Executive Director Job Opening at Delaware Opportunities, Inc. in Hamden, NY

Delaware Opportunities Inc. Searches for New Executive Director to Lead Rural Community Action

Delaware Opportunities Inc., the federally recognized Community Action Agency serving Delaware County, New York, is seeking a new executive director to guide the organization into its next chapter. The position, based in Hamden, New York, comes as the agency looks to fill a role central to coordinating a wide array of services that range from housing and energy assistance to early childhood education and health insurance navigation.

The nonprofit, which has operated in the region for over five decades, provides a critical safety net for residents dealing with poverty and systemic barriers. The incoming leader will be tasked with overseeing the agency’s strategic, operational, and financial health, acting as the primary representative for the organization before government agencies, funders, and the local community.

The Scope of Leadership in Rural Human Services

The position is a full-time, exempt role with an annual salary range between $119,888 and $130,920. Beyond fiscal management and grant compliance, the executive director is expected to serve as a public advocate for individuals facing food insecurity, transportation hurdles, and housing instability.

According to the official job posting, the agency is prioritizing candidates who can balance the high-level demands of nonprofit governance with the ground-level reality of rural community work. The organization emphasizes that the role requires a “visible and engaged” leader capable of managing a complex portfolio of programs while maintaining strong relationships with the Board of Directors and various community stakeholders.

Organizational Requirements and Expectations

Candidates are expected to demonstrate senior-level leadership experience, ideally within the nonprofit, healthcare, or public administration sectors. While a bachelor’s degree is the baseline, the agency lists a master’s degree among its preferred qualifications. The organization is specifically looking for an individual with a track record of managing multiple funding sources, including federal and state grants, which are essential to the agency’s mission as a Community Action Agency.

The selection process is currently underway, with an application deadline set for November 30, 2026. Interested applicants are required to submit a cover letter, a current résumé, and three professional references to HR Generalist Harley Frey.

Executive Director Job Opening at Delaware Opportunities, Inc. in Hamden, NY

Addressing the Challenges of Rural Poverty

The next executive director will inherit an organization that acts as a primary resource for thousands of residents in Delaware County. By providing services such as energy assistance and victim services, Delaware Opportunities Inc. functions as a key pillar for family stability in a geographically dispersed rural area.

The organization’s mission is rooted in the Community Action Agency framework, a national movement established to help low-income families move toward self-sufficiency. For the incoming director, the challenge lies in maintaining this mission while navigating a shifting landscape of state and federal funding. The agency has stated that it is an equal opportunity employer, noting that all qualified applicants will be considered without regard to protected characteristics such as race, age, religion, or disability status.