Executive Director, Unify Akron
About The Position
Unify Akron is a nonpartisan civic initiative that helps Akron residents and local institutions work together to solve shared public problems. Through structured public deliberation and community partnership, we strengthen trust, improve decision-making, and build civic capacity across the city. Unify Akron is part of Unify America’s Democracy League division, and it’s a flagship model for other cities across the country. The Executive Director and local Unify Akron staff are employees of Unify America. Working at Unify Akron means helping to build a new kind of civic infrastructure. This is not advocacy, campaigning, or traditional community engagement. It is ongoing deliberative work that prioritizes credibility, fairness, and impact. A key ingredient is taking residents’ time, experience, and judgment seriously. This is a small, collaborative team. Roles are hands-on, cross-functional, and grounded in partnership with the people and institutions of greater Akron. We value curiosity, humility, follow-through, and the ability to work across differences. The focus of this role is civic leadership, government relations, fundraising, team development, and management. If you are motivated by public purpose and want to help build a healthier democratic culture in Akron, Summit County, and beyond, please apply today. The Executive Director will provide overall leadership for Unify Akron. This role is responsible for stewarding relationships with public officials, funders, and community partners; building a strong internal team; and ensuring that Unify Akron’s work delivers real-world impact and long-term credibility. The Executive Director needs to balance vision with execution — helping Unify Akron grow from a successful initiative into a durable civic institution.
Requirements
- Senior leadership experience in nonprofit, civic, public-sector, community organizing, and/or philanthropic settings
- Demonstrated experience working with elected officials, funders, and community leaders
- Fundraising or resource development experience with successful outcomes
- Strong judgment, political awareness, and commitment to nonpartisanship
- Deep respect for community voice and democratic process
Responsibilities
- Set strategic direction and priorities in partnership with the Unify America national team, the local board of advisors, and core partners
- Lead, support, and, as necessary, hire Unify Akron staff and contractors in collaboration with the Unify America leadership team
- Build internal systems that support clarity, accountability, and learning
- Serve as the primary liaison with local government (e.g., City of Akron, Summit County) and other public institutions
- Establish clear expectations for how resident input is received and responded to
- Protect Unify Akron’s neutrality, independence, and public trust
- Lead revenue strategy across philanthropy, local donors, and institutional partners
- Cultivate long-term funding relationships to support ongoing civic work
- Engage potential local partners interested in democratic or deliberative design for fee-for-service support
- Represent Unify Akron publicly with integrity and clarity
- Build confidence among residents, partners, and decision-makers that this work has value
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401k match up to 5%.
- Internet and phone reimbursement.
- A healthy, appreciative, feedback-driven workplace.
- Flexible, self-managed PTO.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
Education Level
No Education Listed
