Executive Director, Columbus Chapter

Job Title: Executive Director, Columbus ChapterDepartment: Chapter ImpactLocation: Columbus, OHReports to: Vice President, Chapter Impact & OutpostsDirect Reports: YesClassification: ExemptAnticipated Pay Range At Commencement of Employment: $106,000 - $146,000Blue Star FamiliesBlue Star Families is the largest nonprofit dedicated to making military life better for families. Each year, we support over 1.5 million military- and veteran-connected family members through a national network of 300,000+ members and local chapters in communities across the country.Our mission is simple and bold: We make military life awesome for families. We listen, share, partner, and act to deliver evidence-based, data-driven solutions that work for real people. We're a lifestyle organization, a friend and neighbor, and a trusted partner. Our approach is collaborative, human-centered, and designed with the whole family in mind.A Blue Star Family is one with an immediate family member — a spouse, parent, or child — actively serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the Guard and Reserves. These families face unique challenges: frequent relocations, deployments, career disruption, and isolation. We respond with research-informed programs that create connection, build resilience, and foster a true sense of belonging.We serve with urgency but build trust over time — because change happens at the speed of trust. Whether we're driving spouse employment, supporting caregivers, or helping communities welcome military families, we strive for upstream solutions.Who We're Looking For:Bold thinkers. Fast movers. Smart collaborators. People who want to build, lead, and drive measurable change — and who care deeply about making an impact that matters.What You'll Do Here:Solve complex challenges with data, heart, and humilityBuild cross-sector partnerships that get things doneHelp military families feel at home wherever they liveIf you're ready to work in a high-performance, mission-driven environment — and to make life better for those who serve — Blue Star Families is where you belong.General DescriptionThe Executive Director (ED) is the senior-most leader of the Chapter, responsible for local strategy, sustainable revenue, community impact, and team performance. The ED leads a metropolitan region (Columbus) and supports satellite program delivery in adjacent locations (Dayton, OH).Reporting directly to the VP of Chapter Impact & Outposts, the ED oversees staff, volunteers, budget, fundraising, program execution, community engagement, and the Chapter's long-term sustainability. This role requires a high-capacity, externally focused executive who excels at strategic partnerships, six-figure fundraising, board leadership, and cross-functional coordination.The ED ensures BSF's mission is delivered with excellence, inclusion, belonging, accountability, and measurable outcomes that align with the organization's strategic goals and national KPIs.This is a high-visibility, high-trust, executive-level role—ideal for a leader who thrives in complex ecosystems, navigates multiple stakeholders, and drives meaningful change.As a fully remote organization, we rely on scheduled in-person gatherings to foster alignment, collaboration, and organizational culture. This role requires the ability to travel out of town overnight several times per year for staff offsites, planning retreats, and company-wide events. These gatherings are essential for connection, brainstorming, and staying strategically aligned across teams. Participation is required as a core part of the role.*The Executive Director must reside within the Chapter's primary metropolitan area and must have lived there for at least three years or have significant knowledge of the region. Must be willing to relocate to Chapter location Residency Requirement: Must reside within the Chapter's primary metropolitan area (minimum three consecutive years).Key ResponsibilitiesFundraising & Revenue LeadershipDevelop and execute a Chapter Sustainability Plan tied to annual revenue, long-term growth, and metropolitan-market opportunity.Secure major gifts from corporations, philanthropies, foundations, and high-net-worth individuals (HNWI).Partner with the Development Team and National team on joint fundraising strategy and pipeline development.Lead stewardship and storytelling efforts that reinforce BSF's virtuous circle: deliver → measure → communicate → fund → scale.Expand diversified revenue streams: corporate sponsorships, foundations, workplace giving, government opportunities, and community campaigns.Own annual fundraising goals; oversee stewardship that increases renewal rates and multi-year commitments.Executive Leadership & Chapter OperationsLead the Chapter's full operational portfolio, including staff, volunteers, programs, budget, and community partnerships.Serve as the senior BSF representative in the metropolitan region—driving a high standard of professionalism, visibility, and community trust.Manage, coach, and develop the Program Director/Manager and volunteer corps; ensure satellite program delivery (Clarksville) is aligned, supported, and resourced.Manage and facilitate excellence in national program execution (Welcome Week, MFLS, NTS/Nourish the Service, etc.).Implement BSF's data-driven evaluation model in partnership with National Programs & Applied Research teams.Ensure compliance with BSF operational policies, fiscal management, KPIs, and risk mitigation practices.Advisory Board & Stakeholder EngagementRecruit, develop, and steward a high-performing, strategic local Advisory Board that supports fundraising, visibility, and community leadership.Cultivate and maintain relationships with VIPs, elected officials, military installation leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate executives.Leverage senior-level relationships to open doors, advance BSF's strategic priorities, and elevate the Chapter's regional presence.Represent BSF at community events, convenings, coalitions, and multi-sector partnership tables.Community Building & Cross-Sector PartnershipsBecome recognized as a 'Thought Leader' in the local community, solving problems for military families with systemic solutionsBuild a robust ecosystem of civic, military, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners that strengthens military family belonging.Serve as the Chapter's chief ambassador to advocate for military-connected families using MFLS insights and BSF research.Work closely with the Program Director/Manager to connect families with relevant resources and community supports.Identify strategic opportunities for regional expansion, innovative programming, and alignment with partnerships.Communications, Storytelling & Brand StewardshipDeepen BSF's local presence through compelling storytelling, brand-consistent communications, and partnership visibility.Collaborate with Marketing/Comms to amplify Chapter impact through digital content, media, and thought leadership.Serve as a strong, articulate voice for military families in public forums and local media (as appropriate).Perform other duties as assigned. Required experience, skills, backgroundBachelor's degree or 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, or strategic partnerships.5+ years of management experience, including direct staff leadership.Proven ability to secure significant philanthropic gifts (six-figure required).Demonstrated success in growing an organization, business unit, or major initiative.Exceptional executive communication skills—written, verbal, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.Experience managing an advisory board or similar governance structure.Strong organizational management capability: budgeting, planning, KPI accountability, and team development.Ability to work effectively across diverse groups, cultures, and sectors.Mission-driven mindset with integrity, humility, emotional intelligence, and a strong sense of urgency.Willingness to work nights/weekends for essential community events;