Job description
Our client, a prominent nonprofit organization focused on youth health equity, is searching for a Senior Operations & Advocacy Leader to drive strategic initiatives and policy work throughout Arkansas. The organization’s mission centers on equipping young people with comprehensive, evidence-based health information and positioning youth as active partners and leaders in building healthier communities.
As the second-in-command for this state initiative, you’ll blend strategic vision with operational execution. You’ll manage daily operations, spearhead policy and advocacy efforts at the state level, and cultivate partnerships across multiple sectors in Arkansas.
This position offers a chance to create lasting change in youth health outcomes across Arkansas while leveraging a successful regional framework that centers youth leadership, health equity, and trauma-responsive approaches.
Core Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership & Management
- Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Executive Director for state-related matters
- Collaborate with regional leadership to adapt proven systems and processes for the Arkansas context
- Supervise and manage program staff, contractors, and consultants, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development
- Oversee daily operations to ensure high-quality program delivery and alignment with strategic goals across Arkansas
- Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations applicable to nonprofit operations in Arkansas
Program Oversight & Development
- Build sustainable programs that are responsive to the unique needs of Arkansas youth and communities
- Develop and expand the organization’s program portfolio, adapting evidence-based models to Arkansas communities
- Ensure program data collection, evaluation, and reporting meet organizational and funder standards
- Integrate youth voice, equity principles, and trauma-informed practices into all program design and delivery
- Lead the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, ensuring alignment with community needs and funder requirements
Policy & Advocacy Leadership
- Track, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and policy changes affecting youth health and education
- Advocate for comprehensive approaches to youth health that prioritize access to accurate information and resources
- Build and maintain relationships with Arkansas policymakers, state agencies, and advocacy coalitions
- Equip youth and community partners to engage in policy advocacy through training, resources, and technical assistance
- Lead state-level policy and advocacy initiatives, advancing legislation and policies that promote youth health equity
- Navigate complex political landscapes with strategic communication that resonates across diverse constituencies
Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement
- Develop trusted partnerships in communities that may be skeptical of or resistant to comprehensive health education
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Arkansas-based partners, funders, policymakers, and community leaders
- Engage with schools, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and youth-serving agencies to advance the mission
- Serve as a credible spokesperson who can discuss sensitive topics with authenticity and cultural awareness
- Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, conferences, and policy forums across the state
Fiscal & Resource Management
- Maintain strong stewardship practices with current and prospective funders
- Oversee grant compliance and ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables for Arkansas-based projects
- Collaborate with finance leadership to develop and manage the state budget and financial reporting
- Support fundraising efforts by identifying new funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and engaging donors
Cross-State Coordination
- Participate in multi-state leadership meetings and joint initiatives
- Travel occasionally to Mississippi for coordination meetings and collaborative initiatives
- Share Arkansas insights, trends, and lessons learned to inform regional strategies
- Serve as the Arkansas liaison to regional leadership teams to ensure alignment in brand, strategy, and operational systems
Education & Professional Experience
- Proven experience in policy development, advocacy campaigns, or legislative engagement
- Strong supervisory experience managing diverse teams
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Experience managing staff, budgets, and multi-partner initiatives
- Demonstrated success leading programs in health equity, youth development, public health, education, or related fields
Arkansas Connection & Cultural Competence
- Understanding of the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape youth health conversations in Arkansas
- Deep knowledge of Arkansas’s health, education, policy, and community landscapes
- Must be either native to Arkansas or have significant long-term experience living and working in Arkansas
Youth Health Advocacy Philosophy
- Not adherent to abstinence-only frameworks; must be open to comprehensive approaches to youth health education
- Demonstrated ability to discuss intimate and reproductive health topics professionally and without judgment
- Strong commitment to comprehensive, medically accurate health education for young people
- Belief that young people deserve access to information to make informed decisions about their health and bodies
Leadership & Management Skills
- Ability to balance big-picture strategic thinking with day-to-day operational management
- Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail
- Strong leadership and team management skills with experience supervising 5+ staff members
Communication & Advocacy Skills
Ability to communicate sensitive health topics with clarity, compassion, and cultural awareness
Ability to tailor messaging for different audiences while maintaining core values
Strong public speaking and presentation skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Base Salary: $105k - $115k
Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
Retirement plan with employer contribution
Flexible work arrangements with remote work options
Generous paid time off policy
Paid holidays
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
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California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State-Specific Information:
Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
