Executive Director

A well-established, mission-driven education nonprofit based in Louisville, Kentucky is seeking an Executive Director
.

The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the chief executive officer and primary external representative of the organization, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community advocacy.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will be responsible for advancing the mission, strengthening partnerships, ensuring financial sustainability, and leading a small, high-performing staff team. The ideal candidate is a visionary yet grounded leader who combines strategic execution with relational leadership and a strong commitment to educational equity and community impact.

• Lead the organizations long-term vision and strategy with clear, measurable goals.
• Develop and implement a multi-year strategic plan focused on growth, sustainability, and program excellence.
• Guide organizational transition from founder-led leadership to a team-empowered structure.
• Monitor trends in education, policy, and funding to inform strategic decision-making.

• Oversee national teacher recruitment efforts, including digital and in-person strategies.
• Supervise candidate selection, onboarding, and ongoing support through graduate-level teacher preparation programs.
• Strengthen and manage partnerships with local school districts and higher education institutions.
• Ensure continuous improvement of summer training, mentorship, and teacher development initiatives.

• Develop and manage the annual budget and ensure strong fiscal stewardship.
• Partner with the Board to maintain transparent financial reporting and risk management.
• Lead long-term financial sustainability efforts through diversified revenue streams.
• Oversee operational systems, data management, and organizational infrastructure.

• Serve as the organizations chief fundraiser and steward of donor relationships.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant compliance, reporting, and post-award management.
• Elevate the organizations visibility through strategic communications and community engagement.

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors on strategy, governance and fiduciary oversight.
• Support board development, fundraising engagement and committee structures.
• Maintain clear, consistent communication between board and staff.

• Lead, mentor, and support a small staff team with clarity, accountability, and trust.
• Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-centered organizational culture.
• Support professional development, equity, and staff wellbeing.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, including senior or executive-level roles.
• Demonstrated success in nonprofit management, fundraising, and partnership development.
• Experience in education, workforce development, or community-based organizations.
• Strong financial and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven capacity to lead organizations through transition or growth.

• Master's degree in education, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration or a related field.
• Familiarity with Kentucky's education landscape or comparable urban districts.
• Experience with leadership succession or organizational change.

• Mission-Driven
  and deeply committed to educational impact
• Relational and Collaborative
  , building trust across stakeholders
• Strategic and Execution-Oriented
  , balancing vision with results
• Humble and Confident
  , leading with integrity and transparency
• Resilient and Adaptive
  , thriving in complexity and change

• This role offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, aligned with nonprofit best practices.
• The position is based in Louisville, Kentucky
  , with limited flexibility for remote work. Regular in-person engagement with partners and stakeholders is expected.