Chief Executive Officer

Location : Cleveland, Ohio

Reports To : Board Chair

Department : Executive

About JumpStart Inc.

JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized nonprofit venture development organization whose mission is to drive economic vitality by connecting entrepreneurs to the opportunities and resources they need to succeed.

Since 2004, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses launch, grow, and scale—fueling over $15B in total economic impact since 2010. In 2024 alone, companies supported by JumpStart and our partners generated $1.7B in economic output and 10,702 jobs across Ohio.

We envision Ohio as a premier destination for entrepreneurs , where businesses thrive—championed by an inclusive and impactful support network.

Position Summary

JumpStart Inc. seeks a dynamic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to serve as the strategic and operational leader of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the CEO will :

Drive transformative economic impact through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Foster statewide collaboration among funders, partners, and founders.

Diversify funding sources to sustain and grow JumpStart’s mission.

Lead a high-performing executive team and steward partnerships that power Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This is a pivotal opportunity to build on JumpStart’s strong foundation while positioning the organization for the next era of inclusive innovation and long-term impact.

Strategic Priorities

Accelerate Startup Formation – Drive innovation, partnerships, and access to capital.

Expand Statewide Impact – Strengthen JumpStart’s position as a cornerstone of Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Diversify Revenue Streams – Build a sustainable and resilient funding model.

Evolve Services – Anticipate and meet the future needs of founders and small businesses.

Key Responsibilities

Visionary Leadership

Champion a bold vision that drives economic transformation through entrepreneurship.

Lead strategic planning and execution to evolve JumpStart’s relevance and impact.

Shape and communicate a unifying long-term vision for staff, funders, and partners.

Serve as a cultural beacon—modeling values of diversity, learning, and innovation.

Influence policy and thought leadership in inclusive economic development.

Operational & Fiscal Oversight

Ensure fiscal integrity and strategic financial management.

Build operational systems and performance dashboards tied to mission outcomes.

Leverage technology and automation to increase efficiency and scalability.

Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting aligned with strategic goals.

Optimize resource allocation across philanthropic, public, and earned income streams.

Revenue Generation & Partnerships

Lead revenue diversification and sustainability strategies.

Cultivate relationships with public, private, and philanthropic funders.

Represent JumpStart at national, state, and local levels to enhance visibility and reputation.

Advance cross-sector partnerships that fuel entrepreneurship and innovation.

Secure new funding opportunities and strengthen existing donor relationships.

Board & Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction and performance goals.

Provide transparent communication on financial health, risk, and organizational progress.

Partner with the Board Chair and Governance Committee on recruitment and engagement.

Build strong relationships with civic, business, and community leaders.

Culture & Talent Stewardship

Lead with authenticity, transparency, and inclusivity.

Develop a high-performing executive team and nurture future leadership.

Partner with HR leadership to sustain a culture of learning and accountability.

Promote professional development and equitable growth opportunities across the organization.

Candidate Profile

Ideal Experience

Proven success leading complex organizations with $25M+ annual budgets , ideally in nonprofit, economic development, or entrepreneurial settings.

Deep experience in innovation ecosystems , startups, or venture development.

Demonstrated success in fundraising and partnership cultivation across philanthropy, corporate, and public sectors.

Strong understanding of entrepreneurship, innovation policy, and economic development best practices.

Familiarity with Ohio’s civic and business landscape preferred.

Experience leading multimillion-dollar capital campaigns or public-private partnerships.

Visionary and strategic thinker with executional excellence.

Collaborative leader skilled in change management and transformation.

Deep commitment to inclusion, equity, and measurable impact.

Cleveland-based position with regular regional travel required.

Compensation

JumpStart Inc. offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and a thoughtful cover letter to HR@jumpstartinc.org

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