Executive Director

Carter Burden Network seeks a collaborative, experienced and innovative Executive Director to advance the organization as it tackles the increasing needs of a growing client population. Known for its unwavering commitment to its clients, the Carter Burden Network (CBN) has been a trusted resource for older New Yorkers for 54 years. Founded in 1971 by former New York City Council Member Carter Burden, the organization began as a one-person effort serving older adults within a single council district and has since expanded into a network of 11 initiatives across seven locations, supporting approximately 6,500 older adults each year. Throughout its history, CBN has responded to changing needs with creativity and heart, ensuring that older adults experience dignity and belonging. The Executive Director will build upon this legacy to advance this distinguished and trusted institution.

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, and one of the most common concerns they report is a feeling of loneliness. The Executive Director role offers the opportunity to carry forward a mission centered on dignity, engagement and purpose while expanding initiatives that reduce isolation, strengthen health and celebrate the talents of older New Yorkers. This calls for a leader with significant experience in managing a high-performing team, creating new and expanded sources of income, and a record of cultivating and building relationships with partners, supporters and the larger community.

The Executive Director’s role

The Executive Director (ED) will drive the Carter Burden Network’s future growth at a time of external policy and funding shifts. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED is the chief executive, chief fundraiser and ambassador for CBN. The ED’s vision and strategy will ensure program excellence. The ED also leads government relations; oversees finance, compliance, operations and talent acquisition; and nurtures a hospitality‑forward culture where every participant feels seen and supported. The ED will be supported by a deeply committed Board of Directors and staff who help older adults fulfill their potential. CBN’s systems, programs, and partnerships are well established, giving the next leader a strong foundation from which to innovate and grow.

The ED cultivates a trusting relationship with the NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging, or DFTA) and its leadership, as NYC Aging is the primary entity addressing and funding public policy and programming for the City’s older adults. Success in this role will enhance CBN’s partnership with NYC Aging and depends on a deep understanding of their functions. With approximately 60 percent of CBN’s budget supported by the City, the new ED will inherit long-standing, high-value relationships that require careful stewardship to ensure continuity and deepen their impact. To enhance CBN’s high-quality results, it will be vital to broaden relationships and revenue sources across governmental, philanthropic and private sector sources.

The Executive Director is expected to work on-site in CBN’s New York City office, Monday through Friday.

About the Carter Burden Network

CBN promotes the well-being of adults aged 60 and older through advocacy, arts and culture, health initiatives, and volunteer opportunities. Across its locations and outreach targets, the organization creates an environment of caring, inclusion and curiosity. CBN delivers resources that not only ensure safety and stability but also promote imagination, vitality and meaningful participation. The operating budget is approximately $12 million with a $9.7 million endowment and there are 100 staff across multiple sites.

CBN is the sole provider of elder abuse response services for all of Manhattan. Every 311 report of elder abuse in the borough is referred directly to CBN, making it Manhattan’s frontline defender of older adults’ rights, and highlighting its expertise in crisis intervention, case management and protective work. CBN also enriches cultural life through the Carter Burden Gallery, recognized in The New York Times and international press for showcasing the work of professional artists aged 60 and older. The Gallery serves as a visual extension of CBN’s mission, elevating artistic expression of older adults while illuminating challenges such as food insecurity, housing pressures, income instability, health concerns and social isolation.

Rising needs and increased costs, combined with a shrinking safety net, make CBN more essential than ever. Across this interconnected system of elder care, CBN stands out as multifaceted and responsive to older New Yorkers.

New leadership will fuel the spirit of belonging and purpose that defines CBN. Connectedness is reflected in CBN’s annual intergenerational Senior Prom, a joyful gathering that brings together older adults and local high school students for music, dancing and celebration while also deepening community engagement and philanthropic support. That sense of welcoming is echoed by clients, with one noting, “The first time I walked in the door, I felt I was at home.”

Read the full leadership profile, or visit carterburdennetwork.org or watch this video to learn more about the Carter Burden Network.

Driving revenue and amplifying visibility.
Demonstrate success in some, if not all of the following: cultivating major donors and government agencies, stewarding institutional funders, securing new revenue sources, and elevating an organization's visibility through compelling storytelling, media engagement and public speaking. Experience leading events, campaigns and strategic communications initiatives is an advantage.

Minimum 10 years’ senior leadership experience in human services or a closely related field.
The ideal candidate brings experience leading an executive team or as a board member for a mission-driven organization, overseeing complex program portfolios, guiding organizational strategy, and directing teams that deliver high-impact community services. Candidates should have a record of decision-making at the executive level and experience with navigating multifaceted operational, financial and stakeholder environments.

Extensive knowledge of, and an active network within, New York City’s nonprofit, philanthropic and public sectors and community leadership organizations.
Candidates should have established relationships with city agencies, community-based organizations, funders, elected officials and institutional partners, as well as a deep understanding of New York City’s aging-services landscape, funding systems, neighborhood dynamics, and policy environment.

Demonstrated success managing government grants and contracts, organizational budgets, and multi-disciplinary teams.
Must have experience overseeing multimillion dollar budgets, ensuring compliance with city and state requirements, maximizing public funding streams, and effectively managing professionals across programmatic, administrative and operational functions. A history of implementing strong systems, financial controls and performance metrics is essential.

A deep commitment to a welcoming and culturally responsive practice.
The ED will understand the needs of diverse older adult communities across New York City and be skilled in leading organizations that honor culture, language, identity and lived experience.

Proven ability to build and maintain strong partnerships across sectors.
Successful results working with city agencies, nonprofits, healthcare providers, philanthropic partners and community stakeholders to strengthen services and expand organizational reach is required.

Experience leading organizational change and strengthening internal systems.
The ED will be comfortable evaluating structures, optimizing workflows, and implementing improvements that enhance quality, accountability and efficiency.

Strong people-leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, coach and develop staff at all levels.
A demonstrated competence in building cohesive teams, supporting professional development, and cultivating a positive, mission-centered organizational culture is required.

Apply here.

Please include a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing how the candidate’s experience specifically relates to some of the themes in this profile as one document. 

All confidential nominations and inquiries can be submitted to CBN@brettsearch.com