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.
While professional experience and qualifications are key for this role, make sure to check you have the preferable soft skills before applying if required.
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.
Key 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.