Executive Director

Go Ottawa; Kentucky; On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Go Ottawa, Inc. is seeking an executive director to coordinate and oversee the implementation of the Go Ottawa community plan adopted on 3-13-2023.

The role involves working with residents, officials, property owners, and volunteers to drive vibrancy in downtown Ottawa and beyond. The director will lead the Main Street program, build partnerships, manage fundraising, and ensure compliance with Heritage Ohio and Main Street America.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in marketing/public relations, economic development and/or related fields.
• Previous non-profit experience desirable.
• Public speaking and marketing knowledge or willingness to learn.
• Design knowledge or background or willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Manage all administrative aspects of the organization, including purchasing, record keeping, budget development and reporting.
• Coordinate the activity of Main Street program committees and assist volunteers with work plans.
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors on activities and outcomes.
• Represent the organization at community activities and build partnerships.
• Provide meeting agendas and assist with financial planning, fundraising and grant writing.
• Support the Village of Ottawa with grant pursuits.
• Ensure compliant bookkeeping and nonprofit taxation adherence.
• Maintain Heritage Ohio and Main Street America membership requirements.
• Oversee social media, website, and digital marketing for program awareness.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Fundraising

Marketing

Event planning

Grant writing

Public speaking

Communication

Social media

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

HIRING ENTITY

Go Ottawa, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to creating vibrancy in downtown Ottawa and beyond through implementation of Ottawa’s strategic plan.

POSITION SUMMARY

Go Ottawa seeks a self-motivated and enterprising executive director to coordinate and oversee implementation of the Go Ottawa community plan adopted 3-13-2023.

The director will be expected to work with diverse groups of stakeholders including, but not limited to, residents, elected officials and administration, property owners, local and state organizations, community groups, committees, and volunteers to carry out the Go Ottawa mission of creating vibrancy in downtown Ottawa and beyond.

Go Ottawa is a 501c3 nonprofit and an Aspiring Community of Heritage Ohio, the statewide coordinating program for Main Street America. As an affiliate of this organization, the executive director will be required to ensure that Go Ottawa meets the educational, professional development and other requirements necessary to maintain its membership.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage all administrative aspects of the organization, including purchasing, record keeping, budget development, accounting, preparing all reports, and maintaining data systems to track the progress of the program.
• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing the objectives and carrying out the strategies to meet the goals of the Go Ottawa plan. Guide the organization in a direction to pursue its mission.
• Develop and improve operations and create new opportunities to further the mission of Go Ottawa.
• Coordinate the activity of the Main Street program committees, ensuring that communication among committees is well established; assist committee volunteers with implementation of work plan items.
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors to identify, assess and inform on internal and external work and activities that impact the organization.
• As a spokesperson for Go Ottawa, represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s profile, including creating and enhancing partnerships with residents, community leaders, business owners and other entities.
• Provide meeting agenda and supporting materials to the board and assist with financial planning and management, including fundraising development and grant writing to maintain and increase funds of the organization.
• Support the Village of Ottawa with grant pursuits
• Ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed and ensure the organization complies with legislation and taxation covering nonprofits.
• Understand and maintain membership requirements so that Go Ottawa remains a member in good standing with the requirements of Heritage Ohio and Main Street America.
• Manage social media, website and other digital marketing materials to foster an understanding of the Main Street program’s goals and objectives.
• Other duties as needed or assigned by the Board of Directors

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Preferred candidate will be able to clearly communicate and rally people around the vision of the Go Ottawa plan. Team player who can work independently. Happy to coordinate efforts by many partners. Organized and enthusiastic. Public speaking and marketing knowledge or willingness to learn. Design knowledge or background or willingness to learn.

3-5 years of experience in the fields of marketing/ public relations, economic development and/or related fields

Previous non-profit experience desirable

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITY

• Leadership and management skills related to managing a nonprofit organization including general office operations, technology and computer functions, fundraising, marketing, event planning, and grant writing.
• An appreciation for and understanding of historic preservation, revitalization, and community involvement.
• Understanding of how to evaluate community needs and interests.
• Managing and sustaining different revenue streams including program fees, donations and grants.
• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills and ability to develop relationships with stakeholders committed to the redevelopment of Ottawa.
• Knowledge/experience, or willingness to learn, content creation for social media platforms and traditional media.
• Organizational and decision-making skills and capability of functioning in an independent environment.

HOURS OF WORK/STATUS

32-hour work week with flexibility, salaried, exempt from overtime provisions. Must be able to work some evening and weekend hours to accommodate activities such as fundraising events and community engagement opportunities. Occasional travel, sometimes overnight, may be required. Hybrid.

COMPENSATION

$40,000 – $45,000 annually

MUST HAVE ABILITY TO

• Maintain a valid driver's license, have access to a personal vehicle and carry appropriate auto insurance.
• Pass a background check.