Executive Director

Introduction for Pathways of Central Ohio

For more than five decades, Pathways of Central Ohio has served as a vital gateway to services, connecting individuals and families across Central and Southeast Ohio to the resources they need to thrive. Guided by its mission to empower the community and its vision to be available to every individual and household in need, Pathways has become an essential presence across the region.

• The 211/988 Crisis Hotline is a cornerstone of Pathways’ work, handling more than 36,000 calls annually. Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it provides crisis intervention, suicide prevention, disaster response, and information and referral services across 19 counties. Certified by the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health, nationally accredited by Inform USA, and a participating center of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the hotline ensures that individuals in moments of acute need receive professional support and timely connections to life-stabilizing resources.
• The Center for Prevention Services reaches nearly every school district in Licking County with evidence-based programming focused on substance use, mental wellness, bullying, suicide, and problem gambling.
• The Parent Education Center strengthens families by providing parents with the skills and tools they need to create safe and nurturing homes.

Through these programs, Pathways of Central Ohio responds to crisis, advances prevention, and supports families, creating meaningful impact across the region and reinforcing the social safety net for the communities it serves.

The Opportunity

Pathways of Central Ohio seeks a strategic and experienced Executive Director with a commitment to community-based mental health support and a proven track record for motivating and supporting a cross‑functional team. Succeeding a long-tenured and impactful Executive Director, the incoming leader will be a thought partner to a committed board and a leader to an experienced team who share an extraordinary commitment to the organization’s mission.

The essential areas of focus: maintain strong individual and institutional relationships to broaden and deepen the reach of Pathways’ programs; partner with the board of directors to design and implement a strategy to deliver on the organization’s mission; and increase community awareness of the organization’s services and impact.

The next Executive Director will bring a deep commitment to strengthening emotional health and wellness across Pathways’ service area. The Executive Director will be a values-driven, highly collaborative, strategic leader who will promote a culture of operational excellence and proactive, transparent communication among board and staff. The ideal candidate will have a passion for ensuring communities thrive and community members have access to the mental health resources they need. As a key leader in a multi-county service area, especially Licking and Knox Counties, the Executive Director will represent the organization at the local, state, and national level to further the impact of Pathways.

Key Position Functions

Reporting to the organization’s board of directors, the Executive Director of Pathways of Central Ohio is the organization’s strategic and operational leader. The Executive Director oversees 43 part-time and full‑time staff with four direct reports: three Program Directors (211/988 Crisis Hotline, Center for Prevention Services, and Parent Education Center) and the Fiscal Director.

Core functions of the position include

• Board Governance: Ensures the board is empowered, informed, effective, and strategically engaged in fulfilling Pathways’ mission.
• Financial Management: Ensures long-term financial stability through strategic planning, oversight, and stewardship of financial resources.
• Resource Development: Drives sustainable revenue growth and cultivates long-term philanthropic and public support.
• Vision and Strategy: Aligns organizational goals with mission-driven impact and long-term growth.
• Organization Operations: Leads an efficient, high‑performing organization with strong, client-centered culture, transparent communication, and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in social work or related field
• Licensure in social work or a related field in the State of Ohio
• Demonstrated leadership in nonprofit and/or social services setting
• Proven financial management experience, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, reporting, and compliance
• Ability to convey a vision of Pathways of Central Ohio’s strategic future to staff, board, volunteers, and donors
• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit board governance, including fiduciary responsibilities, policy development, and best practices in board engagement
• Proven ability to compellingly communicate with diverse groups of staff, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders

Desired Qualifications

• Experience assessing community needs and performing market gap analysis
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to nonprofit sector

Compensation

Pathways is pleased to offer a competitive compensation and benefits package for this position. Target compensation for the position is $85,000 with a $5,000 hiring bonus after six months of successful employment. In addition, Pathways offers 11 holidays, 12 sick days, and two weeks of vacation time, partial payment of health insurance premium, short-term disability, life insurance, and the opportunity for hybrid/remote work after six months.

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