Executive director of operations

Job Title: Executive Director

Organization: Uniting Pride of Champaign County

About Us

Uniting Pride of Champaign County (UP) is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community where LGBTQ+ people are celebrated and supported. Through advocacy, education, cultural events, and direct support, UP works to advance equity and justice for all. We are seeking a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as our next Executive Director and guide the organization into its next chapter of growth and impact.

The Opportunity

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the chief executive and leader of Uniting Pride, overseeing daily operations, strategic initiatives, fundraising, staff management, program development, and community outreach, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and values. This role is ideal for an experienced nonprofit leader who is passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, equity, and justice, and who thrives in community-centered, mission-driven work.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership & Strategy:
• Develop and implement a strategic plan in collaboration with the Board to ensure alignment with Uniting Pride’s mission and anti-racist framework.
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders to amplify impact, and represent Uniting Pride publicly in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.
• Fundraising & Financial Management:
• Lead diversified fundraising efforts (corporate sponsorships, individual donations, grants, special events, and planned giving) and oversee grant management, ensuring compliance and sustaining funder relationships.
• Manage the organization’s budget with the Finance Committee, Finance & Program Manager, and Board to ensure fiscal accountability and long-term sustainability.
• Provide financial oversight to ensure operational viability and resource development.
• Program Oversight & Evaluation:
• Supervise staff, ensuring effective program and operational delivery and evaluation using data and community feedback.
• Develop and manage program budgets and oversee the development of community education and training programs, ensuring cultural competency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Operations & Administration:
• Ensure compliance with operational policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Manage daily administrative functions, identify challenges, and provide innovative solutions to maintain organizational accountability.
• Board Engagement & Governance:
• Collaborate with the Board to ensure effective governance and provide regular updates and financial summaries.
• Assist in cultivating new Board members and community leaders to strengthen the organization's leadership.
• Community Engagement & Advocacy:
• Develop outreach strategies to engage diverse populations, particularly marginalized communities.
• Represent Uniting Pride in local, state, and national advocacy efforts.
• Supervision & Staff Development:
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate staff to foster an inclusive work culture.
• Ensure that staff and volunteers receive appropriate training and have access to professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, social work, or a related field, with a minimum of 3 years of leadership experience in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations (or equivalent experience).
• Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and grant management.
• Strong financial management skills, including budget development and oversight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and a commitment to equity, inclusion, and justice.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and project management skills.
• Experience in advocacy, public policy, and community engagement is preferred.
• Proficiency with financial reporting tools and Google Suite.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong communication and writing skills.
• Ability to work well with diverse or marginalized populations.
• Demonstrated experience managing and leading organizational budgets of at least $100,000, with a strong understanding of nonprofit financial principles, including budgeting, strategic forecasting, and fiscal oversight.
• Proficiency with financial management tools such as QuickBooks software, with the ability to interpret financial reports and ensure compliance with nonprofit accounting standards.
• Ability to interpret financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow), generate financial reports for the board, and use financial data for strategic planning.
• Familiarity with annual audit processes, working with auditors, and ensuring financial practices meet regulatory and nonprofit standards.
• Experience developing multi-year financial plans, aligning resources with strategic goals, and guiding the organization’s long-term financial health.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range: $65,000 - $70,000
• Benefits: Currently, Uniting Pride contributes $ 2,000 per year to a federally sanctioned health reimbursement account (HRA).

How to Apply: Please submit your resume, cover letter, and contact information for three references to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date on October 20th.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person