Description

Executive Director Job Description

Role of the Executive Director:
The Executive Director partners with the Board of Directors, who hold ultimate responsibility for governance, oversight, and ensuring adequate resources. Within this partnership, the Executive Director provides organizational leadership, manages staff and operations, and ensures that board-approved strategies, policies, and priorities are effectively implemented to advance the mission.
Core Responsibilities
Board & Staff Leadership
1.      Align staff, programs, and resources with the mission, vision, and goals set by the Board of Directors.

2.      Present timely issues, analysis, and options to the Board to inform policy and strategic decision-making.

3.      Guide the Board’s recruitment and orientation of new members by providing tools, organizational insight, and staff support.

4.      Equip the Board and its committees with the information, reports, and administrative assistance needed for effective governance.

5.      Lead staff management by overseeing hiring, supervision, professional development, and evaluation in alignment with board-approved policies and applicable laws.

6.      Direct and evaluate organizational programs, providing analysis and recommendations that allow the Board to monitor quality, impact, and relevance.

7.      Facilitate strategic planning processes with meaningful participation from staff and the Board, and translate approved strategies into actionable objectives.

Financial Management
1.      Implement and maintain financial policies, procedures, and internal controls adopted by the Board to safeguard organizational assets.

2.      Oversee staff and/or external professionals (e.g., bookkeepers, accountants, auditors) to ensure accurate financial records and reporting systems.

3.      Monitor financial performance and cash flow, and provide timely, accurate reports to the Board to support oversight and decision-making.

4.      Lead the preparation of the annual operating budget in collaboration with staff or financial advisors and present it to the Board for review and approval.

5.      Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and contractual financial requirements by engaging internal and external expertise as appropriate.

6.      Support and advise the Board’s Finance Committee and Treasurer by providing data, context, and recommendations for effective fiscal stewardship.

Resource Development
1.      Drive organizational fundraising and marketing efforts in collaboration with the Board, staff, and volunteers to secure and grow resources.

2.       Lead the design and coordination of diverse fundraising strategies, engaging staff, consultants, and volunteers to ensure sustainability.

3.      Guide Board members in fulfilling their fundraising and stewardship roles by equipping them with tools, materials, and strategies.

4.      Oversee execution of fundraising campaigns, donor appeals, and sponsorship efforts, delegating tasks to staff or contractors as appropriate.

5.      Manage the grant process by identifying opportunities, preparing proposals (directly or with support), and ensuring timely compliance and reporting.

6.      Implement donor stewardship and recognition practices that strengthen relationships and reflect board-approved policies.

7.      Report regularly on development progress to the Board, ensuring accountability, transparency, and alignment with strategic goals.

8.      Cultivate community engagement by collaborating with staff, board, and partners to recruit, motivate, and retain volunteers.

Marketing & Communication
1.      Lead the creation of clear, consistent, and compelling messages that highlight the organization’s mission, vision, and impact for diverse audiences.

2.      Oversee the development of promotional and communication materials—such as cultivation pieces, invitations, brochures, annual reports, and videos—by coordinating staff, volunteers, and contractors.

3.      Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization while equipping Board members to represent Possibilities effectively in their ambassadorial roles.

4.      Elevate community awareness by capturing and sharing stories, data, and outcomes that demonstrate the organization’s impact.

5.      Strengthen relationships with stakeholders through presentations, media engagement, and ongoing communication strategies.

Compensation
Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. A competitive benefits package is included.

Requirements

Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred. Demonstrated administrative, non-profit, resource development, public relations, and marketing experience with a record of success is highly valued.

Required Skills
-          Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work within different cultures

-          Excellent oral and written communication with a wide range of individuals and constituencies

-          Community engagement and outreach abilities

-          Skilled at organizing resources and establishing priorities

-          Evaluative judgment and decision-making capabilities

-          Effective record maintenance

-          Group facilitation and impact measurement experience

-          Conflict resolution proficiency

-          Computer literacy, including word processing, databases, website management, and social media

-          Knowledge of the Oklahoma City community preferred

Characteristics
-          Deep commitment to Possibilities’ mission and values

-          Dynamic, persuasive, and resilient

-          Creative, with the ability to manage multiple projects

-          Optimistic, positive, flexible, and adaptable

-          Confident public speaker

-          Self-motivated and directed

Ethics
Promote the mission, values, and goals of Possibilities with a relationship-based focus. Maintain high ethical standards and personal integrity in all interactions, as expected of all employees and volunteers.

Other Requirements & Working Conditions
-          Use of a legally registered and insured car required for daily use

-          Daily use of computer/monitor, telephone, and copier

-          Ability to lift/carry up to 25 lbs.; medium work involving sitting, standing, walking, and driving

-          Frequent meetings outside the building

-          Willingness to work evenings and weekends when required

-          Team environment with frequent group meeting participation for up to three hours at a time

-          Reports directly to the Board of Directors