From Our Founder and Executive Director
April 20, 2026
Fifteen years ago, I spent the afternoon with an autistic boy and a rescue dog. On that Summer Saturday, I had no idea that experience would change the trajectory of my life. That was the day the seed for Arms Around ASD was planted.
At the time, I was volunteering with Animal Compassion Network. Josie the Beagle was going to her forever home in two days but couldn’t tolerate the kennel, so I offered to take her for the weekend. That same weekend, I agreed to watch a friend’s son for a few hours. Josie was fascinated with the boy but wary as the boy was tossing pillows in the air – his way of stimming. She kept inching closer to him until he stopped stimming. As soon as he did, she jumped up next to him, curled up into a cinnamon bun (as dogs do) and tucked in close. They sat that way for a little bit until the boy went back to stimming and Josie took her leave.
That interaction stayed in the recesses of my brain for about a year. When the memory floated to the surface, I started doing research about autism. What started out as looking into animals and autism led me down the autism rabbit hole. Slowly, ideas began to form. What if families had access not only to therapy dogs but massage as well? Social skills groups? Community?
Supportive counseling? Other support services? I knew people; good people who wanted to make a difference in the world. Surely, they would get on board. They did and, as the saying goes, the rest is history.
Why am I telling you this story? Because, like Josie, it’s time for me to take my leave. I am retiring from my position as executive director in December. I told you how the story began, but by no means is this where the story ends.
Arms Around ASD’s impact on Asheville and the surrounding areas has surpassed my wildest dreams. What started out as a test of what the autism community needed has turned into a movement of love, support and acceptance for all neurodiversity. That’s not the result of one person. That takes a slew of people dedicated to ensuring that the needs of ALL are met. And that,
my friends, is the reason AAASD will continue to grow and serve long after that original seedling has sprouted, matured and withered on the vine.
We are currently moving through the hiring process and taking the time to be deliberate about who we interview. The position of executive director is demanding and all-encompassing and we want to make sure the next ED has the passion and grit for it. Rest assured that we are doing everything in our power to ensure a smooth transition. I look forward to my new role as a
volunteer in various capacities starting in January 2027. I will stay connected and involved and still get to see our vibrant community members regularly.
Thank you all for your support over the past 15 years and in the coming months. You are the reason why my job isn’t just a job. It’s everything.
I love you all.
Michele
Job Description: Executive Director
Position Title: Executive Director
Reports To: Board of Directors
Location: Asheville, NC
Status: Full-time
Starting Annual Salary: $48,000
About the Organization
Arms Around ASD is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the autism community through nurturing self-care, community inclusion, and practical skill-building—particularly executive functioning skills that help autistic individuals thrive in daily life. Services include self-care therapies, mindfulness and social groups, life skills and executive functioning coaching, and community events. The organization also operates the Big Hug Boutique, a consignment and curated retail space that draws visitors, serves as a social enterprise, and provides work-experience opportunities for the community.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its mission. As the chief executive, the ED will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, service recipients, community partners, and the broader autism community to strengthen programs, expand resources, and enhance organizational impact.
This role demands a passionate advocate for neurodiversity with strong nonprofit leadership experience, fundraising and community engagement capabilities, and a commitment to inclusive practices.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
l Lead strategic planning and implementation to advance the mission and long-term sustainability.
l Serve as the public face of the organization, promoting its values, services, and impact.
Work closely with the Board to refine goals, track progress, and develop new initiatives.
Program Oversight
l Oversee the delivery and growth of current programs including executive functioning coaching, self-care therapies, social and skill-building groups and community events.
Ensure programs are aligned with best practices, community needs, and organizational goals.
Support volunteer recruitment, training, and engagement since most service providers are volunteers.
Financial Management & Fundraising
Lead fundraising efforts including grant writing, individual donor cultivation, sponsorships, events, and partnerships.
l Contribute to budgeting, financial reporting, and responsible stewardship of resources.
l Work with the Board and finance committees to ensure fiscal sustainability.
Retail & Social Enterprise (Big Hug Boutique)
l Provide oversight for the Big Hug Boutique as a community-engagement and revenue stream.
l Collaborate on merchandising, volunteer staffing, donor engagement through the boutique, and integration of boutique work-experience opportunities for program participants.
Community Engagement
l Build strong community partnerships with local service providers, schools, healthcare professionals, businesses, funders, and advocacy groups.
l Represent the organization to stakeholders, media, and at public events.
l Ensure the community’s voice guides program design and organizational priorities.
Operations and Administration
I Oversee organizational operations including human resources (payroll/contractors), facilities, compliance, policies, and legal requirements.
I Foster a positive organizational culture that reflects inclusion, equity, and respect.
Qualifications
Required:
l Passion for and understanding of autism, other neurodiversities and related support needs.
l Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably in a nonprofit or community-based organization.
I Proven fundraising and donor relations experience.
l Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
l Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
I Understanding of Asheville area community resources and network.
Preferred:
l Experience with social enterprise or retail operations in a nonprofit setting.
l Experience with volunteer management and community programs focused on life skills or executive functioning coaching.
4 year college degree
Lived experience in the neurodiverse community
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
I Primarily office/coworking space environment with frequent community engagement and events
Some evenings and weekends may be required for program support or fundraising activities.
Application Instructions
To apply, submit a resume, cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience, and references to jason.armsaroundasd@gmail.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.