Fostering Hope Seeks its’ next Chief Executive Officer
For more than two decades, Fostering Hope has been a lifeline of joy, connection, and belonging for children and youth living in foster care and residential treatment. Rooted in the belief that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and loved, Fostering Hope transforms care experiences through creative programming that nurtures well-being, self-expression, and healing. As the organization continues to expand its reach and deepen its impact, the Board of Directors seeks a compassionate and strategic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead its next chapter of growth.
This is a hands-on, mission-driven leadership opportunity for a visionary who thrives in both strategy and action; someone who can inspire generosity, strengthen partnerships, and guide a talented team in advancing Fostering Hope’s mission. The next CEO will bring business acumen, fundraising leadership, and heart, serving as both the organization’s chief ambassador and its chief architect for sustainable growth.
ABOUT FOSTERING HOPE
Fostering Hope is dedicated to enriching the lives of youth in foster care and residential treatment across Northeast Ohio. We go beyond advocacy—creating uplifting, trauma-informed programs and experiences that spark joy, restore dignity, and nurture resilience in young people navigating instability and transitions. Too often, these young people face instability and loss, but through our programs we help them discover the joy of being seen, valued, and celebrated.
Grounded in research on healing and belonging, we bring mindfulness and yoga to support emotional regulation, art and gardening to spark creativity and growth, and literacy activities that encourage imagination and self-expression. Fostering Hope also ensures children don’t miss out on the simple joys of childhood through our Journey Bags, Birthday Boxes, and Birthday Wishes programs. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to nurture self-confidence and provide moments of calm, wonder, and possibility.
Since 2013, Fostering Hope has empowered over 9,000 children facing the disruption of the foster care or residential treatment system. Through programs like Journey Bags, Birthday Boxes, and trauma-informed wellness activities, we deliver moments of comfort, celebration, and healing—helping youth rebuild confidence, emotional resilience, and a sense of belonging during some of life's most challenging transitions.
By partnering closely with caregivers, residential providers, and community volunteers, we create safe, joyful spaces where young people can breathe easier, explore their potential, and experience what it means to belong. Across Northeast Ohio, Fostering Hope is planting seeds of healing that grow into stronger futures for children and teens who deserve every chance to thrive.
WHY JOIN US — FOSTERING HOPE
Change the trajectory of a child’s life.
Fostering Hope serves youth in foster care and residential treatment with trauma-informed programs that nurture self-confidence, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging. From mindfulness and yoga to art, gardening, and literacy (our new Stories of Hope initiative), we create consistent, healing experiences that help kids feel seen, supported, and capable.
Lead a growing, values-driven organization.
You’ll inherit committed staff, engaged partners, and a board eager to invest in the next phase of growth. The organization has recently completed a stabilization and restructuring process under the leadership of an interim turnaround executive. With a solid foundation now in place, the CEO will guide Fostering Hope into its next chapter—marked by intentional, strategic growth and deepened community impact.
Build sustainable impact, not just programs.
Fostering Hope pairs heart with rigor—embedding social emotional learning (SEL) frameworks, trauma-informed practice, and outcomes measurement across initiatives. You’ll champion data-informed learning to improve quality, demonstrate impact, and earn the trust of donors and partners.
Be the face of a hopeful movement.
Fostering Hope’s work resonates with volunteers, educators, clinicians, and donors. As our chief ambassador, you’ll tell a powerful story—one that inspires philanthropy, sparks partnerships, and elevates community awareness around the needs and strengths of youth in care.
Work with people who care deeply.
Our culture is collaborative, mission-anchored, and youth-first. We celebrate curiosity, humility, accountability, and the small wins that add up to life-changing outcomes.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the strategic and operational leader of Fostering Hope. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for advancing mission and impact; ensuring organizational excellence; strengthening and diversifying revenue; and serving as a visible, trusted voice for youth in foster care and residential treatment.
The CEO will succeed an interim turnaround leader who has guided Fostering Hope through a period of stabilization and restructuring. With this foundation in place, the next CEO will focus on leading the organization through intentional and strategic growth, ensuring programs reach more youth while maintaining operational excellence and organizational health.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision & Strategy: Lead a shared, multi‑year strategy that aligns programs, partnerships, staffing, and budget with measurable outcomes. Translate strategic priorities into annual goals, key performance indicators, and dashboards.
Revenue & Financial Stewardship: Serve as chief fundraising officer with the Board and Development team to grow major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, and events. Develop annual and multi‑year budgets; manage cash flow and reserves; ensure strong financial controls and reporting.
External Relations & Advocacy: Act as primary ambassador with donors, partners, media, and civic leaders. Elevate community awareness and advocacy for youth in care.
Organizational Management: Build, coach, and retain a high‑performing team; clarify roles, goals, and accountability. Continue to build upon strong operational systems (finance, HR, tech, compliance) for scale and consistency.
Program Excellence & Impact: Ensure program quality aligned to trauma‑informed and social emotional learning (SEL) best practices. Oversee evaluation, learning cycles, and continuous improvement.
Board Partnership & Governance: Engage the Board through clear goals, timely reporting, and strategic decision‑making. Support board recruitment, development, and effective committees.
Culture, Equity & Belonging: Model youth‑first, trauma‑informed leadership; foster psychological safety and inclusion. Embed values and diversity, equity and belonging practices across hiring, management, and programs.
