Executive Director - Hamilton County Leadership Academy

Job Description

Position: Executive Director of Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA)

Location: Hamilton County, IN

Reports To: HCLA Board of Directors

Hamilton County Leadership Academy Overview

The Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) is a not-for-profit organization that identifies, prepares and develops leaders in our community. Participants are brought together by their desire to be involved in Hamilton County. HCLA recruits qualified leaders throughout our community for a 10-month program that immerses participants in learning and networking to amplify each individual’s impact in the community.

More than 1,000 HCLA alumni can be found throughout our community holding elected office, serving in appointed positions, on local boards, and leading our organizations. They are the leaders who are working to create and sustain a thriving community for all of us to live, work and play. HCLA values community, learning and strategic flexibility.

Executive Director Position Summary:

As the primary representative of HCLA, the Executive Director will guide the strategic direction of the organization while building meaningful relationships with partners, donors, speakers, participants, and dedicated volunteers. This role involves sharing the mission and impact of HCLA throughout the community, requiring visionary thinking and the ability to identify opportunities and develop creative solutions that advance our organizational goals. The Executive Director will also lead fundraising and development efforts by cultivating relationships with individual donors, HCLA alumni, and community sponsors to support the organization's continued growth.

This position calls for someone who can work with energy and adaptability, making thoughtful decisions as circumstances evolve. The Executive Director should be comfortable initiating connections with Hamilton County community members, leaders, potential speakers, and prospective participants. We're looking for someone who enjoys working independently and is eager to explore new approaches beyond traditional methods.

Success in this role depends on building strong collaborative relationships. The ideal candidate will have an engaging communication style. This position requires flexible leadership skills, including the ability to inspire, educate, and guide others effectively. Strong communication with the Board of Directors and demonstrated leadership capabilities are essential. While detailed administrative tasks can be delegated to the HCLA Program Coordinator, the Executive Director should provide clear direction and follow-up to ensure quality outcomes.

Knowledge, Skills & Essential Functions of Position:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field.
• Experience in fundraising, development and philanthropic activities.
• Experience with budget and finance management.
• Volunteer and staff management experience.
• Experience in leadership development and creating meaningful curriculum.
• Experience with event planning and management.
• Experience with technology, social media and software management.
• Experience in board management and strategic planning.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Essential Functions:

• Lead HCLA in a cost-efficient manner while continually implementing best practices and innovation.
• Create and direct, in collaboration with the Curriculum Committee and Board of Directors, meaningful and current HCLA programming to ensure a high quality, impactful experience for HCLA class members. The Executive Director will on occasion need to facilitate programming and lead class discussions.
• Direct the fundraising and development efforts of HCLA: including implementation of a development plan that meets annual budget and long-term financial goals as well as cultivate and steward community partnerships in coordination with appropriate volunteer committees and the Board of Directors. Cultivate strong, lasting relationships with corporate sponsors, individual donors, community partners and alumni.
• Work with the Marketing Committee on HCLA messaging, web presence, marketing material designs, event promotions and donor software management (Bloomerang).
• Establish, with the Board of Directors, the vision for the organization, including creating and implementing strategic planning, preparing for Board of Directors meetings and ensuring the health of HCLA with proper governance.
• Maintain best practices in financial management in conjunction with HCLA Treasurer and Board of Directors. Financial management activities include curating the annual budget, supporting the financial reporting process for Board of Director meetings, supporting payroll process, monitoring income and expenses, monitoring banking and endowment accounts, etc.
• Attend and execute HCLA-sponsored events such as the class days, HCLA Home for the Holidays, Leadership Summit and various alumni engagement programs such as Backstage Pass series. Work collaboratively with the program coordinator on execution of these events.
• Attend important county-wide events to promote organization and provide community leadership.
• Hire, train and supervise HCLA staff. Perform personnel actions including performance reviews and coaching.
• Recruit class applicants, guest speakers and community partners to enrich the HCLA programming and network.

Managerial Responsibilities: The Executive Director will be responsible for supervising the HCLA Program Coordinator position and any potential future HCLA staff positions.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The environmental and physical demands described here represent the essential functions of this job. The Board will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the Executive Committee.
• Ability to work in a deadline-oriented office environment on a flexible work schedule.
• Ability to work in designated office space, in a remote location and/or home office and meet desired performance objectives.
• Ability to travel within Hamilton County and surrounding area. On a rare occasion overnight travel may be required for professional development and/or curriculum.
• Ability to push/pull, lift, move and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to sit for extended periods in a workspace location.

Position Salary and Benefits

The Executive Director is a full-time position with a usual work week of 40 hours. Annual salary will range between $60,000 - $70,000 depending on experience. Compensation will be paid twice per month. Employee will receive a performance appraisal on an annual cycle. HCLA recognizes 10 paid holidays each year and 15 days of paid time off (See handbook for more details). HCLA will offer a $400 monthly health stipend. Cell phone and mileage reimbursement are also available.

Please submit a résumé and cover letter to .

This description is intended to describe the general content of, and requirements for, the performance of this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Hamilton County Leadership Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000