Philly BOLT, Executive Director

About the Role

Philly BOLT (Build Our Lives Together) seeks a strategic, community-centered Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of growth and impact. This leader will build on the foundation established by the founding Executive Director, strengthening BOLT's model of grassroots and youth leadership development while enhancing financial, organizational, and operational capacity for long-term sustainability.

Responsibilities

• Mission & Community-Centered Strategic Leadership: Champion BOLT's mission, ensure community expertise and voice remain central to decisions, partner with the Board and stakeholders to set strategic priorities, and lead the transition from founder-led leadership.
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Serve as chief fundraiser, develop and execute strategies to grow and diversify revenue, personally cultivate and steward funders, and expand individual giving.
• Financial, Organizational & Operational Leadership: Oversee financial health, build systems for sustainable growth, and use data to guide strategy and manage risk.
• People & Talent Leadership: Build, coach, and retain a mission-aligned team, foster a collaborative culture, and support staff well-being.
• External Leadership, Board Relations, Partnerships & Program Impact: Serve as BOLT's ambassador, cultivate relationships with stakeholders, provide strategic oversight of programs, and strengthen community partnerships.

Priorities

• Navigate the transition from the Founding Executive Director, establishing trust and a shared vision.
• Strengthen financial sustainability through fundraising strategies and donor relationship expansion.
• Build organizational capacity by assessing staffing, clarifying roles, and supporting team culture.
• Establish a strategic growth plan with measurable goals and conditions for expansion.
• Demonstrate and deepen impact by measuring outcomes, elevating community feedback, and building partnerships.

Requirements

• Mission & Community-Centered Leadership: Experience with grassroots or community-led initiatives, commitment to elevating community voice, and building authentic relationships.
• Philadelphia Knowledge & Relationships: Strong knowledge of Philadelphia's neighborhoods and ecosystem, with established local connections.
• Strategic Leadership & Growth: Ability to set vision, establish priorities, and build capacity for sustainable growth; experience leading through growth or change preferred.
• Fundraising & Resource Development: Demonstrated ability to lead fundraising, cultivate relationships, and secure resources; success in raising philanthropic revenue and building donor programs preferred.
• Financial, Organizational & Operational Leadership: Experience overseeing budgets, using financial data, and building effective systems.
• People & Talent Leadership: Experience managing and developing teams with a collaborative, mission-first approach.
• Communication, Influence & Relationship Building: Exceptional ability to build trust, communicate across diverse audiences, and cultivate relationships.
• Technology & Data Proficiency: Proficiency with Google Workspace, advanced skills in Google Sheets, and experience with fundraising/financial systems.
• Relevant Leadership Experience: Senior leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, or mission-driven settings; experience with youth/schools and nonprofit Boards preferred.
• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree and/or 7+ years of nonprofit executive experience; demonstrated leadership capabilities and community relationships valued over traditional credentials.
• Location: Must reside in Philadelphia.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $115,000 - $140,000 and robust benefits, including 100% employer-paid medical coverage and 75% employer-paid dental and vision coverage.