Executive Director

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer and public face of the organization. The ED provides visionary leadership and strategic direction while maintaining operational excellence across all organizational functions. This role requires a dynamic leader with deep expertise in juvenile justice, exceptional relationship-building skills, and proven experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and program development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Management

• Program Excellence: Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence through rigorous program evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement initiatives,
• Financial Stewardship: Provide comprehensive financial oversight and administration, including budget development, expense management, and fiscal accountability,
• Team Leadership: Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performance senior management team while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and professional growth,
• Develop Opportunities for Growth: Identify opportunities to expand SFY programming to new audiences and organizations,
• Operational Excellence: Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure efficient delivery of services and achievement of organizational goals.

External Relations & Thought Leadership

• Representation: Represent the organization at conferences, professional associations, and public forums as a respected voice,
• Thought Leadership: Develop and articulate innovative approaches to emerging practice areas, contributing to policy discussions and best practices in the field
• Strategic Partnerships: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, partners, government officials, and community stakeholders
• Public Engagement: Serve as primary spokesperson for media relations, legislative advocacy, and community outreach efforts

Board Relations & Governance

• Board Development: Cultivate and support a strong, engaged Board of Directors while serving as ex-officio member of all board committees
• Strategic Alignment: Collaborate with the board to establish strategic direction for local operations and national expansion opportunities
• Board Engagement: Actively engage board members in fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning initiatives
• Governance Support: Ensure proper governance practices and transparent communication with board leadership

Revenue Development & Financial Management

• Fundraising Leadership: Lead comprehensive fundraising strategy including individual donor cultivation, foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and special events
• Revenue Diversification: Expand and diversify revenue streams to support current operations and strategic growth initiatives
• Financial Reporting: Oversee annual audit processes and provide quarterly financial updates to the board
• Budget Management: Develop and manage annual operating budgets in collaboration with the Board Treasurer

Communications & Marketing

• Strategic Communications: Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategy encompassing digital presence, media relations, and stakeholder engagement
• Content Development: Oversee creation of reports, publications, and thought leadership content that positions the organization as an industry leader
• Media Relations: Collaborate with media outlets, draft op-eds, and support story development that advances the organization's mission
• Brand Management: Ensure consistent messaging and brand representation across all communications channels

Strategic Planning & Business Development

• Strategic Planning: Lead strategic business planning processes for existing programs and expansion into new markets
• Market Expansion: Identify and pursue growth opportunities in new geographic markets and service areas
• Partnership Development: Establish relationships with funders, political leaders, and community stakeholders to support organizational growth
• Innovation: Continuously explore new partnerships and innovative approaches to advancing juvenile justice reform

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Education: Juris Doctor (JD) degree required; additional graduate degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field preferred
• Juvenile Justice Knowledge: Deep understanding of juvenile justice systems, policy, and evidence-based practices
• Policy Experience: Experience in policy development, advocacy, or government relations
• Board Governance: Previous experience working with nonprofit boards and governance best practices
• Research & Evaluation: Experience with program evaluation, research methodologies, and evidence-based practice
• PREFERRED: Executive Leadership: Minimum 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience, including 3-5 years in an executive director or executive role
• Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrated success in comprehensive fundraising including major gifts, foundation grants, and campaign management with a track record of raising and maintaining $1M+ annually.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive organizational growth and impact
• Financial Acumen: Strong financial management skills including budget development, fiscal oversight, and revenue diversification
• Communication Excellence: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience in public speaking and media relations
• Relationship Building: Outstanding interpersonal skills with ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Change Management: Experience leading organizational transformation and managing complex initiatives
• Cultural Competency: Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion with experience working in multicultural environments

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $95,000 - $135,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

Benefits Package: Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, professional development opportunities, and flexible work arrangements.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Email apply@strategiesforyouth.org with any questions.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organization.