Executive Director

Vaco Recruiter Services; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown Nonprofit in Columbus seeks an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership, reporting to the Board of Directors. The role oversees strategy, programs, fundraising, financial stewardship, staff leadership, advocacy, and external partnerships.

Responsibilities include partnering with the Board on governance and planning, leading staff and culture, managing programs and budgets, and expanding donor engagement and community partnerships to advance the organization’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, with Executive Director/CEO-level experience preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, human services, disability services, or related mission-driven organizations is strongly preferred.
• Proven governance and strategic planning experience reporting to a Board of Directors.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and development with donors, grants, sponsorships, or partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership, setting priorities and ensuring mission execution.
• Collaborate with the Board on governance, planning, and performance improvements.
• Lead staff development and accountability within a collaborative culture.
• Oversee programs to meet community needs and impact.
• Drive fundraising across donors, foundations, and events.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, healthcare groups, government partners, and stakeholders.
• Act as the organization’s spokesperson to diverse audiences.

Skills

Executive leadership

Fundraising

Board governance

Strategic planning

Communication

Partnership building

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

A well-established, nonprofit organization in Columbus is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership. Reporting to the Board of Directors, this executive will oversee organizational strategy, programs, fundraising, financial stewardship, staff leadership, advocacy, and external partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Provide overall strategic and operational leadership, establishing organizational priorities and ensuring effective execution of the mission and long-term vision.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors on governance, strategic planning, organizational performance, and key initiatives.
• Lead, develop, and hold staff accountable while fostering a collaborative, mission-focused organizational culture.
• Oversee programs and services to ensure they effectively address the needs of individuals, families, and community stakeholders.
• Lead fundraising and resource development efforts across individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, grants, sponsorships, and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, healthcare organizations, community partners, government representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Serve as a visible spokesperson and advocate for the organization, effectively communicating its mission, impact, and priorities to diverse audiences.
• Provide oversight of annual budgeting, financial reporting, cash management, internal controls, audits, and overall financial performance in partnership with internal and external accounting resources.
• Develop strategies to strengthen organizational sustainability, expand reach, and identify opportunities to enhance programs and services.
• Guide advocacy and public policy initiatives related to healthcare access, disability services, research, caregiver support, and other mission-aligned priorities.
• Monitor organizational performance and use financial, programmatic, and operational data to inform decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with applicable nonprofit regulations, policies, funding requirements, and governance standards.
• Represent the organization at community events, industry meetings, donor engagements, and other external activities.
• Maintain an active presence across the organization's service area and travel periodically to support programs, partnerships, and community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, with prior experience serving as an Executive Director, President, CEO, or comparable senior organizational leader strongly preferred.
• Previous experience within a healthcare, human services, patient advocacy, disability services, or related mission-driven organization strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience partnering with and reporting to a Board of Directors, including governance and strategic planning responsibilities.
• Proven success with fundraising and development, including experience cultivating donors, community partnerships, grants, sponsorships, or other revenue sources.
• Solid financial acumen with experience overseeing budgets, financial reporting, audits, internal controls, and organizational financial performance.
• Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on involvement in the operational needs of a smaller organization.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills with the executive presence to represent an organization with donors, community partners, healthcare stakeholders, and other external audiences.
• Mission‑oriented, collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust across employees, Board members, donors, and community stakeholders.