Executive Director

Cynthia Ingham, RN, BSN

Cynthia Ingham is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the Walter Reed Army Institute of Nursing.  She has an extensive background delivering care and managing statewide programs in community and public health in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont.  Just a few of the programs she has worked in include maternal-child health, children with special health care needs, metabolic clinics, refugee health, care of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and infectious disease management.  She became the Executive Director of NERGG in February, 2019 after retiring as the long-time Vermont Newborn Screening Program Chief.  She has been on the NERGG Board of Directors since 1999, during which time she served as the co-chair of the Public Health Genetics Education Committee.   For more information about NERGG, Contact Cynthia.

 

NERGG Executive Director Job Description

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief administrative leader of NERGG, Inc. (the New Regional Genetics Group), a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that promotes awareness, understanding, and access to genetic services throughout New England. The ED is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, programs, and strategic planning.  The ED ensures alignment with NERGG’s mission and vision while driving sustainable growth through fundraising, community engagement, and effective leadership. The ED reports directly to the Executive Officers and Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and execute comprehensive strategic plans aligned with the organization’s mission and goals. 
  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set organizational direction and priorities.

Operational Management:

  • Oversee day-to-day operations including program delivery, budget development and monitoring, and compliance with all regulations and reporting requirements related to non-profit corporations. 
  • Manage and allocate resources efficiently to maximize organizational impact. 
  • Work with accountant to ensure compliance with budget reporting requirements and tax filing.
  • Manage payroll and tax reporting.
  • Guide committee activities and record-keeping, in collaboration with committee chairpersons.

Fundraising and Development:

  • Work with Board of Directors on fundraising efforts, including identifying potential sponsors and donors, cultivating relationships, and managing grant proposals. 
  • Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to achieve revenue goals. 
  • Manage sponsorships, donor relations, and stewardship activities. 

Community Engagement:

  • Represent the organization at relevant community, educational, and professional events, building strong collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders. 
  • Increase public awareness of the organization’s mission and programs through marketing, communications, and participation in virtual and in-person events. 

Board Relations:

  • Regularly communicate with the Board of Directors on organizational performance, financial health, and strategic initiatives. 
  • Ensure effective board governance, through the scheduling of regular Executive Committee and Board of Directors meetings.  
  • Prepare and present  comprehensive reports to the Board  of Directors.
  • Oversee recruitment, recognition, and retention of Board of Directors officers and members.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field such as genetics, nursing, or public health. 
  • Proven leadership experience in a clinical field or non-profit organization. 
  • Experience in program management, business administration, or a related field.
  • Strong financial management skills including budget development, record keeping, and stewardship and oversight of funds. 
  • Experience in planning and presenting educational programs for consumers and professionals.
  • Flexible, with proven ability to multitask and prioritize activities as needed.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills. 
  • Passion for the organization’s mission and a commitment to supporting families with genetic conditions, as well as supporting and educating the professionals and students who serve them.

Special Skills: It is desirable that the ED have or develop working knowledge of systems, such as:

  • Microsoft 365 and related software programs
  • Quickbooks Online
  • Website management
  • Social Media platforms
  • Event Management platforms
  • Online and virtual meeting management
  • Professional Continuing Education program guidelines

Working Requirements:

  • Time commitment: Approximately 20 hours per week, which varies depending on the time of year and escalation of Annual Educational Conference planning activities. Most activities will be conducted during normal daytime working hours (Eastern Time), although there may be occasional evening meetings or webinars.
  • Travel: Travel will be occasional and minimal, requiring access to a vehicle. Costs will be reimbursed.
  • Hourly wage: Established by the BOD, with annual review and adjustment as indicated by performance.
  • Benefits: Health insurance and other benefits are not provided.

02/28/25