Clinical Executive Director (Melville)

Clinical Executive Director

COPE Foundation:

Location: Long Island, NY
Full-time exempt employee; remote position, but must live in the Long Island/New York-metro area for occasional events, meetings, and presentations.

Organization Overview:

COPE Foundation is a Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting families grieving the loss of a loved one. Through community outreach, educational awareness on the impact of grief, support groups, healing workshops, and other therapeutic programs for children and families, the organization helps bereaved individuals navigate their grief journey with compassion and connection.

Position Summary:

The Clinical Executive Director (CED) will serve as the key leadership figure of the COPE Foundation, overseeing both the clinical and operational aspects of the organization. This role requires a balance of nonprofit leadership, program development, clinical expertise in grief and bereavement, fundraising skills, and community engagement. The CED will work closely with the board of directors, staff and volunteers, to ensure COPE’s mission is carried out effectively, sustainably, and with the highest quality of care for the families served.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Guide the board of directors in the development and execution of COPE’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and vision.
• Ensure the organization’s financial stability and growth by collaborating with the board on fundraising initiatives, grant writing, and donor engagement.
• Act as the primary liaison between the board, staff, volunteers, and the greater COPE community.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with grant funders, donors, community partners, mental health professionals, and referral organizations.

Clinical Oversight & Program Development:

• Oversee clinical programming, including bereavement support groups, healing workshops, and the COPE Line; identify and implement new therapeutic programs that address evolving needs of grieving families.
• Monitor clinical protocols, including intake procedures, crisis intervention guidelines, and support group facilitation best practices.
• Supervise and support COPE facilitators, providing ongoing training, evaluation, and professional development.
• Oversee emergency response for individuals in crisis, offering guidance and referrals as needed; maintain up-to-date resource and referral list of mental health professionals and services.

Community Outreach & Advocacy:

• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop/update educational materials and website, create monthly newsletters, and utilize social media and other digital platforms.
• Represent COPE at speaking engagements, legislative meetings, schools, hospitals, and bereavement-related conferences.

Operational & Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the organization’s budget in partnership with the board treasurer ensuring adequate funding through grants, corporate sponsorships, and donor contributions.
• Supervise and evaluate COPE staff; oversee management of volunteers.
• Direct the day-to-day operations of COPE, ensuring smooth execution of all programs and events.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Master’s degree in social work (LCSW required) or a related mental health field (must be licensed in NY State).
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience in a nonprofit or clinical setting.
• Expertise in bereavement, grief counseling, and mental health support; ability to work with empathy and compassion, supporting families experiencing profound loss.
• Experience supervising clinical staff and facilitators.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management and strategic planning; experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Annual Salary: $100,000-$120,000; commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package to be discussed.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest outlining their qualifications and passion for COPE’s mission to