Executive Director

Job Description

Job Description

Lead with Purpose. Strengthen a Community. Shape the Future of Aging Services.

The Lake County Council on Aging (LCCOA) is seeking a mission-driven, strategic Executive Director to lead one of Northeast Ohio’s most respected aging service organizations.

For over 50 years, LCCOA has empowered older adults and their support systems to achieve an optimal, self-defined quality of life. Serving Lake County, Ohio, we deliver critical services including Meals on Wheels (1,000 meals daily), social work assessments, in-home support services, and Aging & Disability Resource Center programming.

With strong community partnerships and a highly engaged Board of Trustees, LCCOA is well-positioned for its next chapter. This is not a turnaround role. This is an opportunity to build on a strong foundation and guide the organization into its next phase of impact and sustainability.

The Opportunity:

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of LCCOA, reporting to the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees. This leader oversees all organizational operations, funding strategy, community representation, and staff leadership.

The ideal candidate is both a compassionate advocate and a pragmatic operator — someone who can build relationships with elected officials and funders, ensure financial stewardship, and inspire a dedicated team.

A major strategic focus will include preparing for the 2027 Senior Services Levy renewal and strengthening diversified fundraising efforts in a changing funding environment.

Why Join LCCOA?:

• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Salary range: $90,000 - $110,000
• Stable, well-respected nonprofit with 50+ years of impact.
• Supportive and engaged Board of Trustees.
• Strong, experienced department managers.
• Meaningful community impact — over 1,000 meals delivered daily.
• A culture defined by compassion, collaboration, and commitment.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic & Organizational Leadership

• Lead and support five department managers overseeing all program areas.
• Maintain a strong, collaborative culture rooted in LCCOA’s mission and values.
• Evaluate and refine organizational structure as appropriate.
• Ensure operational excellence across all service areas.

Financial & Funding Oversight

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and grant/contract management.
• Monitor and optimize “Units of Service” metrics that drive funding allocations.
• Strengthen and diversify fundraising efforts, including foundation and grant development.
• Safeguard long-term financial sustainability.

Community & Public Engagement

• Serve as the public face of LCCOA.
• Build and maintain relationships with county commissioners, state representatives, mayors, and community partners.
• Represent LCCOA at public meetings, community events, and association gatherings.
• Support and prepare for the 2027 Senior Services Levy renewal.

Board Partnership

• Collaborate closely with the Board of Trustees.
• Provide regular reporting on organizational performance and funding metrics.
• Partner with the Executive Committee on strategic planning and governance matters.

What Success Looks Like:

• Funding metrics (“Units of Service”) remain strong or improve.
• Waitlists are minimized across programs.
• The organization is well-positioned for a successful 2027 levy renewal.
• Grant and foundation funding grows strategically.
• Staff remain engaged, supported, and aligned.
• LCCOA continues to be recognized as Lake County’s leading aging services organization.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are seeking a leader who combines heart, strategic thinking, and financial stewardship.

Required Experience:

• 5+ years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, social services, healthcare, or community-based organization.
• Experience overseeing budgets and financial performance.
• Experience working with boards and governance structures.
• Strong public speaking and community representation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with stakeholders and funders. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business, or related field.
• Grant writing and fundraising experience.
• Familiarity with government funding streams or levy-based funding models.
• Experience leading county-wide public service programs. 

Personal Characteristics:

• Passion for serving aging adults.
• Empathy and emotional intelligence.
• Strategic yet practical.
• Calm under pressure.
• Relationship-oriented.
• Collaborative leader who values strong managers.

Work Environment:

• Full-time, primarily in-office role in Mentor, Ohio.
• Typical hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm.
• Community and evening event participation required periodically.
• Some flexibility for occasional remote work .

If you are a strategic nonprofit leader who believes aging adults deserve dignity, advocacy, and strong community support — we invite you to apply.

We have a formal recruiting process and have a relationship with Zephyr Connects LLC, whom we use for the screening and hiring process. If you are selected for the next step you will get instructions from Sara within 3 business days of your submission. Everyone will be contacted. 

LCCOA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, LCCOA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.