Worthington Partnership Jobs

Executive Director

The Worthington Partnership — Worthington, Ohio (Full-time; exempt)

About The Worthington Partnership

The Worthington Partnership is a volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) that enhances the geographic heart of Worthington—hosting community events, supporting local businesses, stewarding the Worthington Farmers Market, leading Experience Worthington (tourism), and advancing sustainability through the Green Team.

Why this role is open

Following a decade of leadership at The Partnership, Annina Parini has been named President & CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce. We are seeking our next Executive Director to build on strong momentum and deepen collaboration with the Chamber and City.

Role Overview

The Executive Director (ED) is the organization’s chief executive and public voice. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED leads strategy, revenue, operations, and stakeholder partnerships; manages staff and a robust volunteer corps; and ensures program excellence across Experience Worthington and the Worthington Farmers Market.

Team You Will Lead

Tourism Director (Experience Worthington) – drives destination marketing, content, and partnerships.
Farmers Market Manager – oversees year-round market operations, vendor relations, compliance, and metrics.
Farmers Market Assistant Manager (part-time) – on-site operations and Market-to-Table fundraiser support.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Governance:
- Partner with a 15-member Board; develop annual plan, budget, and quarterly dashboards; staff key committees.
- Maintain nonprofit compliance, policies, grants, and risk management
Revenue & Fundraising:
- Own a diversified revenue plan (sponsorships, grants, events, donations, earned income).
- Set and meet annual targets (e.g., sponsorship dollars, grant awards, donor retention)
Business & Membership Engagement:
- Serve as liaison to Old Worthington merchants; facilitate monthly merchant meetings and solutions for visibility, foot traffic, and sales conversion
Advocacy & Partnerships:
- Coordinate closely with Worthington Area Chamber on small-business advocacy, workforce/education initiatives, and economic development storytelling.
- Collaborate with City, Schools, Libraries, tourism partners, and civic groups
Marketing & Communications:
- Be the spokesperson and brand steward; align city/Partnership messaging with Experience Worthington campaigns
Events & Program Excellence:
- Oversee signature events, including the Worthington Farmers Market and seasonal activations—ensuring safety, accessibility, and great guest/vendor experience.
People & Culture:
- Lead, coach, and develop staff; recruit and manage high-performing volunteers; uphold inclusive, community-first values.

What Success Looks Like (Sample First-Year KPIs)

Revenue: Meet or exceed annual sponsorship/grant targets; diversify top-line revenue by ≥10%.
Merchant Outcomes: 10–15% average lift in co-op marketing participation; improved merchant satisfaction (annual survey baseline → +10 pts).
Events/Market: Attendance and vendor retention at/above prior year; positive NPS from vendors/attendees.
Tourism: Growth in web sessions, newsletter subs, and partner referrals from Experience Worthington by 10–20%.
Partnerships: Two new multi-year strategic collaborations (e.g., workforce/education, placemaking).

Qualifications

Progressive leadership in nonprofits, chambers, downtown associations, community development, or destination marketing.
Demonstrated success in fundraising/sponsorships, budget ownership, and board relations.
Relationship-builder who communicates with clarity and warmth; strong public presence.
Event and vendor-based program oversight (markets/festivals) a plus.
Data-savvy; comfortable with CRM/email marketing, social, and basic analytics.

Work Conditions

Some evenings/weekends (markets, events, etc.); ability to assist with event setup/teardown (lift/carry up to ~30 lbs).
Valid driver’s license.

Why Join Us

This is a pivotal moment to shape the future of Old Worthington. You will lead an award-winning farmers market, destination marketing for the city, and community events that bring thousands together. You will have the support of an engaged board, a collaborative Chamber, and a community that shows up — and you will see the tangible impact of your work every week in the historic district.

How to Apply

Send a résumé and cover letter to worthingtonpartnership@gmail.com by October 10, 2025. Please include 2–3 examples of results (e.g., sponsorship growth, event metrics, or campaigns) and three references. Rolling review with interviews in early October; target start date as soon as practical.