KNA
EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

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Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will oversee all community development operations, functions and activities to meet the organization’s mission of building a Better Kenmore through cultural, recreational and business revitalization. This work includes placemaking, small business recruitment and support, and marketing and communications activities. Other key duties include fundraising, real estate development and management, and community outreach. This position oversees a small but growing staff and consulting team. The ED will implement the organization’s new strategic plan through capacity- and systems-building to advance its work, primarily in Kenmore’s historic business district, home to Akron’s Music Row. 

 

To apply, please send cover letter, resume and desired salary/salary expectations to Better Kenmore Search Committee at JRatner1@att.org. 

 

Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship, or other protected characteristic.

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Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

Leadership & Management:

• Actively engage and energize volunteers, board members, committees, local businesses, partnering organizations, and funders

• Hire, review, and retain a team of employees and consultants who work collaboratively to ensure the organization effectively achieves its goals.

• Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and evaluation, and the consistent quality of finance, administration, fundraising, communications, and systems; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve the strategic goals.

• Communicate effectively with the Board and provide in a timely and accurate manner all information necessary for the Board to function properly and to make informed decisions.

• An ability to lead the organization in a way that supports principles of racial and gender equity and is sensitive to the needs of the Kenmore community itself.

 

Organizational Performance and Viability:

• Fundraise and develop revenues necessary to support the organization’s mission.

• Maintain fiscal integrity of the organization, to include submission to the Board of a proposed annual budget and regular financial statements, which accurately reflect the financial condition of the organization.

• Research and write grants for capital, operating, and programmatic support.

 

Organization Mission and Strategy: 

• Implement programs that carry out the organization’s mission according to the goals and strategies of the recently adopted strategic plan.

• Enhance the organization’s image by being active and visible in the community and by working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.

• Utilize the recently adopted strategic plan to drive the organization forward, specifically focusing on the six strategic priorities:

  • Bring People to Kenmore Boulevard

  • Improve Perceptions of Kenmore

  • Facilitate Real Estate Development

  • Engage Community

  • Strengthen Organizational Capacity

  • Improve Governance

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Communications and Branding: 

• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson to constituents, the media and the general public.

• Oversee and provide direction related to the execution and implementation of all aspects of communications—from web presence to external relations with the goal of rebranding the organization

• Actively direct the development and implementation of community events;

 

Professional Competency Requirements

• High level strategic thinking and planning. Ability to envision the organization’s strategic future.

• People management and development, including feedback, performance management, disciplinary activities, etc. 

• Ability to build and lead diverse teams, whether internal or external, with a professional approach that embraces and manifests a culturally diverse mindset. 

• Organizational skills, including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation.

• Financial management skills, including budget preparation and analysis, decision making, and reporting. 

• Fundraising skills as demonstrated by excellent donor relations skills and understanding of the public and private funding community.

 

Education and Experience Requirements 

In addition to the Professional Competencies above, candidates for this role should possess the following:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit leadership role OR 10 years of related experience in a non-profit leadership role.   A graduate degree, particularly in the field of community development, urban planning or nonprofit administration is valued but not necessary.

• A history of successfully generating new revenue streams and improving financial results.

• Knowledge of community development resources and funding sources

• Previous experience establishing relationships with and working successfully with economically and culturally diverse stakeholders in the community.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking.

• Resilience and confidence to think creatively, shift gears quickly and identify and capitalize on opportunities that arise.

• Ability to juggle many tasks of varying scopes and scales while balancing the needs of multiple stakeholder groups.