Executive Director, OAN

Organization: The Ohio Children's Alliance

Position Type: Part-time, Remote; Staff residing within the state of Ohio will be expected to attend meetings and events as required by their position or requested by their supervisor. These meetings may be held anywhere in Ohio, typically in Columbus.

Compensation: $50,000-65,000, negotiable commensurate with experience. Generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, public service student loan forgiveness eligible workplace.

About Us:

Through its mission, the Ohio Children's Alliance fosters a brighter future for Ohio's children and families through advocacy, innovation, and collaboration with health and human services organizations.

Collaborate and advocate with great people! We are a team of talented and diverse people who are passionate about building innovative solutions to challenges facing kids and families. With community agencies as our partners, we are empowering families to raise Ohio's next generation of leaders. Join us!

Role Overview:

Ohio Children's Alliance is the fiscal sponsor for the Ohio Afterschool Network (OAN). OAN connects, strengthens, and champions Ohio's out-of-school time (OST) community to expand access to high-quality opportunities so all of Ohio's young people can thrive.

OAN serves as a statewide voice, connector, and capacity-builder for afterschool and summer learning. Our work focuses on four priorities:

• Champion and advocate for Ohio's OST field by building awareness, influencing policy, and advancing sustainable public and private investment in afterschool and summer learning.
• Strengthen program quality and capacity by supporting a skilled workforce, professional development, quality standards, effective practices, and meaningful use of data.
• Connect and align Ohio's OST ecosystem, bringing together providers, schools, state agencies, employers, community organizations, funders, and other partners around shared goals for young people.
• Expand equitable access to high-quality OST opportunities that respond to the needs and interests of young people and families and support learning, well-being, career exploration, and future success.

OAN is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead the Network through its next stage of growth and development. This is a .75 FTE position, with the potential to become full-time as resources allow.

OAN is part of the National Network of Statewide Afterschool Networks, supported in part by the C. S. Mott Foundation. Working in partnership with OAN's Strategic Leadership Team, the Ohio Children's Alliance, regional and statewide partners, and national colleagues, the Executive Director will provide leadership for OAN's strategy, advocacy, partnerships, resource development, communications, and operations.

The Executive Director will be both a statewide leader for the OST field and a network builder, cultivating relationships across sectors and ensuring that the perspectives and needs of OST providers, young people, families, and communities inform OAN's priorities.

Compensation and Benefits

To start, this is a regular, part-time (.75 FTE) position with strong potential and interest in transitioning to full-time as funding allows. The salary range is $50,000–$65,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The Executive Director must reside in Ohio and may work remotely, with periodic travel within Ohio and occasional national travel required.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Network Development

Provide strategic leadership to advance OAN's priorities while strengthening its governance, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability. Foster a connected statewide network by engaging stakeholders, identifying emerging trends, and creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning.

Policy, Advocacy, and Public Awareness

Serve as a leading advocate for Ohio's out-of-school time (OST) community by advancing policy priorities, strengthening relationships with decision-makers, and increasing public awareness of OST's impact. Mobilize stakeholders and use data, research, and storytelling to influence policy, secure resources, and communicate emerging legislative developments.

Fundraising and Sustainability

Lead resource development efforts by securing and diversifying funding through grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and other revenue-generating opportunities. Cultivate funder relationships and ensure effective stewardship, reporting, and alignment with OAN's strategic goals.

Partnerships and Systems Alignment

Build and strengthen strategic partnerships across education, workforce, youth-serving, philanthropic, and government sectors to advance statewide OST priorities. Promote cross-sector collaboration and position OST as a key contributor to Ohio's education, workforce, and family-support systems.

Program Quality and Workforce Development

Advance program quality and workforce excellence by supporting the implementation of quality standards, evidence-based practices, and continuous improvement efforts. Collaborate with partners to expand professional development, coaching, peer learning, and workforce development opportunities across the OST field.

Communications and Engagement

Develop and oversee a coordinated communications strategy that enhances OAN's visibility, value, and engagement with members, policymakers, funders, and other stakeholders. Serve as a compelling ambassador for the organization by sharing timely information, resources, opportunities, and stories that elevate the field.

Organizational and Fiscal Management

Provide operational and fiscal leadership by developing annual priorities, work plans, budgets, and performance-tracking systems aligned with OAN's strategic objectives. Oversee organizational resources, partnerships, compliance requirements, and reporting to ensure accountability, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will bring many of the following:

• A commitment to advancing equity
• Significant leadership experience (10+ years preferred) in out-of-school time, youth development, education, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the OST field and the important role afterschool and summer programs provide in supporting young people, families, schools, and communities.
• Experience with public policy, advocacy, government relations, and coalition building.
• Demonstrated success cultivating partnerships across nonprofit, government, education, philanthropy, and business sectors.
• Experience securing and managing public and/or private funding.
• Strong understanding of nonprofit financial management, budgeting, grant management, and organizational sustainability.
• Experience working effectively with boards, advisory groups, coalitions, or other shared leadership structures.
• Demonstrated ability to move successfully between big-picture strategy and hands-on implementation.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a part-time leadership role.
• Excellent written, verbal, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience; advanced degree welcomed but not required.

Leadership Qualities

OAN seeks a leader who is:

• Collaborative: Builds trust, listens well, values diverse perspectives, and brings people together around shared goals.
• Strategic: Sees the big picture while translating vision into achievable priorities and action.
• Entrepreneurial: Identifies opportunities, builds resources, and is comfortable leading a growing organization.
• Relationship-driven: Effective and enjoys building authentic relationships with providers, policymakers, funders, partners, and community leaders.
• Equity-focused: Understands the barriers that often limit access to high-quality OST opportunities and works to ensure that OAN represents and serves communities throughout Ohio.
• Credible and engaging: Will effectively represent the OST field with audiences ranging from frontline professionals and young people to legislators, experienced professionals, agency leaders, and diverse funders.
• Adaptable: Can navigate change, ambiguity, and competing priorities while maintaining focus on OAN's mission.
• Results-oriented: Establishes clear priorities, follows through on commitments, and uses data and feedback to assess progress.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful Work: Be part of making a real difference in the lives of children and families across Ohio.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement.
• Supportive Team: Work with a passionate and dedicated team committed to excellence.
• Flexible Environment: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with flexibility.
• Diversity: The Ohio Children's Alliance is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and value the contributions of people from different backgrounds, cultures, identities, and experiences, and we strive to create a work environment where everyone can belong, thrive, and grow.

How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their relevant experience and passion for the role.

Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for Ohio's children and families. Apply today and be a part of something truly special!

A background check will be run prior to hire.