Executive Director

Position: Executive Director

Responsible to: Board of Directors

Employment Status: Full Time/Exempt

Primary Work Site: Administrative Office

Salary: $75,000+ depending on experience

Application Closing Date: July 11, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: 10/1/25 or 10/15/25

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc. (CAC), is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit community action agency and the designated anti-poverty agency for Portage County, Ohio. The agency also is responsible for weatherization & related programs for Trumbull County which is contiguous to Portage County. Community Action Agencies work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income people. CAC s mission is To educate, empower, assist, and advocate for our community members to reach their maximum potential and achieve self-sufficiency thru direct services, collaborations, and community partnerships while maintaining a safe environment and ensuring economic opportunity, equality and social justice for all.

The agency employs approximately 30 full-time employees plus between 15 and 25 part-time seasonal workers. The agency s core programs include the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG), the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), the Percentage of Income Payment Plan program (PIPP), the Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP), the HWAP-Bi-Partisan Infrastructure Program (HWAP- BIL), the Summer Food Program for Children and a variety of other programs which support the above programs and provide much needed services to low-income residents. CAC does not operate the federal Head Start Program. The projected 2025 agency budget is roughly $8.0 million.

The Executive Director is generally responsible for all aspects of agency administration and operations to ensure the development, oversight and application of the Agency mission, policies, goals and objectives in the areas of finance, personnel, programs, services, community relations and facility maintenance. The Executive Director must also assure compliance with applicable local, state and federal standards. The Executive Director reports directly to the agency s Board of Directors.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Direct the long-range planning, policy development and decision making for the Agency
• Must be extremely supportive of the organization s mission and values and be committed to assisting and empowering individuals and families regardless of race, gender, religion, age, and other socio-economic factors
• Provide leadership in determining and communicating the mission of the Agency. Ensures that programming is mission-driven.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
• Interact with government professional organizations to advocate legislative and policy changes.
• Advise the Board on operational, programmatic and fiscal matters.
• Ensure the Executive Committee is updated regularly between Board meetings on any issues of importance.
• Attend Board and Committee meetings and prepares reports to present at all board/committee meetings. Ensures the Board agenda and minutes are prepared.
• Ensure that policy changes and updates are presented to the Board for approval; Must work collaboratively with the Board.
• Ensure that the Board membership meets required federal or state requirements.
• Orient new Board members to the Community Action history, Agency programs and Board responsibilities.
• Acts as immediate supervisor for all agency Program Managers and Coordinators and other staff as applicable.
• Responsible for final approval of hiring and termination of staff.
• Assist in all Agency audits and be knowledgeable about financial issues, fund accounting, and other fiscal issues in conjunction with fiscal staff.
• Maintain responsibility for the Agency budgets including the Agency s Annual Budget.
• Must oversee all procurement in conjunction with Program Managers and Staff. Must authorize and approve all expenditures based on existing Agency Financial Procedures.
• Must be familiar with grant writing and grant development and will be required to develop proposals for funding in conjunction with other staff. Oversees the process of planning, development and implementation of Agency programs.
• Develop and coordinate a system of cooperative planning and problem solving across program departments.
• Responsible for all program monitoring and compliance including the federally mandated Organizational Standards.
• Ensure the investigation of critical incidents including follow-up and/or corrective action.
• Maintain a working relationship with local civic leaders, governments, residents, and community organizations to enhance services to Agency consumers.
• Represent the Agency in community activities, collaborative groups, committees and other forums.
• Work cooperatively with community groups, meeting with individuals and groups concerning Agency issues and resolving questions and concerns.
• Evaluate and develop plans for achieving the effective allocation and utilization of building space to meet the changing needs of the Agency.
• Maintain and increase knowledge and skills through attendance at meetings, conferences, training seminars and in-service training sessions.
• Attend meetings and serve on temporary committees, as requested
• Must be familiar with Portage County issues and demographics and be a resident of the county or a contiguous county.
• Responsible for the development of a Community Needs Assessment and an Agency Strategic Plan, as well as annual or bi-annual updates in accordance with mandated time periods as required by the Board and funding sources.
• Should be heavily involved and participate in activities of the Ohio Association of
  Community Action Agencies (OACAA) on an ongoing basis.
• Ensure that employee performance reviews are completed annually.
• Complete an annual Risk Assessment of the Agency.

EDUCATION:

Prefer individual with post-secondary credentials up to and including a Master s degree in an appropriate field. Individuals not meeting the above preferences but meeting other requirements are encouraged to apply.

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of five years relevant management experience with progressive levels of responsibility at an organization of comparable size with multiple funding sources preferred. Good knowledge of the background and current operations of community action agencies in conjunction with the War on Poverty .

Experience in grant research and writing and responsible for securing funds through grants and funding opportunities.

Must be familiar with demographic research, generic survey techniques, and related areas. Must have experience and familiarity with non-profit boards, and how local, state, and federal governments operate.

SKILLS:

• Excellent organizational abilities;
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and written;
• Ability to assist and relate to a diverse population;
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate programs of the Agency;
• Knowledge of basic public relations, at a minimum;
• Knowledge of necessary computer programs and software including electronic mail, entering data into program specific software for required reports required; Must be familiar with Microsoft Office Programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Must assure that all organization policy manuals are accurate, compliant with all local, state and federal laws and up-to-date, including the Financial Procedures Manual, the Personnel Policy Manual, Procurement and Travel Policies, and the Board By-Laws as needed in conjunction with Fiscal Staff and Board.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

Some bending and stretching required; must be able to lift 20-40 lbs.

CODE OF CONDUCT:

Responsible for maintaining conduct for self and others with the highest level of ethical standards and within the standards of Agency Personnel Policies Manual and the agency s Code of Conduct. Candidate must possess strong ethical standards and be passionate about helping our vulnerable population.

OTHER EXPECTATIONS:

May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays and to respond to crises as needed. Required to travel to Agency facilities and community locations. Overnight travel will be required. Valid driver s license and automobile insurance required. Driving record must meet Agency standards. Must be able to pass both the BCI and FBI background checks.

BENEFITS:

As of April 2025, the Community Action Council of Portage County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, prescription coverage, short-term disability, and life insurance. All employees currently pay 10% of the monthly premium.

The Agency also offers a generous vacation and sick leave policy, bereavement, 12 paid holidays, and a 403(b) pension program through Nationwide Insurance.

No phone calls. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references via email by clicking Apply Now. The deadline to apply is July 11, 2025.