Recruit, develop, and mentor a high-performing team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Establish clear job descriptions, performance expectations, and professional development opportunities.
• Promote a culture of open communication, respect, and shared leadership.

Fundraising & Community Engagement

• Lead fundraising and resource development efforts, securing grants, sponsorships, and major gifts.
• Act as WM’s public ambassador, engaging with media, local and national leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships with recovery organizations, educational institutions, and community allies.
• Expand WM’s visibility and credibility in the recovery and education sectors.

Program Development & Student Support

• Oversee the design and delivery of client-centered educational and recovery support programs.
• Lead the planning and implementation of WM’s Alternative Peer Group (APG).
• Develop and oversee the accreditation process for WMA to become a certified Recovery High School.
• Ensure that WM’s programming reflects best practices in adolescent recovery and mental health support.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a charismatic, mission-driven leader who is committed to transforming lives, breaking down barriers, and strengthening the future of adolescent recovery education.

The Location

The City of Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, home to several colleges and universities, as well as abundant arts, culture, and recreational opportunities. Fueled by an impressive mix of education, ingenuity, and collaboration, Raleigh and the surrounding “Research Triangle” region routinely rank among the nation’s best places to live, work, and play. Home to more than two million people, the Triangle area of Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill combined has attracted hundreds of companies to the region, helping to make it the largest research park in the United States. Perfectly positioned midway between the coast and the Appalachian Mountains, the Triangle offers residents a beautiful place to call home. And while the region continues to grow and offer a superior quality of life, the cost of living remains reasonable.

Required Attributes, Skills, and Qualifications

The WM ED must be a dynamic and mission-driven leader with the experience, vision, and dedication to guide the organization through its next phase of growth. This individual will possess a deep commitment to adolescent recovery and education, along with the strategic and operational expertise to ensure long-term sustainability.

The ideal candidate will be a proven nonprofit leader and skilled relationship builder, capable of inspiring stakeholders, managing resources effectively, and fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability. They should demonstrate entrepreneurial thinking, adaptability, and a results-oriented approach to leadership in a nonprofit setting.

Candidates should bring a strong background in nonprofit management and business administration, with experience leading mission-driven organizations. Familiarity with or experience in mental health, substance use disorder, and trauma-informed care would be advantageous. In addition to possessing excellent strategic planning, communication, and public speaking skills, the next ED must be action-oriented, innovative, and able to navigate complex challenges with confidence and creativity.

The required qualifications and preferred attributes include:

• Bachelor's degree, Master's degree in related fields such as nonprofit management, or business preferred.
• Passion for adolescent recovery and education.
• Proven leadership and relationship management experience.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative.
• Background in nonprofit management, business administration, or recovery services.
• Knowledge of adolescent substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma-informed care.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in nonprofit leadership.

Salary/Benefits

Wake Monarch is committed to attracting extraordinary leaders for this position through a compensation package that includes a competitive salary in the range of $85,000–$105,000 and a generous employee benefits package that includes paid vacation and sick time.

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume in one attachment by April 25, 2025. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Questions: wmsearch@mossandross.com