Position 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) serves as the chief executive officer of Indy Pride and provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, fiscal oversight, and day-to-day management of the organization. The ED ensures Indy Pride fulfills its mission through impactful programs, strong 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 and Strategy

• Develop and implement strategic goals and long-term vision in alignment with Board direction.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for Indy Pride.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations, allies, civic leaders, and sponsors.

Organizational Management

• Oversee daily operations, including staff, volunteers, programs, and systems.

• Hire, train, and support a diverse, high-performing team.

• Foster a culture of equity, accountability, transparency, and collaboration.

Fundraising and Financial Oversight

• Lead comprehensive fundraising strategies (grants, sponsorships, donors, events).

• Build and sustain a diverse sponsorship portfolio and donor relationships.

• Manage the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

• Provide regular financial and operational updates to the Board.

Pride Festival and Parade Production

• Direct planning, logistics, budgeting, and execution of the annual Pride Festival & Parade.

• Oversee permits, contracts, vendors, talent, technical logistics, and safety.

• Coordinate staff, volunteers, partners, and public officials to ensure a seamless and safe event.

• Ensure events center marginalized voices and reflect accessibility and inclusion.

Program Development and Community Engagement

• Expand year-round programming that uplifts the full LGBTQ+ spectrum.

• Strengthen outreach to underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, trans, and nonbinary individuals.

• Measure and evaluate program impact based on community needs and feedback.

Marketing, Communications, and Digital Presence

• Manage social media and ensure mission-aligned messaging.

• Maintain and update the website (Squarespace/Wix) and digital content.

• Support brand consistency and basic graphic design (Canva, Adobe Express).

• Build email marketing campaigns and monitor engagement.

• Serve as steward of Indy Pride’s public image.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of proven leadership in nonprofit/business management, community development, or related field.

• Deep understanding of LGBTQ+ communities, history, and social justice issues.

• Strong skills in fundraising, strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational leadership.

• Demonstrated fundraising success in dynamic or evolving environments.

• Experience developing strategic plans, reports, and organizational frameworks.

• Proven ability to plan and manage large-scale public events or festivals.

• Experience with sponsorship, donor development, and contract negotiation.

• Over 10 years in customer and stakeholder relationship-building.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and CRM tools.

• Experience in social media management, website updates, and digital marketing.

• Basic graphic design skills (Canva or Adobe Express).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Commitment to DEIA values in operations and programming.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, public administration, or related field.

• Leadership or staff experience in LGBTQ+ organizations; Pride event involvement strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary: $85,000 – $110,000 (commensurate with experience)

• Yearly health insurance stipend

• Paid time off and holidays

• Flexible hybrid schedule (on-site and remote)

Equal Opportunity Employment

Indy Pride is 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.