For more than five decades, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center (MLK Center) has stood as a cornerstone of hope, service, and community empowerment in Erie, Pennsylvania. Operated by Bayfront NATO, Inc., the MLK Center is a dynamic, mission-driven nonprofit that improves the quality of life for Erie's most vulnerable residents — delivering a continuum of care that reaches from infancy to senior living.
The Center's programs span early childhood education, youth development, affordable senior housing, food security, health and family support services, and vibrant cultural initiatives including dance lessons through the Erie Dance Theater. The MLK Center is more than a service provider — it is the heartbeat of its community, a place where neighbors become family and potential becomes reality.
The Opportunity
On behalf of our client, the MLK Center's Board of Directors, located in Erie, PA, Decision Associates is conducting a national search for their next Executive Director. This visionary, community-centered leader will guide the organization into its next chapter. This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to lead one of Erie's most respected institutions at a pivotal moment — one rich with possibility for growth, innovation, and deepened community impact.
Position Overview
Reporting directly to the Board President, the Executive Director will serve as the chief executive officer of the MLK Center, providing strategic leadership, operational oversight, and community representation for the organization and all of its programs.
The Executive Director will be the face and voice of the MLK Center — a relationship-builder, a bold fundraiser, and an inspiring presence in the community. This leader will champion the mission, steward the organization's financial health, energize its staff and board, and chart a forward-thinking course that honors the MLK Center's legacy while embracing its future.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Operations: Implement and monitor long-term strategic plans in partnership with the Board; oversee all day-to-day operations to ensure the highest quality experience for participants, staff, and community members.
- Fundraising & Development: Lead the organization's development efforts, cultivating and securing funding from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources; identify grants and coordinate with city, county, and regional agencies.
- Community & Partnership Building: Serve as the primary community ambassador; cultivate strategic partnerships with neighborhood organizations, government, and multicultural groups to maximize the Center's reach and impact.
- Program Development: Partner with the Board and staff to design, implement, and evaluate exceptional programming that meets community needs — from early childhood education and youth services to neighborhood cultural enrichment.
- Financial Management: Develop and oversee the annual budget; maintain rigorous financial controls; present timely, accurate financial reporting to the Board.
- Staff Leadership: Recruit, mentor, and inspire a dedicated team; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and mission-driven service.
- Board Governance: Partner closely with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, effective communication, and strategic alignment; support Board development and committee initiatives.
Who We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring professional expertise paired with genuine passion for community service. We seek a leader of character — patient, giving, visionary, and unafraid to advocate boldly on behalf of the community.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or higher preferred (liberal arts, education, business management, or related field)
- Minimum 10 years of progressive mid- and senior-level organizational management experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant writing, and securing contributed revenue from diverse funding sources
- Proven ability in fiscal management, including budgeting, financial reporting, and stewardship of organizational resources
- Experience in program development, strategic planning, and community partnership building
- Strong public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency in standard business software (Excel, budgeting tools, Microsoft Office suite)
- A track record of leading teams with integrity, enthusiasm, and a results-oriented mindset
- Deep commitment to the communities served — youth, families, seniors, and underserved populations
Why Lead the MLK Center?
- Lead a mission-driven organization with a 50+ year legacy of transforming lives in Erie
- Work alongside a passionate, long-tenured staff and an engaged, supportive Board of Directors
- Shape the future of comprehensive community programming — from early childhood through senior services
- Make a visible, meaningful impact in the Bayfront neighborhood and across the city of Erie
- Join a community that values your leadership and is eager for your vision
Benefits
- Dental
- Life Insurance
- PTO
- Retirement
The MLK Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Top Skills
What We Do
Based in Erie, Pa., Decision Associates is the region’s preferred business consulting group. Our core services include strategy, succession, marketing, sales, executive recruitment and organizational development. Decision Associates' executive consultants bring decades of front-line experience to every project. Working with both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, we challenge our clients to “best in class” performance in their respective industries.
