Executive Director

Job Opportunity: Executive Director with Make-A-Day in Columbus, OH

Are you a mission-driven leader passionate about making a meaningful impact in your community? Do you have experience leading nonprofit programs, fundraising efforts, and high-performing teams? If you answered yes, then we want to speak with you!

As the Executive Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to advance Make-A-Day’s mission of empowering Central Ohio neighbors facing homelessness and economic instability. You will partner closely with the Board of Directors, lead programs and community outreach, strengthen fundraising efforts, oversee financial and organizational operations, and develop relationships that expand MAD’s impact throughout the community.

Salary range: $80,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute the Board’s strategic direction and lead multi-year and annual planning, setting priorities as organizational and community needs evolve.
• Oversee MAD’s Stabilize, Restore, and Advance service model, including outreach events, Move the Box, housing and legal navigation, and food truck operations.
• Develop and manage the volunteer program, including recruitment, training, scheduling, recognition, and partner follow-up.
• Lead fundraising efforts across government and foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and special events, including grant compliance and reporting.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, funders, sponsors, public agencies, and community partners.
• Develop and manage the annual budget, cash flow, financial reporting, internal controls, and 501(c)(3) compliance.
• Hire, supervise, and develop staff while fostering a respectful, trauma-informed workplace and supporting AmeriCorps VISTA members.
• Establish performance measures and KPI dashboards, using data and community feedback to strengthen programs and report results to the Board, funders, and public.
• Represent MAD in community coalitions, policy discussions, and media engagement related to housing, homelessness, encampments, and justice involvement.
• Create meaningful leadership and service opportunities for individuals with lived experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in social services, housing, health, or a related human services field.
• 5+ years of staff supervision experience, including managing other people managers.
• Experience with budgeting, financial reporting, grant compliance, fundraising, and grant writing.
• Strong leadership, management, and communication skills with the ability to lead diverse teams and build trusted relationships.
• Knowledge of housing, health, behavioral health, and justice systems in Franklin County.
• Experience managing volunteer programs, community partnerships, data collection, and outcomes measurement.
• Comfortable working in nontraditional environments, including streets, parks, and encampments.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed.
• Graduate degree such as an MPA, MSW, or related credential is preferred.
• Knowledge of human services public policy, Medicaid, criminal justice, mental health, substance use services, overdose prevention, or trauma-informed practices is a plus.
• Lived experience or experience serving individuals facing homelessness or other marginalized communities is preferred.

Why Join Make-A-Day?

Because this is more than an executive leadership role. It’s an opportunity to help strengthen an organization making a direct impact in the lives of Central Ohio neighbors facing homelessness and economic instability. Make-A-Day’s work is centered on helping people Stabilize, Restore, and Advance through outreach, advocacy, community partnerships, and essential services. You’ll have the opportunity to lead a dedicated team, strengthen community relationships, grow programs and resources, and help shape the organization’s future impact.

Make-A-Day also offers medical, dental, and vision insurance with 50% of the employee premium covered; a 401(k) with automatic 3% enrollment; unlimited vacation; 13 paid holidays; a semi-flexible schedule; hybrid work; and training and development opportunities.

Apply online today to join a great team and help Make-A-Day continue making a meaningful difference throughout Central Ohio!