Executive Director

North Side Learning Center; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

North Side Learning Center in Syracuse, NY seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic, operational, and financial leadership. You will work with the Board, staff, volunteers, and partners to advance education, outreach, and community engagement.

The role requires nonprofit leadership, program development, and strong fundraising capabilities. On-site schedule includes evening hours; this is a full-time position with a commitment to immigrant and refugee communities.

Qualifications

• Experience in organizational leadership, nonprofit management, or education.
• Strong communication, financial management, grant acquisition and management.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, and New American communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and oversee daily operations and governance.
• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and fundraising strategy.
• Lead educational, literacy, youth enrichment, and workforce programs.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, schools, government agencies.
• Report to Board and ensure governance and accountability.

Skills

Organizational leadership

Nonprofit management

Education

Community development

Fundraising

Grant writing

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Advanced degree(s) in relevant fields

Job description

Company Description

The North Side Learning Center (NSLC) is a community-based nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Syracuse's immigrant, refugee, and New American communities through education, opportunity, and connection. Through programs in adult and family literacy, youth enrichment, academic support, workforce development, and community engagement, NSLC supports learners and families of all ages in building skills, strengthening relationships, and pursuing their goals.

Role Description

The Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and financial leadership for NSLC, working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, community partners, and the families and learners the Center serves. The successful candidate will combine a commitment to community-centered education and engagement with demonstrated experience in organizational management, collaborative leadership, resource development, and community partnerships.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Organizational Development: Provide strategic direction; support a welcoming, inclusive organizational culture; oversee daily operations, staffing, facilities, and administration; and work with the Board to advance organizational planning and governance.
• Financial Management and Resource Development: Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and organizational sustainability; develop and implement a diversified fundraising strategy; cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, businesses, and public agencies; and oversee grant development and compliance.
• Program Leadership and Innovation: Oversee and strengthen educational, literacy, youth enrichment, workforce development, and community programs; assess program effectiveness and community needs; and identify opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
• Community Engagement and Partnerships: Build and sustain meaningful relationships with immigrant and refugee communities, educational institutions, community organizations, government agencies, employers, and other stakeholders to expand opportunities for NSLC participants.
• Board Relations and Accountability: Collaborate with the Board on organizational priorities, financial sustainability, and long-term strategy; provide regular reports on programs, operations, and finances; and support transparent, effective governance.

Qualifications

Candidates should bring demonstrated experience in organizational leadership, nonprofit management, education, community development, or related fields. Strong communication, financial management, grant acquisition and management, strategic planning, fundraising, and relationship-building skills are essential, along with cultural competence and a commitment to working collaboratively with diverse communities.

Preferred qualifications include extensive experience in managerial or organizational leadership roles (ideally 5-10 years), advanced academic degrees in relevant fields, and experience working with immigrant, refugee, and New American communities. Candidates with equivalent combinations of professional experience, community leadership, and education are strongly encouraged to apply.

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits

This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position requiring regular on-site presence, including during peak programming hours (approximately 4–8 p.m., Monday–Thursday), with flexibility for daytime administrative work, meetings, and community engagement.

The starting annual salary is $72,000–$75,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits for this position are negotiable, with details regarding health insurance and other available benefits to be decided during the hiring process.

Application deadline: Review of applications will begin immediately with a final submission deadline of November 20, 2026

Applications will be reviewed by a search committee representing NSLC's Board and community stakeholders. NSLC welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive and equitable search process.