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Executive Director Position Description

Position Type and Classification 

Salaried, exempt, 35 hours per week

Salary

$65,000 – $71,000, depending on qualifications and experience

Benefits 

Competitive benefits package including paid holidays, sick days, vacation and personal days, on-site parking,  retirement plan with employer contribution, and health insurance

About Tompkins Learning Partners

Tompkins Learning Partners (TLP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit agency with 50 years of experience providing adult literacy education in Tompkins County. TLP offers 1:1 and small-group tutoring in English Language Learning (ELL), US citizenship preparation, and Adult Basic Education (ABE) at no cost to participants. Program staff and 67+ trained and supported volunteer tutors partner with adult learners to help them meet their personal and life goals. Through collaboration with community partner agencies, TLP staff assists students in removing barriers to accessing education. The belief that literacy education opens opportunities and transforms lives is foundational to TLP’s work. 

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides primary organizational leadership for TLP, overseeing administrative, financial, human resources, and programmatic areas. The ED communicates the mission and vision of TLP in the wider community and works with the board to generate resources to support TLP’s adult literacy programming. In collaboration with the Program Director and program staff, the ED ensures that TLP is reflective and resourceful in its responsiveness to current adult literacy needs in the community, drawing on the organization’s rich history and experience, while exploring new ways to fulfill its mission in changing times. The next leader will work with staff, board, community partners, and other stakeholders to successfully launch TLP into its next 50 years of flourishing. 

Position Responsibilities Include:

Leadership and Operational Management

• Shape and lead the strategic planning process and ongoing implementation of the plan
• Ensure that initiatives and decisions are guided by the organization’s mission and vision
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive culture and honor the diversity of program participants and others in the organization
• Actively engage with network of statewide literacy organization leaders and ensure that TLP meets the adult literacy education benchmarks and program requirements set forth by the New York State Education Department
• Fulfill grant responsibilities in collaboration with program staff and maintain positive relationships with community partners and funders 
• Network with local organizations who provide supportive services for TLP program participants and whose participants would benefit from TLP services

Fund Development and Financial Management

• Lead fundraising and development efforts in conjunction with the Board of Directors, including grantwriting; maintain and expand individual donor base and funding sources; and work closely TLP’s Crossword Competition event chair
• Submit fiscal reports, budgets, vouchers, and financial documentation in an accurate and timely manner for grant funding
• Work with the Board Treasurer to draft the annual budget, including salary changes, for the board’s approval
• Oversee TLP’s cash flow, income and expenses, budget implementation, and investment of fund balances, in communication with Bookkeeper and Board Treasurer
• Approve and process payroll and process retirement plan contributions
• Schedule and provide documents for annual financial review and ensure that annual federal and state documents are submitted

Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, and supervise TLP staff; provide support for professional growth and execution of position responsibilities
• Convene meetings for sharing program information and other TLP initiatives, as well as team building
• Recommend and set compensation structure for staff and implement personnel policies

Outreach and Community Relations

• Lead efforts to educate community members about TLP, including partner agencies, funders, community leaders, and others
• Ensure that TLP’s website, newsletters, and informational materials are current and reflective of the organization’s mission and work
• Participate in relevant community organizations and committees as a representative of TLP
• Engage staff and volunteers in planning and implementing outreach activities

Collaboration with Board of Directors

• Support and work with Board President and event chairs to develop board meeting agendas, address organizational matters, set strategic planning timeline; and attend to other governance-related activities
• Prepare and distribute board packets prior to meetings
• Collaborate with Board President to orient new board members
• Work closely with board on strategic issues for long-term organizational health

Other 

• Contract with local vendors to oversee maintenance of building and grounds 
• Ensure that technology infrastructure is up to date and functioning effectively; enlist technology support provider as needed

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Skills and Strengths:

• An experienced leader with a high level of competency in overseeing and managing nonprofit operations, including budgeting, financial management, and grant writing and reporting
• A visionary thinker with the ability to inspire others and lead a team in implementing the vision
• A strong and enthusiastic communicator who effectively promotes TLP’s work verbally and in writing
• Proven ability to prioritize while addressing multiple responsibilities and deadlines
• Strong fund development leadership, with significant grant writing and individual donor campaign experience; brings energy and innovation to exploring new funding opportunities
• Maintains a positive and team-oriented culture, building on individual strengths, promoting growth, and celebrating successes
• Seeks opportunities to connect with tutors/volunteers and students
• Reflective, growth-oriented, creative problem solver; addresses challenges with curiosity and openness to collaboratively find sustainable, mission-focused solutions 
• Active participation in statewide adult literacy training, leadership meetings, providing local program management and oversight in coordination with the Program Director/ELL Coordinator and ABE Coordinator
• Demonstrates appreciation for the unique characteristics of adult learners and commitment to student-centered education
• Passionate about working with adult learners and learning from them and their cultural and life experiences
• Models a love of lifelong learning

Education and Experience:

• A minimum of 3-5 years of non-profit leadership or upper-management experience involving substantial financial and organizational management responsibilities
• Experience working in a nonprofit, educational, or social service organization
• A Bachelor’s degree and preferably a Master’s degree in nonprofit management, educational leadership, or a related field
• The ability to work primarily onsite in Ithaca, NY

To Apply
Submit a resume and cover letter to EDSearch@TLPartners.org

Timeline

Applications will be accepted until October 30, 2026 at 5:00 pm. 

Anticipated start date is January 4, 2027.