Job Description : Executive Director
Location : Indianapolis, Indiana (Hybrid : On-site and Remote)
Reports To : Indy Pride Board of Directors
Employment Type : Full-Time, Exempt
About Indy Pride
Indy Pride, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to celebrating, educating, and supporting the LGBTQ+ community of Central Indiana. Through year-round programming, community outreach, and our annual Indy Pride Parade & Festival, we strive to create safe, affirming spaces for all identities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. We believe in advocacy, inclusivity, and community-building.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of Indy Pride and is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, fiscal management, and day-to-day management of the organization. The ED ensures that the organization fulfills its mission through impactful programs, strategic partnerships, advocacy, and operational excellence. This role requires a dynamic, community-oriented leader with a passion for LGBTQ+ equity and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA).
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Given clear direction from the Board, the Executive shall develop and implement strategic goals and a long-term vision for the organization.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for Indy Pride in the community and with the media.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, allies, civic leaders, and sponsors.
Organizational Management
Oversee daily operations, including any staff, volunteers, programs, and internal systems.Hire, train, manage, and support a diverse and high-performing team.Foster a positive organizational culture rooted in equity, accountability, transparency, and collaboration.Fundraising & Financial Oversight
Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies including grants, sponsorships, donor engagement, and events.Build and sustain a diverse sponsorship portfolio and maintain strong relationships with corporate, foundation, small business, and individual donors.Craft and curate compelling fundraising tools, sponsorship decks, donor appeals, and campaign materials that align with the organization's mission and funding priorities.Manage the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.Provide regular financial and operational updates to the Board of Directors.Pride Festival & Parade Production
Lead the overall planning, logistics, budgeting, and execution of the Indy Pride Festival and Parade — the organization's largest annual events.Oversee all back-end production elements including permitting, site plans, contracts, vendor and talent management, technical logistics, and safety protocols.Coordinate cross-functional teams including staff, volunteers, production partners, and public officials to ensure a seamless, affirming, and safe event.Develop run-of-show documents, production timelines, and contingency plans for weather, emergencies, or other disruptions.Ensure that all events align with the mission, center marginalized voices, and reflect a commitment to accessibility and inclusion.Program Development & Community Engagement
Support and expand year-round programming that centers and uplifts the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities.Expand outreach efforts to underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ community, especially BIPOC, trans, and nonbinary individuals.Measure and evaluate program impact and adjust strategies based on community needs and feedback.Marketing, Communications & Digital Presence
Manage or oversee Indy Pride’s social media platforms, ensuring consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all channels.Create or curate engaging content that reflects the voice, values, and priorities of the organization, especially during key programming and Pride season.Develop and maintain the organization’s website using accessible platforms such as Squarespace or Wix; update content, imagery, and event information regularly.Support brand consistency and basic graphic design needs (flyers, social posts, newsletters) using tools like Canva.Build and execute email marketing campaigns to create engagement and outreach, monitor communication metrics for effectiveness.Serve as a steward of the organization’s public image, ensuring visual and written communications center inclusion, equity, and community representation.Qualifications
Required
Minimum 5 years of proven leadership experience in nonprofit and / or business management, community development, or a related field.Deep understanding of LGBTQ+ communities, history, and social justice issues.Strong skills in fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership.Demonstrated success in fundraising with a proven track record of growth in fast-paced or evolving environments.Experience developing and writing strategic plans, reports, and organizational frameworks, with the ability to provide prior examples upon request.Proven ability to develop, create, and execute a comprehensive programmatic schedule that aligns with mission, growth, and community impact.Demonstrated experience in building and managing a successful, diverse sponsorship and fundraising program.Experience planning and managing large-scale public events or festivals.Prior experience in event production and / or event management, with a strong understanding of backend operations such as logistics, technical needs, vendor coordination, permitting, and run-of-show execution.Over 10 years of experience in customer and stakeholder relationship-building, with an emphasis on strategic engagement and long-term partnerships.Experience in executing and negotiating contracts, including with vendors, talent, and sponsors.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Google Drive, and managing / tracking customer or stakeholder relationship information.Experience managing organizational social media accounts and creating engaging mission-aligned content.Familiarity with website management platforms (e.g., Squarespace, Wix) and comfort with updating content and imagery.Basic graphic design skills and experience using tools like Canva or Adobe Express to support branding and communications.Experience building and executing email marketing campaigns and tracking engagement metrics.Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.Demonstrated commitment to DEIA values in both internal operations and public programming.Preferred
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nonprofit and / or business management, public administration, finance, or a related field.Leadership or staff experience in LGBTQ+ organizations; Pride event involvement strongly preferred.Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range
$85,000 – $110,000, or commensurate with experienceYearly health insurance stipendPaid time off and holidaysFlexible work schedule with hybrid on-site / remote optionsTo Apply
Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your passion for Indy Pride’s mission, and three professional references toApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.Indy Pride is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. Individuals from historically marginalized groups — including but not limited to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC); trans and nonbinary people; and individuals with disabilities — are strongly encouraged to apply.
