Executive Director

Creative Living, Inc.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Creative Living, Inc. is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for serving adults with physical disabilities.

Reporting to the Board, you will translate priorities into measurable outcomes while stewarding mission, staff, and resources. The role requires board collaboration, fundraising leadership, regulatory compliance (HUD), and community engagement to advance housing and services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; master's preferred in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, healthcare administration, or related field.
• Senior leadership or management experience in nonprofit, healthcare, housing, human services, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, strategic planning, fundraising, and staff leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Oversee daily operations, facilities management, resident services, and staff performance.
• Recruit, develop, supervise, and retain high-performing employees.
• Ensure compliance with HUD requirements and applicable laws and policies.
• Manage risk, contracts, insurance, and organizational assets.
• Maintain engagement with residents and promote a culture of respect and collaboration.
• Maintain stewardship of assets including maintenance planning, HUD compliance, risk mitigation, and vendor management.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Financial acumen

Fundraising

Strategic thinking

Analytical skills

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for Creative Living, ensuring fulfillment of its mission to serve the housing needs of adults with physical disabilities. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is responsible for organizational performance, financial sustainability, fundraising, resident services, staff leadership, community engagement, and compliance. This role translates Board priorities into measurable outcomes while fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and service.

Key responsibilities

ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP & OPERATIONS

• Lead implementation of the strategic plan and organizational priorities.
• Oversee daily operations, facilities management, resident services, and staff performance.
• Recruit, develop, supervise, and retain high-performing employees.
• Ensure compliance with HUD requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including all aspects of employment and organizational policies.
• Manage risk, contracts, insurance, and organizational assets.
• Maintain strong engagement with residents and promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the effective stewardship of Creative Living's physical assets through oversight of maintenance planning, HUD compliance and inspection coordination, risk mitigation, capital improvements, and property-related vendors, ensuring facilities remain safe, accessible, well-maintained, and supportive of the health, safety, and well-being of residents, staff, and visitors.

BOARD RELATIONS & GOVERNANCE

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board and staff.
• Partner with the Board on strategic planning, policy development, and governance initiatives.
• Provide regular reports on organizational, financial, fundraising, and program performance.
• Support Board committees, trustee engagement, and governance best practices.

FUNDRAISING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Lead donor cultivation, stewardship, and relationship management.
• Partner with the Director of Development to establish fundraising goals and expand revenue opportunities.
• Represent Creative Living in the community and strengthen relationships with government agencies, disability advocacy groups, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and other key stakeholders.
• Promote awareness and support for Creative Living's mission.

FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP

• Develop and manage the annual budget and provide financial reports to the board.
• Ensure sound financial controls, nonprofit accounting compliance, and fiscal stewardship.
• Oversee the annual audit and implementation of recommendations.
• Manage vendor relationships and procurement of services.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, healthcare administration, or a related field.
• Senior leadership or management experience in nonprofit, healthcare, housing, human services, or other mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Experience in budgeting, financial management, strategic planning, fundraising, and staff leadership.
• Knowledge of HUD-subsidized housing and disability services preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership, oral and written communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Financial acumen and organizational management expertise.
• Fundraising and donor engagement experience.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute operationally.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft office suite.

Working Conditions

• Sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a standard office environment and to travel to different sites as needed.
• In office presence is important to the culture and well-being of the team and residents.
• Flexible schedule required, including periodic evening and weekend commitments for board meetings, fundraising events, and community activities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Creative living is an equal opportunity employer and provides employment opportunities without regard to any status protected by applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change with or without notice, as may reasonably be required by the Board.