GRADSA Director

The Little Light House Central Kentucky, Inc.; Owensboro (KY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

GRADSA, Green River Area Down Syndrome Association, based in Owensboro, Kentucky, seeks a Director to lead day-to-day operations, strengthen programs, and engage families across the region. The role balances fundraising, community outreach, and organizational management in a hands-on leadership capacity.

The Director collaborates with the Board, grows financial support, builds partnerships, and expands GRADSA's reach while fostering inclusion and meaningful opportunities for individuals with

Qualifications

• Strong communicator and relationship-builder.
• Organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Comfortable engaging families, volunteers, donors and community leaders.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, social services, education, healthcare, business, or a related field.
• Passionate about inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, but relevant leadership experience will be strongly considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead GRADSA's day-to-day operations and organizational activities.
• Build meaningful relationships with individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
• Participate in and support GRADSA programs, activities, and special events.
• Develop relationships with donors, sponsors, businesses, foundations, and community partners.
• Lead and support fundraising, sponsorship, grant, and donor-development efforts.
• Expand community awareness and outreach throughout GRADSA's service region.
• Work closely with the Board to support strong financial management and organizational planning.
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteers and community partners.
• Help identify new opportunities for programs, partnerships, funding, and growth.
• Represent GRADSA as a positive and visible community leader.

Skills

Strong communicator

Relationship-builder

Organized

Independent worker

Engages diverse stakeholders

Nonprofit leadership experience

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

GRADSA IS HIRING!

Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA)

Owensboro, Kentucky

GRADSA, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, serves individuals with Down syndrome and their families throughout the Green River region of Western Kentucky. Our mission is to empower families enriched by the Down syndrome connection to share resources, build lasting friendships, and advocate together for a brighter future.

Position Title

GRADSA Director

GRADSA is seeking a Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth, connection, and service.

About the Position

The GRADSA Director provides the day-to-day leadership of the organization and works in partnership with the Board of Directors to strengthen programs, engage families, build community relationships, grow financial support, and expand GRADSA's reach throughout the region.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can balance people, programs, fundraising, and organizational management—and who genuinely enjoys being part of the community we serve.

What You'll Do

• Lead GRADSA's day-to-day operations and organizational activities.
• Build meaningful relationships with individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
• Participate in and support GRADSA programs, activities, and special events.
• Develop relationships with donors, sponsors, businesses, foundations, and community partners.
• Lead and support fundraising, sponsorship, grant, and donor-development efforts.
• Expand community awareness and outreach throughout GRADSA's service region.
• Work closely with the Board to support strong financial management and organizational planning.
• Recruit, engage, and support volunteers and community partners.
• Help identify new opportunities for programs, partnerships, funding, and growth.
• Represent GRADSA as a positive and visible community leader.

Who We're Looking For

• A strong communicator and relationship-builder.
• Organized, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Comfortable engaging families, volunteers, donors, businesses, and community leaders.
• Experienced in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, community engagement, social services, education, healthcare, business, or a related field.
• Passionate about inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome.
• Ready to bring ideas, energy, and leadership to a growing organization.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred, but relevant professional and leadership experience will be strongly considered.

Compensation

Salary, exempt position, $60,000 range, based on experience and qualifications.

GRADSA also supports professional development and opportunities to connect with regional and national Down syndrome and nonprofit leadership networks.

Help Us Build What's Next

This is more than an administrative position. It is an opportunity to help strengthen an organization, connect families, build community partnerships, and create more opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome throughout Western Kentucky.

If you are looking for meaningful work where relationships matter and your leadership can make a visible difference, we'd love to hear from you.

GRADSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The position requires reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, successful completion of a background check, and flexibility to participate in occasional evening and weekend programs and events.