Risk Management & Compliance: Ensure organizational compliance with applicable laws, contracts, and policies. Maintain appropriate insurance, safeguarding practices, and crisis protocols.
FIRST 12–18 MONTHS: PRIORITY OUTCOMES
Secure funding & launch the next 3‑year strategic plan with phased program growth and resourcing.
Grow & diversify revenue with clear pipelines (individual/major gifts, grants, corporate, events) and board engagement.
Strengthen program quality & evaluation across mindfulness/yoga, art, gardening, and Stories of Hope literacy.
Build team capacity—defined org chart, professional development plans, performance management, and healthy, trauma‑aware culture.
Elevate visibility with compelling storytelling, brand consistency, and strategic partnerships.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
Work closely with the Board to establish clear SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-Specific) goals within the first 60 days.
Quarterly strategy dashboard shows progress against plan; course‑corrections documented.
Year‑over‑year revenue growth and increased multi‑year commitments.
Documented program outcomes and stories that translate to funding and advocacy.
High staff engagement and retention; strong board participation in governance and fundraising.
Recognized public voice for youth in foster care and residential treatment in Northeast Ohio.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will be a mission-driven, hands-on leader who brings both strategic vision and operational discipline. They will be energized by growth, grounded in financial and organizational stewardship, and passionate about cultivating relationships that sustain and strengthen the mission.
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Strategic & Integrated Thinker: Sees the big picture and can design practical, phased plans that balance long-term vision with near-term results. Approaches growth and change with curiosity, data, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Financially Savvy & Business-Minded: Brings strong financial acumen and comfort with budgets, forecasts, and data-driven decision-making. Understands how to align resources with strategy, analyze financial performance, and ensure sustainability during periods of growth.
Chief Fundraising Officer Mindset: Embraces fundraising as a core leadership responsibility. Demonstrates success in cultivating individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations, while inspiring others—board, staff, and volunteers—to engage in resource development with confidence and enthusiasm.
Relationship Builder & Storyteller: Builds authentic, lasting relationships with donors, partners, and community stakeholders. Communicates the mission with clarity, warmth, and purpose, using storytelling and data to inspire investment and trust.
People-Centered Manager: Leads with empathy, transparency, and accountability. Coaches and develops high-performing teams, creating a culture of belonging, collaboration, and shared ownership of outcomes.
Collaborative Board Partner: Values and nurtures the active engagement of the Board of Directors. Communicates consistently and clearly, ensuring alignment around strategy, finances, and fundraising priorities. Welcomes board partnership as a cornerstone of organizational success.
Data-Informed Operator: Uses metrics, learning cycles, and reflection to guide decisions. Balances the human side of leadership with evidence-based management and operational rigor.
Values-Driven & Resilient: Models humility, integrity, adaptability, and optimism. Leads by example, stays grounded under pressure, and approaches challenges with resourcefulness and a growth mindset.
Hands-On & Energetic Leader: Comfortable rolling up their sleeves to advance the work. Balances strategic leadership with direct engagement—whether meeting donors, supporting staff, or representing the organization in the community.
Sector Knowledge and Community Engagement: Brings familiarity with youth development, foster care, behavioral health, or trauma-informed practice. Comfortable serving as a visible community leader with strong public speaking and media presence.
Education and Experience: Holds an advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, business, social work, education, or a related field—or brings equivalent professional experience demonstrating the competencies above.
At Fostering Hope, we recognize that candidates bring a range of lived experiences and transferable skills. If you believe you can excel in this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every qualification.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES
Strategic & Systems Thinker: Sees the big picture and connects the dots between mission, programs, and impact. Balances long-term vision with practical, phased implementation—moving seamlessly between strategy and action.
Hands-On & Grounded Leader: Brings a roll-up-your-sleeves approach to leadership. Actively participates in the work, modeling accountability and collaboration. Comfortable being in the field, troubleshooting challenges, and helping staff get the job done.
Relationship Builder & Storyteller: Builds authentic relationships with staff, partners, donors, and community stakeholders. Communicates with clarity and heart, using stories and data to inspire trust and investment.
People-Centered Manager: Leads with empathy, curiosity, and candor. Coaches and develops staff while maintaining clear expectations and accountability. Creates a culture of respect, belonging, and shared success.
Data-Informed Operator: Uses data and learning cycles to guide decisions and adapt strategy. Balances evidence with insight, ensuring that programs remain both measurable and meaningful.
Values-Driven & Resilient: Models humility, integrity, and adaptability. Approaches challenges with composure and optimism, staying grounded in organizational values while navigating change.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation: The anticipated hiring range for this position is $125,000–$135,000, commensurate with experience and internal equity. Fostering Hope maintains a structured salary band for this role, with room for future growth based on performance, scope, and organizational capacity.
Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision stipend to offset health coverage costs.
Retirement plan
Generous PTO and paid holidays, including additional wellness days to recharge throughout the year.
Cell phone stipend and mileage reimbursement for work-related travel.
Flexible work schedule that supports work-life balance.
APPLICATION PROCESS & TIMELINE
To Apply: Please submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter describing your interest and relevant experience to office@fosteringhopeohio.org. Optional: include a brief example (1–2 paragraphs) of a fundraising or partnership success you led and what you learned.
Offer of employment contingent upon successful completion of standard background screening, consistent with applicable laws.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
Fostering Hope is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities.
