About Safe Schools South Florida

Safe Schools South Florida (SSSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the safety, dignity, and well-being of LGBTQ+ students, educators, and youth service providers throughout South Florida. Through professional training programs, student leadership initiatives, community events, and advocacy, SSSF works in partnership with Miami-Dade, Broward, Monroe, and Palm Beach County school districts to foster affirming and inclusive environments in which all young people can thrive.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Safe Schools South Florida, providing strategic, operational, and programmatic leadership in service of the organization’s mission. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for ensuring the sustainability and growth of SSSF’s educational programs, community relationships, and financial health. The ED serves as the primary public face of the organization and is expected to operate with the highest standards of ethical conduct, cultural competency, and organizational integrity.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Organizational Direction

Lead the implementation of SSSF’s strategic plan and collaborate with the Board to develop and update annual and long-range plans.
Ensure the mission, vision, and values of SSSF are reflected in all programs, communications, and organizational decisions.
Identify emerging trends, needs, and opportunities that affect the LGBTQ+ youth community and bring proactive recommendations to the Board.
Evaluate the need for new programs and courses; present proposals to the Board with supporting analysis.
Explore opportunities to expand SSSF’s presence and impact to additional counties or regions beyond South Florida.

2. Program Management & Service Delivery

Oversee the development, planning, and delivery of all SSSF programs in the South Florida area.
Manage grant compliance, progress reports, budget tracking, and all required documentation and acknowledgements, including grant reports, required documentation, and Educational CEUs.
Manage and coordinate SSSF’s participation in annual events, including the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade, Stonewall Street Festival, GSA Leadership Summit, and Annual Diversity Day.
Ensure Youth Support programs operate with the highest regard for student safety, development, and empowerment.
Initiate and maintain an annual review of all training materials to ensure current data and relevance.

3. Fundraising & Development

Lead all fundraising efforts, including maintaining existing grants and pursuing new funding opportunities with grant writers.
Create, organize, and execute at least two annual fundraising events in the South Florida area (one in Miami-Dade, one in Broward), including venue procurement, sponsorship development, invitations, event logistics, and donor stewardship.
Research and apply for new grant opportunities; prepare drafts and advise the Board upon each submission.
Write and distribute beginning-of-year and end-of-year and beginning and end-of-school-year fundraising appeals, including via SSSF social media platforms.
Ensure the annual State of Florida renewal of corporation registration to maintain authorization to solicit funds.

4. Financial Oversight & Operations

Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring efficient and ethical use of organizational resources.
Coordinate with the Board Treasurer to ensure timely deposit of all grant and donor checks and submission of deposit receipts.
Ensure all stipends, reimbursements, and outside costs are paid in a timely manner.
Work with the organization’s accountant to complete required W2s, 1099s, 641s, and Annual Form 990.
Regularly collect and process organizational mail and respond in a timely manner.
Maintain appropriate records, documentation, and internal controls in compliance with nonprofit best practices.

5. Communications, Marketing & Community Relations

Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of SSSF, communicating accurately and confidently with media, schools, donors, and community stakeholders.
Maintain and grow SSSF’s presence across all communications platforms, including the SSSF website, Facebook, and other relevant social media channels, ensuring content is accurate, timely, and privacy-compliant.
Write and distribute monthly e-newsletters to donors, educators, students, schools, parents, and the broader community.
Ensure all press releases, event announcements, and organizational publications reflect SSSF in the most positive and mission-aligned light.
Ensure all board-related communications are directed appropriately to the Chair and/or Vice-Chair, with written summaries forwarded to all relevant parties.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with school district lead personnel in South Florida.
Attend and represent SSSF at community roundtables, coalitions, and networking events (e.g., PFLAGs, Miami Coalition 4 Queer Youth, Safe To Be Me Committee).

6. Board Relations & Governance

Report directly to the Board of Directors; attend all Board meetings unless excused by the Chair or Vice-Chair.
Submit a monthly activity report to the Board by the first of the month covering activities, communications, financials, and upcoming projections.
Coordinate Board meeting logistics, including dates, sites, agendas, and required materials, in collaboration with the Chair and/or Vice-Chair.
Provide the Board with timely recommendations, updates, and analyses needed for informed governance decisions.
Proactively bring innovative programs, funding opportunities, and community developments to the Board’s attention.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, education, public administration, social work, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, including program oversight and fundraising.
Demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion, equity, and the safety and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth.
Proven experience in grant writing, grant management, and development activities.
Strong public speaking, written communication, and media relations skills.
Demonstrated financial management experience, including budgeting and oversight of finances.
Proficiency with social media platforms, e-newsletter tools, and standard office software.
Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities.
Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel throughout the tri-county area.

Preferred

Experience working with K–12 school districts or youth-serving organizations.
Existing relationships within the South Florida LGBTQ+, education, and nonprofit communities.
Familiarity with Miami-Dade and Broward County school district structures and grant requirements.
Experience in planning and executing fundraising events.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.

Compensation & Terms

Employment Type: Full-time contract position (with pathway to full-time contingent on funding)

Compensation: $80,000- $100,000- Commensurate with experience; negotiable based on qualifications and available funding

Stipend: Cell phone and DSL stipend provided (80% of documented monthly costs)

Auto Allowance: Mileage reimbursement for SSSF-related travel

Benefits: No fringe benefits, health insurance, or paid vacation (independent contractor status)

Performance Review: Annual review; contract renewal contingent on satisfactory performance

Compensation Growth: The ED may petition for increased compensation commensurate with new funds secured through their development efforts

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following materials to hello@safeschoolssouthflorida.org with the subject line “Executive Director Application and [Your Name]”:

A cover letter describing your interest in SSSF’s mission and your relevant experience
A current resume or curriculum vitae
Three professional references (name, title, organization, phone, and email)
Two writing samples (e.g., grant narrative, press release, donor communication)

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

Safe Schools South Florida is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by law. LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, and members of other underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

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