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Job Description
Overview
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Cleveland Family Center for Missing Children and Adults Cleveland, Ohio | Full-Time | $75,000 base + performance bonus About Cleveland Missing The Cleveland Family Center for Missing Children and Adults — known as Cleveland Missing — was co-founded by Gina DeJesus and Sylvia Colon to ensure that no family ever has to face the search for a missing loved one alone. Born from lived experience, the organization is the only brick-and-mortar center of its kind dedicated entirely to serving families of the missing: providing direct support from the moment a loved one disappears through recovery, equipping law enforcement to respond with compassion and cultural sensitivity, and mobilizing the community to help bring people home. Cleveland Missing operates at the intersection of trauma-informed care, community resilience, and partnership with law enforcement. The organization recently completed a strategic planning process and is positioned for meaningful growth — and that growth begins with this hire. The Opportunity This is a founding leadership moment. The Executive Director will be Cleveland Missing's first full-time staff leader — the person who transforms a board-driven organization into a professionally staffed, financially sustainable, and widely recognized nonprofit. The right candidate will bring both the heart to steward a mission rooted in lived experience and the skills to build the operational, fundraising, and partnership infrastructure the organization needs to grow. This role requires someone who is all-in on the mission — and ready to help Cleveland Missing become what it is fully capable of being. Key Responsibilities Organizational Leadership Serve as the primary day-to-day leader of the organization, translating board-adopted strategy into action Build internal systems, policies, and operations appropriate to a growing nonprofit Represent Cleveland Missing publicly with families, funders, media, law enforcement, and community partners Support board governance by providing timely reporting, strategic recommendations, and a clear boundary between staff and board roles Fundraising & Financial Sustainability Lead all fundraising efforts, including individual donors, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and events Develop and manage a grants calendar targeting 6-10 institutional funders annually Cultivate and steward a portfolio of major donors in partnership with the board Drive revenue strategy for the organization's signature event, the Summer Sizzle, and future events Work toward long-term financial sustainability Communications & Brand Awareness Build and maintain a consistent, visible presence across digital and traditional channels Develop and oversee an updated website and active social media presence Proactively cultivate media relationships Develop compelling impact stories, talking points, and case materials for use by board members and donors Support or lead any board-directed rebranding or name/identity exploration Programs & Partnerships Deepen the organization's relationships with Cleveland Division of Police and other law enforcement partners, including formalized referral protocols and joint training Build warm referral pathways with hospitals, mental health providers, and trauma specialists Pursue recognition and placement within state and national missing persons networks Explore and develop direct service offerings such as family support groups Assess readiness for regional expansion or virtual service delivery once Cuyahoga services are stable Board Partnership Maintain an open, transparent working relationship with the board and its committees Support the board's transition from operational management to governance and strategic oversight Equip board members with the tools and confidence to fundraise and advocate on the organization's behalf Qualifications Required Demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising — including individual giving, foundation grants, and/or corporate partnerships Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills; ability to work with families in crisis, board members, funders, and law enforcement with equal credibility and care Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media engagement Self-directed, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a lean organizational environment Commitment to the vision, mission, and values of Cleveland Missing Strongly Preferred Familiarity with the Cleveland philanthropic landscape and connections to local funders, community leaders, or corporate partners Background in or direct knowledge of issues related to missing persons, trauma, law enforcement, human services, or public health Experience managing or working with a volunteer board of directors Bachelor's Degree or higher Compensation & Details Starting salary: $75,000 base, with performance bonus potential Full-time position based in Cleveland, Ohio Reports to the Board of Directors How to Apply Cleveland Missing is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the communities it serves. Candidates with lived experience related to the organization's mission are encouraged to apply. To apply, please submit a resume and a brief cover letter to: sylvia@clevelandmissing.
org Subject line:
Executive Director Application clevelandmissing.org | 2937 West 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113 | 216-232-6470
