EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:         Executive Director Location: Greater Houston Reports To:  Board of Directors

FLSA Status: Full-Time (40 hours a week)

Organization Summary

Girls on the Run Greater Houston is a local nonprofit organization that operates in agreement with Girls on the Run International and is dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running. Our program currently serves, Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. In FY 2023, over 1600 girls participated in our life-changing program.

The Girls on the Run program is an out of school time program which provide girls in 3rd-8th grades a safe and interactive way to learn about healthy living, which includes an introduction and education on important topics such as goal-setting, cooperation, healthy decision-making, and self-respect, all while training for a 5K event. This innovative curriculum teaches girls to engage in healthy relational behaviors while also encouraging them to commit to a healthy lifestyle and harness the inner strength that they possess. Our important mission is accomplished by giving girls the tools to make positive choices for a healthy body and mind while equipping them to face many of today’s challenges.

Girls on the Run believes that all girls and communities should have access to our programs. We strive to eliminate barriers to participation, create programming that engages all communities, remain intentional about staff and volunteer diversity, and promote a culture of inclusion across the organization.

About our Council

Girls on the Run Greater Houston was established in 2001 with just six girls at a site located in far west Houston. Over the years, our organization has experienced significant growth, and projects to serve 1800 girls in 2024 with an annual budget of over $500,000 and a dedicated staff of 5 full-time employees.

At the heart of our leadership philosophy are our core values, which guide every aspect of our work:

• Intentionality: We recognize the power and responsibility of deliberate decision-making.
• Inclusivity: Embracing our differences and finding strength in our
• Positivity: Expressing joy, optimism, and gratitude through our words, thoughts, and
• Wellness: Nurturing our physical, emotional, and spiritual
• Open-heartedness: Leading with an open heart and assuming positive
• Advocacy: Standing up for ourselves and

These core values form the foundation of our organizational culture, shaping how we interact with one another and the community we serve.

Position Summary

The first year of this role will offer a structured onboarding experience with a strong emphasis on development and learning opportunities alongside our Founder and current Executive Director who will be rolling off in April 2025.

The Executive Director is a highly-skilled nonprofit professional that provides leadership, vision and direction to the Greater Houston council and the broader Girls on the Run organization. The Executive Director represents the Greater Houston council to the public, leads organizational development and strategic planning, optimizes financial performance, oversees program delivery in Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, builds donor relationships to grow philanthropic support and oversees personnel. The Executive Director reports to and works closely with the council Board of Directors and is responsible for expanding systems and procedures to accomplish the mission and reach the strategic goals set forth by the board.

The Executive Director develops organizational strategy, sound practices, and supportive relationships both internally and externally, resulting in cooperative and effective collaboration that furthers the mission of Girls on the Run.

Position Profile

The Girls on the Run Greater Houston Executive Director must possess a passion for and commitment to improving the lives and opportunities of girls in third through eighth grades. The Council Executive Director is responsible for the overall implementation of the Girls on the Run mission. The Executive Director’s job responsibilities include developing and implementing the overall strategy and vision for the Girls on the Run program and all organizational and operational aspects of Girls on the Run including its administration, financial operations, revenue generation, program development and activities, personnel management and strategic planning.

Some of the key responsibilities falling within these areas include:

Operational & Staff Management

• Developing and fostering a strong and engaging relationship with the Board of Directors
• Maintaining appropriate staffing structure; overseeing recruiting, training, development, and evaluation of staff
• Ensuring that the organization is in compliance with all laws and guidelines governing nonprofit organizations, as well as the Girls on the Run International Membership Agreement, Policies and Guidelines

Program Development & Strategic Planning

• Planning, in coordination with the Board and staff, for the direction and leadership of the overall program
• Creating and implementing a council growth plan that addresses program and site development strategies
• Ensuring the successful participation of quality programming
• Demonstrating an understanding of GOTR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and tracking progress toward meeting organizational goals
• Cultivating relationships with coaches, donors, parents, participants, sponsors, and volunteers
• Overseeing management of end of season 5K races
• Acting as a public ambassador to represent Girls on the Run’s mission and programs

Organizational Administration

• Developing and implementing necessary policies and procedures
• In coordination with the Board, identifying and planning for infrastructure growth that parallels program growth
• Establishing efficient business systems and strategies and ensuring appropriate implementation
• Maintaining ethical standards and accountability, managing risk, performing due diligence, and implementing operational best practices
• Executing all financial, operational and programmatic reports to Girls on the Run International, as well as to state and local funding agencies in a timely manner

Fund Development & Community Relations

• Developing diverse funding streams and long-term plans to support the mission and goals of the organization
• Overseeing fundraising efforts including sponsorship, donor cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, grants, special events, etc
• Actively participating in donor cultivation and solicitation
• Developing collaborative projects/partnerships with other community providers
• Developing relationships with the local media and serve as the Girls on the Run primary contact to market the program and build additional community support
• Partnering with Girls on the Run International to maximize Cause Related Marketing and other national opportunities locally

P&L Responsibility

• Alongside Treasurer of the Board and Finance Committee, managing revenue and expenses to ensure optimal financial performance of the council
• Maintaining processes for proper recordkeeping and internal financial controls
• Development and management of annual budget
• With the Treasurer and finance staff, reviewing and reporting all financial activities to the Board on a regular basis.
• Reviewing analysis of financial activities (income and expense) to discern trends, identify areas of improvement, address problems and develop forecasts

To support your success, you can expect:

• The opportunity to work alongside an engaged and motivated Board of Directors who partners with staff to proactively participate in development and event planning
• Strong support from Girls on the Run International providing programming support and resources
• A small but mighty staff who are passionate about working together to fulfill the mission and have fun along the way
• Respect for work-life balance. You will work hard, but we respect your need to recharge your batteries
• A comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO
• Partnership with existing Executive Director during the transition

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be comfortable engaging in both strategic activities as well as taking a hands-on role with regards to program execution, fundraising and administrative issues.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of development experience with an organizational management background
• BA or BS degree or comparable work experience with 8 years of executive leadership experience, preferably in a non-profit community impact environment
• Demonstrated ability to build and lead effective teams
• Passion for the Girls on the Run mission and the ability to comprehend and effectively communicate issues surrounding empowerment, self-esteem, body image, and whole-person health
• Outstanding communication skills in multiple environments and with a range of audiences (internal and external)
• Demonstrated experience setting and managing budgets and financial forecasting
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and make efficient decisions
• Flexible and adaptable

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field
• Strategic planning experience
• Experience with Girls on the Run (or other similar youth or wellness programs)
• Non-profit management experience
• Experience working productively with a Board of Directors
• Connections to the local community

Benefits

• Respect for work-life balance and a “family first” environment
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous PTO and healthcare
• The salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000 annually, commensurate with experience Please send cover letter and resume to resume@gotrgreaterhouston.org

Send cover letter and resume to resume@gotrgreaterhouston.org