Executive Director

The Ohio State Parks Foundation; Kentucky; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State Parks Foundation is looking for an Executive Director to oversee fundraising and operations supporting Ohio's State Parks. This full-time role requires collaboration with a board and various stakeholders to enhance visitor experience and achieve strategic goals. Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree and strong leadership skills.

Key responsibilities include managing the budget, leading fundraising initiatives, and developing marketing strategies.

Travel throughout the state is expected for meetings and events.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership or fundraising.
• Experience working with boards and stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of Ohio’s State Parks and outdoor resources.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic plan and operational goals.
• Ensure financial sustainability through fundraising efforts.
• Oversee annual budget preparation and management.
• Build relationships with donors to increase funding.
• Manage grant applications and implementation.

Skills

Self-motivated

Action-oriented

Fundraising

Strong organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented

Flexible

Volunteer management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

If you are passionate about the great outdoors and are looking for an opportunity to lead and grow an organization that can impact the entire State of Ohio, take a look at this!

Seeking an enthusiastic Executive Director for the relatively new Ohio State Parks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, to oversee all fundraising efforts, operations, and activities for the Foundation in support of Ohio’s 76 State Parks. In 2025, Ohio’s State Parks, a division of Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources, were recognized as being the best state park system in the nation. The Director will be responsible for working closely with a volunteer board from throughout the State, as well as the Director of ODNR and the Chief of State Parks and Watercraft, to enhance visitor experience at the parks by partnering with individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations to support innovative projects and to build an endowment.

In its first five years, OSPF has raised funds and given grants in excess of $2.2 million in support of projects such as accessible playgrounds, accessible kayak launches, pollinator gardens, Storybook Trails, Haiku Trails, and historical capital projects. Arts in the Parks and History in the Parks are two new areas of project focus.

Essential Job Functions

• In collaboration with the Board of Trustees and key stakeholders, develop and execute OSPF’s strategic plan, goals, and operational plans.
• Ensure OSPF has the financial wherewithal to thrive and deliver on its mission, through strategic advancement efforts including cultivation, fundraising, stewardship, fiscal discipline, and wise investments.
• Oversee the preparation and management of the annual budget.
• Serve as ex officio on all Board committees and work with Board leadership to implement Board decisions; assist in the recruitment of new board members.
• Ensure that employment policies are enforced and in compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and Foundation policies.
• Oversee the development of a marketing plan that further builds awareness of OSPF and its priority projects.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with donors and other key partners to maximize Foundation fundraising efforts for identified priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of lead donors, aggressively grow the membership program, the Cardinal Legacy program, and support the Board with the highest-level gift solicitations.
• Oversee grant activity including grant applications, monitoring of effective grant implementation through coordination with ODNR and Division of Parks and Watercraft, etc.
• Collaborate with ODNR, friends’ groups, park managers, and others to ensure effective planning and implementation of fundraising and related activities.
• Working knowledge of social media to enhance awareness of OSPF.
• Position requires travel throughout the State for meetings and activities.
• Executive Director will report to the Board of Trustees.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, and Skills

• Self-motivated
• Action-oriented
• At ease with business community
• Fundraising
• Comfort with philanthropic community leaders
• Strong organizational skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented
• Flexible
• Volunteer management

Job type: Full-time

Education: Bachelor’s degree required

Location: Ohio-based, willing to travel throughout state

Salary range: Commensurate with experience, plus potential performance award benefit