Executive Director

AOMC Executive Director Job Description

Position Title: Executive Director
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Location: Marietta, Ohio (must reside locally)

Organization Overview:
Appalachian Ohio Manufacturers’ Coalition (AOMC) is a mission-driven organization focused on strengthening the manufacturing workforce in Southeast Ohio through education, training, and partnerships. Our goal is to connect industry, schools, and the community to build a pipeline of skilled, well-rounded employees while fostering economic growth in the region.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the visionary and operational leader of AOMC, responsible for setting the cultural tone, motivating staff, and ensuring the organization achieves its mission while remaining financially sustainable. The ED provides strategic leadership, oversees program and operational execution, builds and maintains strong partnerships, and works with the Board of Trustees to guide AOMC through both opportunities and challenges.

This leader is a dynamic, ethical, and transparent individual who embodies the mission, champions the team, and is committed to making a measurable impact in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Organizational Strategy

• Set and maintain the cultural tone of the organization, leading by example and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for programs, operations, and organizational planning to enhance effectiveness and impact.
• Work with the Board of Trustees to develop long-range strategies, ensure progress toward goals, and address emerging challenges.
• Attend and manage meetings, ensuring agendas are completed productively and organizational goals are advanced.
• Mentor, guide, and support staff while empowering team members to perform their roles effectively.

Program & Development Oversight

• Lead AOMC programs to ensure alignment with the mission and evolving workforce needs in manufacturing.
• Support the piloting and implementation of new programs, assessing their impact and evolving or discontinuing initiatives as necessary.
• Collaborate with educational institutions and workforce partners to create innovative, competency-based, and for-credit programs that advance economic prosperity in the region.
• Maintain knowledge of trends in manufacturing, workforce development, and community initiatives, applying insights to enhance AOMC programs.
• Research, pursue, and manage grants and funding opportunities, including braiding funding streams to sustain and grow initiatives.

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices in partnership with the Board.
• Oversee budget preparation and ensure operations remain within budget guidelines.
• Ensure adequate resources are available to carry out organizational priorities.
• Maintain robust human resources practices, including developing job descriptions, conducting regular performance evaluations, and fostering a motivating environment for diverse staff.
• Be prepared to adjust programs or resource allocation based on financial realities while maintaining organizational mission.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with community partners, industry leaders, state agencies, Chambers of Commerce, and educational institutions.
• Serve as the public face of AOMC, attending networking events, board meetings, and industry gatherings.
• Engage with K–12 schools, higher education, and youth-serving organizations to create pipelines into manufacturing careers.
• Unite partners, including competitors, to collaborate effectively toward shared goals.
• Translate industry needs to funders, educators, and staff, acting as a “translating chameleon” to connect diverse stakeholders.

Board Relations

• Keep the Board of Trustees informed of organizational progress, challenges, and opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with the Board to develop solutions for strategic issues.
• Operationalize the board’s strategic directives and policies while providing timely and transparent reporting.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• B.A., B.S., or Master’s degree in Organizational Management, Business, Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field.
• Alternatively, a minimum of 5 years’ experience in manufacturing operations, organizational leadership, or a combination of education and experience demonstrating required competencies.
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing, workforce needs, and training systems preferred.
• Proven experience in grants management, program development, financial oversight, and organizational leadership.
• Strong analytic, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and make sound decisions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across academic, business, and governmental sectors.

Personal & Leadership Attributes

The ideal candidate is not only qualified on paper but demonstrates:

• Dynamic Leadership: Leads alongside the team, mentors staff, empowers employees, and sets a positive example.
• Passion & Commitment: Dedicated to the mission of AOMC and motivated by impact.
• Integrity & Transparency: Upholds ethical standards, avoids mission creep, and communicates openly with staff and partners.
• People-Centric Approach: Builds strong relationships with a diverse staff and external partners; approachable and open-door mentality.
• Adaptability & Realism: Thinks critically before acting, can navigate gray areas ethically, and adapts to changing environments.
• Financial Literacy: Understands organizational finances, budgeting, and operational resource allocation.
• Industry Awareness: Knowledgeable about the manufacturing sector, workforce trends, and educational pathways.
• Intergenerational Leadership: Relates effectively to younger team members, supports development, and holds employees accountable without micromanaging.
• Community Engagement: Active and visible in the local community, attending events, networking, and building influence.

Work Environment

• Full-time, local to Southeast Ohio.
• Regular attendance at meetings, community events, and organizational functions required.

This role demands a special combination of vision, operational skill, and relational intelligence. The successful Executive Director will inspire, execute, and cultivate partnerships that ensure AOMC continues to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the region.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $100,000