Area Director

Role Overview

The Area Director serves as the chief local leader, driving strategic growth, operational excellence, and community impact for JA Alachua. This role engages the local Board of Directors, cultivates business and donor partnerships, coordinates special events, and ensures the high‑quality delivery of JA Learning Experiences through financial and volunteer support. The ideal candidate is a mission‑driven leader with a track record of building partnerships and growing community engagement.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy:
  • Set and execute a bold vision that positions JA Alachua as a leader in educational innovation and workforce development.
  • Lead strategic growth initiatives, aligning local programs with national and local JA priorities.
  • Support Board leadership in the recruitment, development, and retention of a high‑performing, mission‑driven Board of Directors.
• Partnerships & Community Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, local businesses, philanthropic, and community stakeholders to provide necessary financial and volunteer support for 3DE and BizTown.
  • Responsible for donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition.
  • Plan and execute special events to advance fundraising, visibility, and impact.
• Program Delivery & Operations
  • Ensure exceptional delivery of JA Learning Experiences, leveraging data and best practices to optimize outcomes.
  • Maintain compliance with organizational policies, standards, and local regulations.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional JA Tampa Bay teams to implement initiatives effectively.
• Talent & Culture
  • Contribute to a mission‑driven local team of staff and volunteers, fostering innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Desired Experience

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in education, nonprofit management, or related field strongly preferred.
• Professional Background:
  • Experience in nonprofit development, education, workforce development, or related field.
  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, partnership development, and community engagement, with experience implementing special events across broad audiences.
  • Experience leading programs, initiatives, or teams in a dynamic environment.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills.
  • Outstanding organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficient in the Use of Technology & Exceptional Written/Verbal Communication & Interpersonal Skills:
  • Exceptional communication, presentation, organization, and public speaking skills with experience adapting style based on the needs and perspectives of the audience.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, e‑learning technologies, CRM systems, alumni databases, volunteer databases, etc.

Job Details

• Location: Alachua County, FL
• Employment Type: Full‑Time; On‑site
• Salary Range: Starting at $85,000; commensurate with experience
• Reports To: Chief Development Officer

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job‑related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Research suggests that qualified applicants from marginalized groups may self‑select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. If you are excited about this role and believe you have the skills and passion to succeed, applying is encouraged, even if your experience doesn't perfectly align with every qualification listed.

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