What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director position at Happy Hands Education Center?
Company Description Happy Hands Education Center/Deaf Christian Academy is a full-time organization in Oklahoma that serves children from birth to grade 5 who are deaf and hard of hearing. The center expects to expand through grade 12. Guided by a mission to empower children to flourish in school and life, Happy Hands focuses on providing specialized education and support tailored to each child’s communication needs. The organization also partners closely with families, offering resources and encouragement to help build hope and long-term success.
Role Description The Executive Director is a full-time, on-site leadership role based in Broken Arrow, OK, responsible for overall organizational vision, strategy, and operations. This position oversees program development for Happy Hands and Deaf Christian Academy, ensuring that educational services align with the mission of serving children who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have communication disorders. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising senior staff, managing budgets and financial performance, supporting fundraising and donor relations, and reporting to the board of directors. The Executive Director cultivates community and faith-based partnerships, leads communications and public relations efforts, and promotes a positive, inclusive culture for children, families, staff, and volunteers. This role also ensures compliance with relevant regulations, maintains high standards of safety and care, and guides long-term planning and organizational growth.
Qualifications
- Nonprofit administration abilities, such as budgeting, financial oversight, fundraising, and board relations.
- Program development and educational leadership experience, ideally with deaf and hard of hearing services.
- Strong communication skills, including clear written and verbal/sign language communication and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders (families, staff, donors, community partners).
- Experience building community partnerships and nurturing donor, faith-based, and organizational relationships.
- Knowledge and experience with the Deaf culture and ASL
.
- Demonstrated ability to lead with integrity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in a mission-driven, Christian environment.
- Bachelor’s degree in education, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred.
- Proven ability to work on-site, manage multiple priorities, and respond effectively to the needs of children, families, and staff.