Area Director

Role Overview

The Area Director serves as the lead driver of growth, partnerships, and community impact for JA Sarasota. This role is responsible for advancing strategic priorities, building strong relationships across the community, and ensuring the successful delivery of JA programs.

As the central leader for the Sarasota market, the Area Director will oversee fundraising, volunteer engagement, advisory board development, and program execution—ensuring the organization is positioned for long‑term sustainability and expansion. The ideal candidate is a relationship‑driven, strategic leader who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment and is passionate about creating opportunities for young people.

Core Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy
  • Set and execute a bold vision that positions JA Sarasota as a leader in educational innovation and workforce development
  • Lead strategic growth initiatives, aligning local programs with national and local JA priorities
  • Recruit, develop, and retain a high‑performing, mission‑driven Advisory Board
• Financial & Resource Management
  • Lead revenue strategy, including cultivating corporate, philanthropic, and community partnerships
  • Drive fundraising efforts, including major gifts, sponsorships, and events
  • Manage budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure sustainability
• 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, BizTown, and Finance Park.
  • Support 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
  • Lead and inspire 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
  • Experience leading programs, initiatives, or teams in a dynamic environment
• Skills & Competencies
  • Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder management skills
  • Strategic thinking with the ability to execute and scale initiatives
  • Strong financial and operational acumen
  • Outstanding organizational and project management abilities.
• Proficient in the Use of Technology & Exceptional Written/Verbal Communication & Interpersonal Skills
  • Track record of building partnerships with school districts, boards, businesses, philanthropists, and community partners
  • 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: Sarasota 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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