Our Careers
Our advocacy, communities, and programs exist solely to meet the needs of people with developmental disabilities and their families.
Opportunities at ElevateDD
President & CEO
Organization Overview
ElevateDD is a platform dedicated to statewide advocacy work created to represent the entire scope of services and programming offered through each of our communities: the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio (DSACO), Adult Literacy Ohio, and Learning Aid Ohio. The ElevateDD name represents what drives our advocacy, education, and innovation: elevating the voices of people with developmental disabilities, elevating the needs of families, and elevating advocacy issues to leaders and decision makers.
Our roots began at DSACO, which was created to support families, promote community involvement, and encourage opportunities for people with Down syndrome. As we continued to innovate and identify additional needs of those who we serve, we expanded programming to offer statewide developmental disability services. This growth resulted in the formation of two additional communities: Learning Aid Ohio and Adult Literacy Ohio. ElevateDD, through its various communities, now serves people with developmental disabilities and their families throughout every county in Ohio.
Position Overview
The President & CEO is responsible for the overall administration and management of ElevateDD and for fulfilling the mission of the organization through the implementation of the strategic plan as set by the governing board.
Primary Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
· Develop, implement, and communicate the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term strategic goals across all communities of service, including Adult Literacy Ohio, Learning Aid Ohio, and the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio.
· Collaborate with the Governing Board to refine strategic direction and ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
· Build collaborative relationships with state agency partners and other key decision-makers to inform and advocate on behalf of families and people served within the developmental disability community.
· Manage and support the organization’s formal committees (e.g., Finance, Information Technology, Public Policy, Human Resources, Development, Governance), ensuring clear communication, alignment with strategic goals, and timely follow-through on action items.
Board Relations
· Serve as the primary liaison between the Governing Board and the organization.
· Provide regular updates, reports, and recommendations to the Governing Board.
· Support the Governing Board development and engagement, including strategic planning and governance best practices.
Fundraising & Development
· Lead fundraising strategy and cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and grant-making organizations.
· Oversee the preparation and submission of grant proposals and reports.
· Ensure development goals align with strategic priorities.
Financial Oversight
· Provide fiscal leadership, including the preparation and management of the annual budget.
· Monitor financial performance and ensure the organization’s financial health and compliance.
· Work with finance staff and auditors to maintain transparency and accountability.
Program Oversight & Impact
· Ensure programs and services are aligned with the mission and are effectively meeting the needs of families and people with developmental disabilities.
· Oversee evaluation of programs for impact, quality, and improvement.
· Promote innovation and continuous improvement.
Operations & Human Resources
· Oversee daily operations and ensure organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
· Lead, manage, and support staff and volunteers; promote a positive, inclusive workplace culture.
· Ensure compliance with employment laws, internal policies, and risk management best practices.
External Relations & Advocacy
· Act as the face and voice of the organization to the public, stakeholders, and media.
· Represent the organization in coalitions, community forums, and policy discussions.
· Build partnerships with community leaders, government agencies, and other nonprofits.
Communications & Branding
· Guide internal and external cross-functional communications strategies.
· Ensure consistent branding and messaging that reflects the mission and values, with intentional and authentic voice and tone for each community served.
· Oversee public relations, marketing, and digital presence across all communities.
Qualifications
· Passion for the mission and vision of ElevateDD and its communities; the Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, Learning Aid Ohio, and Adult Literacy Ohio
· Familiarity with the Down syndrome community and/or broader developmental disability community, its resources, and values
· Proven executive leadership experience in the nonprofit or related sector; ability to inspire and guide teams, build strategic partnerships, and drive mission-focused outcomes.
· Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, or related field preferred.
· Demonstrated expertise in budgeting, financial oversight, and sustainable resource development; experience with nonprofit funding models and compliance.
· Strategic planning and organizational growth/development
· Strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and partners
· Flexible to work evenings and weekends as required for programs and events
Benefits
· 16 days PTO + 8 paid holidays + paid winter break from December 24th through January 1st
· Health, dental, & vision plan and HSA with immediate coverage
· 403(b) with 3% employer match after 6 months
· Opportunity for annual performance-based bonus
Deadline to apply is July 11, 2025.
How to Apply
Don’t meet every qualification? Studies have shown that women, communities of color, and other historically underrepresented talent are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. ElevateDD is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the value of different experiences, skills, and voices in strengthening our work and achieving our mission. We also strive to have our team reflect the rich ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of our state. So, if you’re excited about this role and our mission, we strongly encourage you to apply, even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles!
If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and resume to elevateddboard@gmail.com.
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