Chief Executive Officer

CEO / Executive Director:  Oklahoma Nurses Association (ONA) – Oklahoma City, OKFull-time or Contract

The Oklahoma Nurses Association is seeking an experienced and mission‑driven leader to serve as its next CEO/Executive Director, the organization’s top administrative and executive officer. This role oversees all strategic, operational, and fiscal functions of the Association, working in close partnership with the Board of Directors to advance ONA’s vision, advocacy priorities, and member value. Established in 1908, ONA is a 501(c)(6) professional association representing and supporting nurses across the state of Oklahoma. Interested candidates, please send a letter and resume to ona@oklahomanurses.org

Position Overview

The CEO/Executive Director provides leadership for all programs, staff, contractors, and initiatives of the Association. This individual ensures strong organizational performance, effective advocacy, sound financial management, and meaningful engagement with members, partners, and policymakers. The role requires a strategic thinker who can translate vision into action while maintaining operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

·       Lead the overall administration, management, and strategic direction of the Association.

·       Partner with the Board to develop, refine, and implement ONA’s vision, strategic plan, and policy priorities.

·       Oversee staff and contractor performance, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

·       Manage financial operations, including budgeting, reporting, and long‑term fiscal planning.

·       Direct membership recruitment, retention, and engagement strategies.

·       Build and maintain coalitions with healthcare organizations, policymakers, and community partners.

·       Represent ONA in legislative and regulatory processes, serving as a key voice for the nursing profession.

·       Ensure effective communication with members, stakeholders, and the public.

·       Maintain compliance with all legal, ethical, and governance standards for a 501(c)(6) organization.

Required Qualifications

·       Demonstrated experience in administration, with preference for association or nonprofit management.

·       Strong verbal and written communication skills.

·       Proven ability in coalition building and stakeholder engagement.

·       Experience with policy development, legislative processes, and advocacy.

·       Knowledge of membership‑based organizations, including recruitment and retention strategies.

·       Competence in fiscal management, budgeting, and organizational operations.

·       Experience in strategic planning and implementation.

Preferred Qualifications

·       Prior leadership experience in a professional association, healthcare organization, or related field.

·       Familiarity with issues affecting the nursing profession and healthcare policy in Oklahoma.

·       Experience working with a Board of Directors and volunteer leadership.

Compensation & Structure

·       Position may be structured as an employee or contracted executive, depending on candidate qualifications and organizational needs.

·       Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

About the Oklahoma Nurses Association

Founded in 1908, the Oklahoma Nurses Association is the professional association representing all nurses in Oklahoma. As a 501(c)(6) organization, ONA advocates for the profession, supports nursing practice, and advances the health of Oklahomans through leadership, education, and policy engagement.