Cascade Locks Park Association seeks a mission-driven and experienced leader skilled in successfully executing plans and empowering staff and volunteers. This position is based at the Mustill Store Museum in Akron, with management responsibility for creating an impactful organization. The Mustill Store is open seasonally, from April through October.

Executive Director Cascade Locks Park Association (CLPA) Posted September 2025

The Executive Director is a part-time, salaried position that reports to the Cascade Locks Park Association Board of Directors. This impactful leadership position is responsible for overseeing the administration, programming, finances, and strategic planning of the organization. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about leading operations, fostering growth, and developing and managing Mustill programs. The Executive Director oversees other part-time employees.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, manage, and guide the organization to attain continued organizational growth, success,and optimal mission impact for CLPA

• Provide leadership in developing programming, organizational leadership, and financial planning and sustainability

• Oversee general management duties that include the day-to-day operations of the organization and ensure its overall successful long-term operations

• Provide thoughtful executive leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering

• Foster a collaborative working environment

• Drive development and fundraising, leveraging the Board as needed

• Establish goals, objectives, strategic and operational plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors and staff

• Manage and create partnerships and relationships with external organizations and supporters and attend community events. This includes (but is not limited to): City of Akron, County of Summit, Summit Metro Parks, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, The Knight Foundation, Akron Garden Club, Open Tone Music, Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival, Akron Community Foundation, Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau (ASCVB), local artists, and others

• Oversee and report on the results of the above to the Board of Directors

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate for this role embraces servant-leadership as well as a thoughtful approach to day-to-day operational management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership.

Qualified candidates should bring:

• Deep passion for serving the Akron community and the organization

• Demonstrated success in expanding organizational capacity and increasing programmatic impact

• Expertise in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen organizational operations

• Extensive experience in fiscal management, including budget development and securing Board approval

• Strong enthusiasm for innovative program development and advancing organizational funding

• Skilled in evaluating current programs and structures to recommend impactful improvements

• Proven ability to lead and influence organizations toward sustained, positive growth

• Proficient in setting and driving clear, measurable business goals

• Committed to fostering a culture of accountability, inclusivity, and strong collaboration among staff, volunteers, and partners

• Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to engage effectively with community members, partners, and volunteers

• Familiarity with small business/organization IT and social media.

• Event planning oversight

• Physically able to lift up to 25 pounds

COMPENSATION AND EXPECTATIONS:

This wonderful opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact, leading and growing an impactful nonprofit. This opportunity offers an atmosphere that is both positive and rewarding. Starting compensation is $22,100 annually with hybrid and personal-time-off flexibility, especially during the offseason. This position may be eligible for a discretionary, performance-based bonus, subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Annualized, hourly commitment is 20 hours per week.

HOW TO APPLY:

For immediate consideration, please send your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements in PDF format to Vish Bhatt, vbhatt22@gmail.com with subject line "CLPA Executive Director – [insert your name]”

Review of applications, nominations, and expressions of interest will begin immediately and continue on a confidential basis until an appointment is made.