Deputy Director

Deputy DirectorA leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing youth health equity is seeking an experienced Deputy Director to lead strategic operations and policy advocacy in Arkansas. This organization is committed to ensuring that young people have access to comprehensive, medically accurate information about their health and bodies, empowering youth as partners and leaders in creating healthier communities.The Deputy Director serves as the second-in-command of the state initiative, combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This role oversees day-to-day operations, leads state-level policy and advocacy initiatives, and builds cross-sector partnerships across Arkansas.This is an opportunity to make a transformational impact on youth health outcomes in Arkansas while working with a proven regional model that emphasizes youth voice, health equity, and trauma-informed practices.Organizational Leadership & ManagementOversee daily operations to ensure high-quality program delivery and alignment with strategic goals across ArkansasSupervise and manage program staff, contractors, and consultants, providing leadership, coaching, and professional developmentServe as Acting Director in the absence of the Executive Director for state-related mattersEnsure compliance with all state and federal regulations applicable to nonprofit operations in ArkansasCollaborate with regional leadership to adapt proven systems and processes for the Arkansas contextProgram Oversight & DevelopmentLead the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, ensuring alignment with community needs and funder requirementsDevelop and expand the organization's program portfolio, adapting evidence-based models to Arkansas communitiesIntegrate youth voice, equity principles, and trauma-informed practices into all program design and deliveryEnsure program data collection, evaluation, and reporting meet organizational and funder standardsBuild sustainable programs that are responsive to the unique needs of Arkansas youth and communitiesPolicy & Advocacy LeadershipLead state-level policy and advocacy initiatives, advancing legislation and policies that promote youth health equityBuild and maintain relationships with Arkansas policymakers, state agencies, and advocacy coalitionsTrack, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and policy changes affecting youth health and educationEquip youth and community partners to engage in policy advocacy through training, resources, and technical assistanceNavigate complex political landscapes with strategic communication that resonates across diverse constituenciesAdvocate for comprehensive approaches to youth health that prioritize access to accurate information and resourcesPartnerships & Stakeholder EngagementBuild and maintain strong relationships with Arkansas-based partners, funders, policymakers, and community leadersRepresent the organization at community events, coalitions, conferences, and policy forums across the stateEngage with schools, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and youth-serving agencies to advance the missionDevelop trusted partnerships in communities that may be skeptical of or resistant to comprehensive health educationServe as a credible spokesperson who can discuss sensitive topics with authenticity and cultural awarenessFiscal & Resource ManagementCollaborate with finance leadership to develop and manage the state budget and financial reportingOversee grant compliance and ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables for Arkansas-based projectsSupport fundraising efforts by identifying new funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and engaging donorsMaintain strong stewardship practices with current and prospective fundersCross-State CoordinationServe as the Arkansas liaison to regional leadership teams to ensure alignment in brand, strategy, and operational systemsParticipate in multi-state leadership meetings and joint initiativesShare Arkansas insights, trends, and lessons learned to inform regional strategiesTravel occasionally to Mississippi for coordination meetings and collaborative initiatives