Summary

The Center’s CEO must be passionate about serving the LGBTQ+ community. This passion will resonate throughout the Board, staff, volunteers and donors, allowing the CEO to tap into the strengths and talents of many. The CEO will possess strong interpersonal skills and interact with diverse groups of people.

Description

The Center’s Mission: To engage, empower, enrich, and advance the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community of Colorado.

The Center on Colfax is more than a physical space—it’s community, connection, and hope for LGBTQ+ people throughout the Rocky Mountain Region. At The Center, we are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where everyone feels engaged, empowered, and enriched. Guided by our nonprofit mission, we aim to uplift Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community and embrace opportunities for a better tomorrow.

With a proud legacy spanning nearly 50 years, The Center is a cornerstone for over 52,000 annual visitors who attend our regular programming. As the third oldest LGBTQ+ community center in the U.S.—and the largest within 600 miles—we are proud of our history of driving meaningful change and building community. From supporting initiatives and combatting discrimination to hosting Denver’s annual PrideFest, which welcomes over 500,000 attendees, The Center is a hub for celebration, advocacy, and progress.

Now, we’re ready to embark on our next chapter. The Center’s Board of Directors is searching for a dynamic leader to honor our rich and resilient history while envisioning an even brighter future. This is your chance to leverage our strong foundation, innovate our programming and partnerships, and shape sustainable
success for years to come.

If you’re an energetic leader ready to inform our next exciting chapter and leave a lasting legacy, The Center on Colfax is ready for you. With a talented staff, dedicated Board, and energized community, you’ll have the tools to lead boldly, grow strategically, and inspire deeply. Together, let’s build a brighter future for Colorado’s LGBTQ+ community!

Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership

· Develop and implement The Center’s strategic plan in a focused and results-oriented manner.

· Serve as The Center’s spokesperson, representing The Center with a great deal of diplomacy.

· Cultivate and develop new relationships with leaders of local and statewide organizations. The CEO will represent The Center in various coalitions that support its mission.

· Work with the communications and marketing team in developing campaigns that communicate The Center’s vision, work, and community impact. With communications and marketing acumen, the CEO will ensure that The Center’s image is presented with the utmost professionalism.

Management

The CEO will have strategic oversite over the day-to-day happenings and staff at The Center while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

· Inspire, motivate, and engage a staff of 19 (full and part-time) as well as project consultants and key volunteers; ensure strong internal communication and accountability.

· Cultivate a creative and productive work environment and hold staff accountable to specific work plan metrics.

· Oversee all aspects of daily activities, including strategic planning, program development, finances, fundraising and development, and communications and marketing to ensure progress toward strategic goals.

· Together with the VP of Finance & Administration, develop ways to creatively utilize the facility, maintain its appearance and function, and ensure that it continually operates optimally.

· Work closely with the Board of Directors, keeping Board members informed on the status of the organization and aware of any issues requiring their attention.

Financial Stewardship

The CEO, working with the Board of Directors, has ultimate financial responsibility for The Center and must ensure good financial practices.

· Develop annual budgets and maintain costs in accordance with revenue to ensure long-term and sustainable programming and general operations.

· Participate in and review financial forecasting; support the VP of Finance & Administration in presenting financials to the Board.

· Oversee the management of financial resources, ensuring The Center’s fiscal stability and long-term viability.

Fundraising & Development

The CEO creates a culture of philanthropy within the organization, including the participation of staff, Board members, and volunteers.

· Lead the staff and Board in furthering a diversified fundraising program including corporate sponsorship, individual donors, grants,
significant special events, earned income, planned giving, and more.

· Cultivate new major donors and develop ongoing relationships with the current donor base.

· Oversee all aspects of the management and production of Denver PrideFest, the largest celebration of LGBTQ+ pride in the Rocky Mountain Region. Denver Pride is a 2-day festival including a parade and a 5K race.

Programming

The CEO understands and responds to changes in the LGBTQ+ community by guiding appropriate programming including general services, the LGBTQ+ History Project, RANGE Education, the Disability Program, West of 50, Rainbow Alley, Saga, Glass Lawler Mental Health, the Transgender Program, and more.

· Lead the development and enhancement of programs that address needs in the LGBTQ+ community.

· Support program development from the conceptual state to full implementation and review.

· Support staff in leveraging resources and delivering programs that are stimulating and educational and contribute to the development of the “wholeperson”. Support the management, training, and capacity building for the 500-strong volunteer program, including volunteers needed for Denver PrideFest.

Qualifications:

· Master’s degree in business, nonprofit management, public administration, or related area (equivalent experience will be considered)

· Minimum of 10 years of successful senior management experience, including supervision of professionals (high-level management experience such as CEO, ED, COO is preferred)

· Previous involvement or support of nonprofits in the LGBTQ+ community

· Experience mentoring and supporting leadership at multiple levels; experience with personnel issues including responsibility for hiring, terminating and
coaching/mentoring senior staff

· Successful track record of collaboration with nonprofit boards, community members and agencies, and executive staff; experience building trust-based relationships with external partners

· Experience in program management and development to meet changing community demographics and needs

· Diversified fundraising and development experience, including foundations, corporate sponsorships, donor relations, membership, special events, earned income, and grants; proven experience in securing sustainable funding

· Proven experience leading fiscal management efforts; experience with the oversight of a substantial budget with full accountability for results

· Strong communication skills, including public speaking, media relations, public policy, and written communications (experience with issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community preferable)

· Technologically savvy (Microsoft Suite, Email/Internet, Donor CRM/Database, etc.) and strong administrative skills are essential

The ideal candidate is confident in their abilities and eager to further develop their leadership and managerial skills. They will demonstrate their eagerness to assume a community
leadership position and have experience working with people from diverse backgrounds. They will be creative, have a can-do attitude, and be resourceful in how they tackle their
work. They will have the ability to assess the current condition of the organization, analyze the information, and bring it all together to create a vibrant vision for The Center.

Key Characteristics:

· Projects personal presence and professionalism

· Exhibits enthusiasm, passion,and ownership for the work and the organization

· Works with high ethical standards and integrity

· Treats all individuals with respect and appreciation, celebrating diversity

· Conducts themselves with emotional maturity

· Demonstrates courage and takes appropriate risks

· Has strong work ethic and commitment to high performance

· Is adaptable and flexible; works constructively under pressure; responds resourcefully and positively to change and ambiguity

· Manages stress effectively and maintains personal life balance

· Has a strong personal vision; focuses on possibilities and opportunities, demonstrating persistence and resilience

Working Conditions:

· Occasional evening and weekend work required. Work in a loud, fast-paced, and continually evolving professional environment.

· May work in outside areas.

· Occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. with reasonable accommodation.

· Frequent giving, receiving, and analyzing of information. Frequent talking, writing, walking, standing, bending and stooping.

· Frequent use of computers, standard office equipment, and Microsoft Office software on PCs.

· May involve some travel in and around the Denver Metro Area.

· Expected to work extended hours as needed.

· Must be available to work Denver PrideFest on the fourth weekend of every June.

· Shares responsibility for the safety and security of the physical plant.

Disclaimer:

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or working conditions. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, the Board reserves the right to revise the job or to require additional or different tasks to be performed as assigned.

Closing Date:
Monday, March 10, 2025 (applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis)

For information on The Center on Colfax, visit our website at www.lgtbqcolorado.org.

The Center on Colfax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. The Center believes in developing and supporting a diverse workforce.

The Center on Colfax is a safe and welcoming place for Colorado’s proud, diverse LGBTQ+ community. When you visit our space, you’ll be affirmed and accepted, heard and understood.

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