Deputy Director - Nonprofit Youth Health

A leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing youth health equity is seeking an experienced Deputy Director to lead strategic operations and policy advocacy in Arkansas. This organization is committed to ensuring that young people have access to comprehensive, medically accurate information about their health and bodies, empowering youth as partners and leaders in creating healthier communities.

The Deputy Director serves as the second-in-command of the state initiative, combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This role oversees day-to-day operations, leads state-level policy and advocacy initiatives, and builds cross-sector partnerships across Arkansas.

This is an opportunity to make a transformational impact on youth health outcomes in Arkansas while working with a proven regional model that emphasizes youth voice, health equity, and trauma-informed practices.

Key Responsibilities

Organizational Leadership & Management

• Oversee daily operations to ensure high-quality program delivery and alignment with strategic goals across Arkansas
• Supervise and manage program staff, contractors, and consultants, providing leadership, coaching, and professional development
• Serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Executive Director for state-related matters
• Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations applicable to nonprofit operations in Arkansas
• Collaborate with regional leadership to adapt proven systems and processes for the Arkansas context

Program Oversight & Development

• Lead the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs, ensuring alignment with community needs and funder requirements
• Develop and expand the organization's program portfolio, adapting evidence-based models to Arkansas communities
• Integrate youth voice, equity principles, and trauma-informed practices into all program design and delivery
• Ensure program data collection, evaluation, and reporting meet organizational and funder standards
• Build sustainable programs that are responsive to the unique needs of Arkansas youth and communities

Policy & Advocacy Leadership

• Lead state-level policy and advocacy initiatives, advancing legislation and policies that promote youth health equity
• Build and maintain relationships with Arkansas policymakers, state agencies, and advocacy coalitions
• Track, analyze, and respond to proposed legislation and policy changes affecting youth health and education
• Equip youth and community partners to engage in policy advocacy through training, resources, and technical assistance
• Navigate complex political landscapes with strategic communication that resonates across diverse constituencies
• Advocate for comprehensive approaches to youth health that prioritize access to accurate information and resources

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Arkansas-based partners, funders, policymakers, and community leaders
• Represent the organization at community events, coalitions, conferences, and policy forums across the state
• Engage with schools, healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and youth-serving agencies to advance the mission
• Develop trusted partnerships in communities that may be skeptical of or resistant to comprehensive health education
• Serve as a credible spokesperson who can discuss sensitive topics with authenticity and cultural awareness

Fiscal & Resource Management

• Collaborate with finance leadership to develop and manage the state budget and financial reporting
• Oversee grant compliance and ensure timely submission of reports and deliverables for Arkansas-based projects
• Support fundraising efforts by identifying new funding opportunities, contributing to proposal development, and engaging donors
• Maintain strong stewardship practices with current and prospective funders

Cross-State Coordination

• Serve as the Arkansas liaison to regional leadership teams to ensure alignment in brand, strategy, and operational systems
• Participate in multi-state leadership meetings and joint initiatives
• Share Arkansas insights, trends, and lessons learned to inform regional strategies
• Travel occasionally to Mississippi for coordination meetings and collaborative initiatives

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Professional Experience

• Bachelor's degree required
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive nonprofit leadership experience, with at least 3 years in a senior management role
• Proven experience in policy development, advocacy campaigns, or legislative engagement
• Demonstrated success leading programs in health equity, youth development, public health, education, or related fields
• Experience managing staff, budgets, and multi-partner initiatives
• Strong supervisory experience managing diverse teams

Arkansas Connection & Cultural Competence

• Must be either native to Arkansas or have significant long-term experience living and working in Arkansas
• Deep knowledge of Arkansas's health, education, policy, and community landscapes
• Understanding of the cultural, political, and social dynamics that shape youth health conversations in Arkansas

Youth Health Advocacy Philosophy

• Strong commitment to comprehensive, medically accurate health education for young people
• Belief that young people deserve access to information to make informed decisions about their health and bodies
• Demonstrated ability to discuss intimate and reproductive health topics professionally and without judgment
• Not adherent to abstinence-only frameworks; must be open to comprehensive approaches to youth health education

Leadership & Management Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills with experience supervising 5+ staff members
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Ability to balance big-picture strategic thinking with day-to-day operational management

Communication & Advocacy Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate sensitive health topics with clarity, compassion, and cultural awareness
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to tailor messaging for different audiences while maintaining core values

Benefits

• Base Salary: $105k - $115k
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Flexible work arrangements with remote work options
• Generous paid time off policy
• Paid holidays

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