Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Location: Columbia, Missouri

Organization: The Center Project

Employment Type: Full-Time Exempt

Salary Range: $55,000 – $75,000 annually (commensurate with education and experience)

About The Center Project

The Center Project is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe, affirming space for LGBTQIA Mid-Missourians to learn, grow, build community, and access support and resources. Established in 2004, we strive to make a meaningful impact through innovative programs, community engagement, and collaborative partnerships. Our team is passionate about fostering positive change and creating opportunities for those we serve.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive officer of The Center Project, responsible for providing strategic leadership, managing operations, and ensuring the organization achieves its mission and goals. The ED will oversee all aspects of the organization, including program development, fundraising, financial management, staff supervision, and community relations.

Reports to: Board President (Supervisor); in addition to the full Board of Directors

Number of Staff to Supervise: 1 (Youth Coordinator); potential to grow in the future

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership Qualities
• Develop and implement the organization’s strategic plan in alignment with its mission and vision.
• Provide visionary and operational leadership to staff, volunteers, and board members.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
• Program Management
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services.
• Ensure programs meet the needs of the community and adhere to best practices.
• Financial Management
• Develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring financial sustainability.
• Oversee financial operations, including accounting, reporting, and compliance.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Fundraising & Development
• Lead fundraising initiatives and donor relations efforts.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with current and potential donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Organize fundraising events and campaigns.
• Staff Management
• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff members.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide professional development opportunities.
• Ensure a safe and productive work environment.
• Community Engagement
• Represent The Center Project in the community, building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.
• Advocate for the organization’s mission and goals at public events and forums.
• Compliance & Reporting
• Ensure the organization complies with all relevant laws, regulations, and policies.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the board of directors and stakeholders.

Work Expectations

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m; In-Person with Flexibility; Average 40 hours per week with some evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education
• Master's degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience may substitute for advanced academic credentials.
• Experience
• Minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of progressive leadership experience, including at least three (3) years in a senior management or executive-level role within a nonprofit organization or mission-driven entity.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and development strategy implementation.
• Experience overseeing organizational budgets, financial management, and compliance.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, or cross-functional teams.Experience in program oversight, implementation, and evaluation.
• Skills & Competencies
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, financial oversight, and nonprofit accounting principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with financial or donor management software.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Core Attributes
• Strong alignment with and commitment to the mission and values of The Center Project.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to serve as a visible and credible ambassador for the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education
• Terminal degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, Social Work, Public Policy, or a related field
• Experience
• Five (5) or more years of senior leadership experience within a nonprofit organization.
• Experience leading an organization through growth, expansion, or strategic transition.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and public funding.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, including strategic planning and governance support.
• Experience managing multi-program operations or community-based service organizations.
• Familiarity with LGBTQIA community-centered services and advocacy organizations.
• Skills & Competencies
• Advanced knowledge of nonprofit financial management, including audits and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with donor databases, CRM systems, and fundraising platforms.
• Strong public relations, community engagement, and partnership development skills.
• Experience developing multi-year strategic plans and measurable organizational goals.
• Personal & Leadership Qualities
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to inclusive leadership.
• Ability to build strong relationships across diverse community partners, funders, and stakeholders.Visionary leadership with the ability to balance strategic growth and operational sustainability.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $55,000 – $75,000 per annum, commensurate with education and experience.
• Benefits:
• 160 hours of paid time off (PTO).
• Additional 12 holiday observation PTO
• Renews on your work anniversary
• Health stipend of $2000 per year
• Cell Phone stipend of $75 per month
• Professional Development (PD) stipend of $2200 per year
• Can be used for conference travel, training, networking, etc.
• Gas Reimbursement at 72¢.mile
• For work-related travel (excluding home to office, office to home)
• Employer-provided laptop
• Opportunity to have flexible hours and/or a remote schedule
• At the discretion of the Board of Directors

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Center Project is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Pre-Employment Background ScreeningAll applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background check, including the Family Care Safety Registry screening, a fingerprint-based criminal history check, and a financial background screening, prior to employment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position, and contact information for three professional references to by April 30, 2026.

For more information about The Center Project, please visit

The Center Project

805 Fairview Ave

Columbia, Missouri 65201

(573) 449-1188

https://centerproject.org/

Join us in making a difference! We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and visionary Executive Director to our team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Education:

• Master's (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia, MO 65201 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbia, MO 65201: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, MO 65201

Salary : $55,000 - $75,000