ABOUT US
Sumter Youth Center has served our community for over 30 years, providing a safe and nurturing environment for young people to grow, learn, and thrive. We operate two youth center locations dedicated to programs that strengthen youth and families — supported in part by the revenue generated through our community thrift store. As our founding Executive Director transitions into a well-earned retirement, we are seeking a passionate, mission-driven leader to carry this legacy forward.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Executive Director serves as the chief executive of Sumter Youth Center, providing strategic, operational, and financial leadership across all three sites:Two youth center locations and the affiliated thrift store. This individual is the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and organizational staff, and is responsible for ensuring that every program, partnership, and dollar spent advances the mission of serving young people and the broader community.
This is a highly visible community-facing role that requires equal measures of heart and operational discipline — someone equally comfortable speaking at a community event, coaching a department manager, reviewing a budget, or writing a grant application.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership
- Provide visionary leadership aligned with the organization’s mission, values, and strategic goals
- Serve as the primary point of accountability to the Board of Directors; prepare and present regular reports on operations, finances, and program outcomes
- Foster a positive, mission-centered organizational culture across all locations and departments
- Lead long-term strategic planning in partnership with the Board
Staff Management & Scheduling
- Hire, supervise, develop, and evaluate all direct reports including location managers and thrift store management
- Oversee staff scheduling and ensure adequate coverage across youth center locations and the thrift store
- Build and maintain a culture of accountability, professional development, and employee retention
- Ensure all staff working with youth hold current required certifications (background checks, first aid, etc.)
Youth Center Program Oversight
- Oversee the design, delivery, and evaluation of all youth programs across both center locations
- Ensure programs are age-appropriate, outcome-driven, and consistent with best practices in youth development
- Maintain a safe, welcoming environment for all youth and families served
- Track and report program participation, outcomes, and impact metrics
Thrift Store Operations
- Provide strategic oversight of the thrift store as a revenue-generating social enterprise that directly funds youth programming
- Partner with thrift store management on inventory, merchandising, customer experience, and retail operations
- Monitor thrift store financial performance and ensure revenue goals are met
- Leverage retail operations experience to identify opportunities for growth and improved efficiency
Financial Management
- Develop and manage the annual organizational budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer
- Maintain financial health through sound stewardship, cash flow management, and fiscal controls
- Utilize accounting software to oversee payroll, accounts payable/receivable, and financial reporting
- Prepare and present accurate financial reports to the Board on a regular basis
Fundraising, Grant Writing & Development
- Lead all fundraising strategy and execution, including individual donor cultivation, special events, and annual campaigns
- Identify, write, and manage grant applications; ensure all grant reporting and compliance requirements are met on time
- Maintain and grow relationships with donors, foundations, and funding partners
- Develop a diversified funding model to reduce dependence on any single revenue source
Community Relations & Partnerships
- Serve as the primary public face and spokesperson for Sumter Youth center in the community
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, government agencies, schools, and community leaders
- Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, and public forums
- Leverage existing community connections to advance organizational visibility, partnerships, and funding
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to represent the organization with professionalism and warmth in public settings and in one-on-one settings
- Most importantly, a love for children and the community
- Progressive leadership experience in a nonprofit, community organization, or mission-driven environment
- Demonstrated history of active, meaningful community involvement and established local/regional business and civic connections
- Prior experience working with children and youth programs
- Multi- management experience, which includes retail and staff management or a strong comfort overseeing operations
- Proficiency with accounting software; experience managing organizational payroll, budgeting, and financial reporting
- Proven track record in fundraising — from campaign planning and execution through donor stewardship
- Grant writing experience, including grant management, compliance tracking, and funder reporting
Preferred
- Experience leading a multi-site organization
- Retail experience a plus
- Familiarity with outcome measurement frameworks and program evaluation
- Experience with volunteer recruitment and management
- Bilingual abilities a plus
WHAT WE OFFER
- The opportunity to lead a beloved, community-rooted organization with a 30-year legacy
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- A collaborative, mission-driven team and a Board that is deeply invested in organizational success
- The chance to shape the next chapter of an organization that changes lives every day
HOW TO APPLY AND WHAT TO EXPECT
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Cover letter describing your connection to the mission and relevant experience
- Current resume
- Three professional references
Expect to be background checked, finger-printed and drug tested.
There will be a minimum of 2 interviews, and final board approval is required for the right candidate.
Pay: From $50,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
