Assistant Executive Director

Position Overview

ALIVE! is a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to providing basic needs assistance, e.g., supporting families through food assistance, housing support, and community engagement. We serve our community with compassion, innovation, and accountability.

Position Overview

The Assistant Executive Director (AED) plays a critical leadership role in advancing the ALIVE!’s mission. This position oversees day-to-day operations, ensures high-quality program delivery, and leads client services with a spirit of collaboration, equity, and impact.

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role holds significant executive-level responsibility and influence. The AED provides strategic oversight and support to staff, drives program excellence, and ensures organizational effectiveness through sound management practices, project management, and mission alignment.

Responsibilities

Operations & Management

• Lead internal operations, including team coordination, and workflow management
• Support grant compliance, reporting, and documentation processes
• Monitor organizational performance metrics and make recommendations for improvement
• Assist in developing and implementing organizational policies and procedures
• Foster a positive, inclusive organizational culture that promotes staff well-being and continuous learning

Program Oversight & Development

• Supervise and support program staff across service areas
• Ensure programs align with community needs, funder requirements, and best practices
• Evaluate program effectiveness and support continuous improvement
• Promote cross-departmental collaboration to enhance service integration
• Leverage data systems to inform strategic decisions, improve outcomes, and report on impact
• Support long-term planning for program funding and resource allocation

Client Services & Community Engagement

• Oversee client services teams and ensure equity-centered service delivery
• Develop systems for tracking client outcomes and satisfaction
• Engage with partners and stakeholders in coordination with the Executive Director to to build and maintain strategic community partnerships
• Represent ALIVE! at community events, coalitions, and other external settings as needed

Who You Are

To thrive as an Assistant Executive Director at our small nonprofit - and help elevate our mission every day - you’ll need a mix of heart, grit, and strategic thinking. Below is a breakdown of key qualities that would make someone successful in this role:

Strategic & Operational Thinking

• Operational mindset: Can translate big ideas into practical plans that serve clients and keep programs running smoothly
• Detail-oriented execution: Balances the big picture with a strong grasp of day-to-day logistics, deadlines, and workflows
• Problem-solving savvy: Sees challenges as puzzles to solve, not roadblocks

Communication & Relationship Skills

• Collaborative spirit: Builds trust across teams and partners, values feedback, and shared leadership
• Clear communicator: Conveys updates, expectations, and decisions transparently to staff members and community partners
• Active listener: Makes others feel heard and understood—especially in high-stress or emotionally sensitive moments

Leadership & Team Development

• Empowering manager: Supports staff growth and accountability through mentorship and clear expectations while modeling integrity
• Resilience & composure: Stays steady during setbacks or tough decisions
• Flexibility: Adapts to shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, and limited resources

Mission & Equity-Driven

• Community-centered: Grounded in the organization’s values and the lived experiences of those served
• Equity-minded: Promotes inclusive practices and ensures diverse voices are respected and heard
• Ethical compass: Makes decisions guided by transparency and fairness

Administrative & Technical Skills

• Basic financial literacy: Understands budgets, monitors spending, and contributes to funding strategies
• Technology fluency: Comfortable using nonprofit tools like CRM systems, donor databases and project management systems
• Grant & compliance awareness: Knows how to meet reporting deadlines and adhere to funding requirements

Qualifications

• 5+ years of nonprofit leadership or program management experience
• Strong background in operations, direct services, or program administration
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills
• Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving ability
• Experience with budgeting, staff supervision, and grant management
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Experience with CRM or program management tools
• Knowledge of relevant service sectors (e.g., hunger relief, housing, etc.)
• Bilingual proficiency preferred

Why ALIVE!?

At ALIVE!, you will be part of a passionate, community-driven team working to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. We offer a supportive work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to help build a more just and connected community.