Executive Director, Elevate Northland 

Position Summary: The Executive Director of Elevate Northland is responsible for the overall staffing and supervision of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

This is an exciting opportunity to shepherd the organization into its next phase of growth.

About Elevate Northland

Elevate Northland is a Community Development Corporation that brings together groups working on business development and building community bonds. Selected as one of the Columbus Foundation’s Five Nonprofits to Watch in 2023, we have an outstanding record of building community partnerships. This is an exciting moment in our development as an organization, as we have moved from an idea to reality to a physical location and multiple active programs and space uses. Our Mission: Elevate Northland uplifts people of diverse backgrounds and creates opportunities. Our Vision: A cultural destination within a connected community.

Executive Director

The ED will carry forth the direction, strategic plan, and general activities for the organization’s Board. Our organization operates using EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to clarify and track long-term visionary goals. The relationship between the executive director and the board of community professionals and leaders is collaborative and rewarding. The executive director’s ideas and vision are valued, and board members are willing to jump in and assist where needed. The Executive Director is a member of the Executive Committee, and an Ex-Officio, Non-Voting Member of the Board of Directors. The Executive Director’s role carries forth the vision and mission of this evolving organization; this role is an opportunity to shape the next era for Elevate Northland! You will manage contractors and staff team with clarity and compassion, have strong communication skills, fundraising experience, and have the opportunity to manage high-profile events as well, including our Northland Unity Festival, which is largely implemented by volunteers.

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some programming taking place on Saturday.

Additional responsibilities at this small nonprofit in its fifth year include facility management, grant writing, financial management and reporting, donor and user group development.

Elevate Northland’s primary role is to partner with and/or host nonprofits and small businesses in its office and warehouse space. Management of the space and the user agreements governing it is essential to the position and the success of the organization.

 

Essential Position Duties

Leadership & Vision

Continuously refines the daily operation of the facility, including hospitality, cleaning & maintenance

Develop the long-term strategic planning process

Recruit and select staff according to organizational needs, building a diverse, ethical & transparent organization

Supervise & evaluate staff, facilitating the development of a culture of teamwork, high performance & accountability

Train & develop the staff team, facilitating meetings, and creating and/or modifying job descriptions as needed

Continuously coordinate research and evaluation related to non-profit best practices

 

Facility & Operations

Provides general scheduling, supervision & evaluation of organizational operations and procedures

Coordinates I.T., MOU’s, contracts & lease agreements with tenants

Conducts a regular facility inventory to ensure approved standards of sanitation, safety, maintenance & cleanliness are maintained. Respond to emergency maintenance requests as required. Oversee contractors as needed in carpentry, electrical, painting, plumbing, heating / ventilating, roofing and security. Maintain records and prepare reports for management review, including work orders, staffing reports and audits.

Develops an emergency operations plan & serves as a resource in responding to crisis or emergency situations. Review incident reports and follow-up as necessary.

Solicits bids from vendors & makes recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning contract & client services. Recommends capital improvements & participates in developing short and long-term plans to improve the physical facilities

 

Relationships & Friend/Fundraising

Serves as the public face of Elevate Northland, actively engaging with partners in the educational, corporate, civic & political sectors of the community

Serves as an ex-officio member of each standing committee of the Board of Directors & develops a list of all accounts and organization memberships

Employs a narrative budget approach to communicate data driven results to stakeholders

Prepares grant proposals to support & expand program development & manages grant reporting, compliance & related contracts

Cultivates relationships with a wide variety of individuals and organizations

Manages grant reporting, compliance, grant reimbursement, and related contracts on behalf of Elevate Northland

 

Marketing & Communication

Facilitate the development of Elevate Northland Brand recognition in the greater Columbus area

Strengthen & expand the web & social marketing presence

Developing & send a regular newsletter to stakeholders

Work with local news outlets to disseminate press releases, celebrate accomplishments, share impactful stories & garner positive momentum for upcoming events

Work with the Marketing & Communication sub-committee of the Board of Director to design & implement an effective strategy

Update a campaign tracker related to fundraising goals

Accounting

Provide the vision and accountability to manage the bookkeeping contractors. Ensure all compliance, such as audits, annual registrations, and federal filings, are completed each year. Work with the board to develop an annual budget and collaborate with the board Treasurer to report on the organization’s adherence to that budget monthly.

Perform other administrative tasks as assigned

Position Requirements

Education
Bachelor’s Degree & 5 years of progressively responsible experience OR Master’s Degree & 3 years of progressively responsible experience.
Experience
Experience managing complex budgets with multiple revenue streams, supervising staff & involvement in leadership/ professional organizations.
Qualifications
Ability to work independently, with teams, show initiative & lead
Excellent analytical skills & attention to detail
Solid verbal & written communication skills
Able to work with individuals at all levels of the organization
Skills
Able to multi-task, gracefully & effectively working with tight deadlines when necessary
Proficient use of Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace, Zoom, internet & email
Experience with grants, sponsorships & donor cultivation
Salary
Commensurate with experience
Applying
Interested candidates should send a cover letter & resume to Alice Foeller, Chair – Board of Directors at alice@elevatenorthland.org
Notice – Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
The intent of this job description is to provide an overview of the major areas of focus, specific responsibilities & qualifications necessary to perform this job. Please note that other areas of focus and/or specific responsibilities may be assigned to the Board of Directors as needed. In the event there are substantial changes in the work and/or qualifications necessary, this position description will be revised by the Board of Directors accordingly.