[Hiring] Executive Director @Ohio Children's Alliance

Role Description

Ohio Children's Alliance is the fiscal sponsor for the Ohio Afterschool Network (OAN). OAN connects, strengthens, and champions Ohio's out-of-school time (OST) community to expand access to high-quality opportunities so all of Ohio's young people can thrive.

OAN serves as a statewide voice, connector, and capacity-builder for afterschool and summer learning. Our work focuses on four priorities:

• Champion and advocate for Ohio's OST field by building awareness, influencing policy, and advancing sustainable public and private investment in afterschool and summer learning.
• Strengthen program quality and capacity by supporting a skilled workforce, professional development, quality standards, effective practices, and meaningful use of data.
• Connect and align Ohio's OST ecosystem, bringing together providers, schools, state agencies, employers, community organizations, funders, and other partners around shared goals for young people.
• Expand equitable access to high-quality OST opportunities that respond to the needs and interests of young people and families and support learning, well-being, career exploration, and future success.

OAN is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead the Network through its next stage of growth and development. This is a .75 FTE position, with the potential to become full-time as resources allow.

The Executive Director will provide leadership for OAN's strategy, advocacy, partnerships, resource development, communications, and operations.

The Executive Director will be both a statewide leader for the OST field and a network builder, cultivating relationships across sectors and ensuring that the perspectives and needs of OST providers, young people, families, and communities inform OAN's priorities.

Qualifications

• A commitment to advancing equity.
• Significant leadership experience (10+ years preferred) in out-of-school time, youth development, education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the OST field and the important role afterschool and summer programs provide in supporting young people, families, schools, and communities.
• Experience with public policy, advocacy, government relations, and coalition building.
• Demonstrated success cultivating partnerships across nonprofit, government, education, philanthropy, and business sectors.
• Experience securing and managing public and/or private funding.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, grant management, and organizational sustainability.
• Experience working effectively with boards, advisory groups, coalitions, or other shared leadership structures.
• Demonstrated ability to move successfully between big-picture strategy and hands-on implementation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a part-time leadership role.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; advanced degree welcomed but not required.

Requirements

• Provide strategic leadership to advance OAN's priorities while strengthening its governance, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.
• Serve as a leading advocate for Ohio's out-of-school time (OST) community by advancing policy priorities, strengthening relationships with decision-makers, and increasing public awareness of OST's impact.
• Lead resource development efforts by securing and diversifying funding through grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other revenue-generating opportunities.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships across education, workforce, youth-serving, philanthropic, and government sectors to advance statewide OST priorities.
• Advance program quality and workforce excellence by supporting the implementation of quality standards, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Develop and oversee a coordinated communications strategy that enhances OAN's visibility, value, and engagement with members, policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders.
• Provide operational and fiscal leadership by developing annual priorities, work plans, budgets, and performance-tracking systems aligned with OAN's strategic objectives.

Benefits

• Impactful Work: Be part of making a real difference in the lives of children and families across Ohio.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Supportive Team: Work with a passionate and dedicated team committed to excellence.
• Flexible Environment: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with flexibility.
• Diversity: The Ohio Children's Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and passion for the role. A background check will be run prior to hire.