Sound Learning

Compensation

Full Description

Position summary The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive and operational leader of Sound Learning. The ED is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring strong program quality and outcomes, maintaining financial health, and fostering a learner-centered, trauma-informed culture for staff, volunteers, and adult learners. The ED works in close partnership with the Board of Directors, providing leadership, transparency, and accountability while managing the day-to-day operations of a small, community-based nonprofit adult education organization. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring strategic thinking, strong people management, fundraising expertise, and deep commitment to adult learners and community impact. Organizational leadership and strategy • Lead Sound Learning in alignment with its mission, vision, and values. • Partner with the Board to develop and implement strategic priorities and annual goals. • Translate strategic goals into operational plans, timelines, and measurable outcomes. • Monitor trends in adult education, workforce development, and nonprofit best practices and bring recommendations to the Board. • Foster an organizational culture grounded in empathy, trust, accountability, and continuous improvement. Program leadership and quality • Ensure high-quality delivery of adult education programs, including learner-centered instruction and support services. • Promote trauma-informed practices and inclusive decision-making across programs and operations. • Oversee systems for learner enrollment, assessment, attendance, progress tracking, and outcomes reporting. • Use data and qualitative feedback to guide program improvement and demonstrate impact. • Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal program requirements. Fundraising and resource development • Serve as the organization’s primary fundraising lead. • Identify, pursue, and steward funding opportunities including grants, contracts, donations, and community partnerships. • Write and/or oversee grant proposals and ensure timely and accurate grant reporting. • Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, and community supporters. • Support the Board in fulfilling its fundraising and ambassador roles. Financial management and sustainability • Develop the annual organizational budget in partnership with the Board. • Monitor revenues, expenses, and cash flow; provide clear financial reports to the Board on a regular basis. • Ensure appropriate financial controls and nonprofit fiscal practices are in place. • Approve expenditures in accordance with Board-approved policies and budget authority. • Plan for long-term financial sustainability and risk management. People leadership and human resources • Recruit, hire, supervise, and support staff in alignment with organizational needs and policies. • Establish clear expectations, performance goals, and professional development opportunities. • Foster a supportive, respectful workplace that values collaboration and learning. • Oversee volunteer engagement systems, including recruitment, training, support, and recognition. • Ensure compliance with employment laws, personnel policies, and confidentiality standards. Community relations and communications • Serve as the primary public representative of Sound Learning. • Build and maintain partnerships with education providers, workforce agencies, social service organizations, local government, employers, and community groups. • Guide organizational communications, including messaging, storytelling, and outreach efforts. • Advocate for adult learners and the value of adult education within the community. Board relations and governance support • Maintain open, transparent communication with the Board of Directors. • Prepare and present materials for Board and committee meetings, including reports, dashboards, and recommendations. • Support Board development, including onboarding, training, and strategic planning. • Implement Board-approved policies and decisions and ensure organizational compliance. Technology and operational systems • Ensure effective use of technology to support program delivery, data tracking, fundraising, and communication. • Evaluate and adopt tools responsibly, with attention to privacy, security, and accessibility. • Oversee general operations, contracts, facilities coordination, and administrative systems. Core competencies and leadership qualities • Strong nonprofit leadership and management skills • Grant writing and grant management expertise • Trauma-informed, empathetic leadership style • Clear communicator with strong writing and public-speaking ability • Ability to manage complexity and prioritize in a small-organization environment • Data-informed decision-making balanced with human-centered judgment • Commitment to equity, dignity, and adult learner success Desired qualifications • 3–5+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, education, workforce development, or related fields • Experience supervising staff and managing budgets • Demonstrated fundraising and grant-writing success • Strong organizational and communication skills • Experience in adult education, literacy, or human services is strongly preferred. Evaluation and accountability The Executive Director is evaluated annually by the Board of Directors based on: • Progress toward strategic and operational goals • Program quality and outcomes • Financial health and sustainability • Fundraising effectiveness • Staff leadership and organizational culture • Community engagement and representation Pay: $55,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year Work Location: In person