Job Openings Chief Executive Officer

About the job Chief Executive Officer


Title: Chief Executive Officer

Organization: Lighthouse Vision Loss Center 

Location: Sarasota, Florida (Serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Highlands counties) 

Status: Full Time, Exempt, Hybrid

Salary Range: Starting at $140,000, negotiable depending on experience, with excellent benefits. 

About Lighthouse Vision Loss Center 

Founded in 1985, Lighthouse Vision Loss Center is a nationally accredited nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with vision loss to lead independent, productive lives. Serving five counties in west central Florida, we provide essential programs and services at no cost to our clients thanks to the generosity of our community and the support of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services. 

Our mission is to educate and empower those affected by vision loss so they may enjoy happy, healthy, and independent lives. Over the past 40 years, Lighthouse has helped thousands of individuals rediscover their independence through innovative programs, cutting-edge technology, and compassionate support. 

Lighthouse offers a wide range of services, including: 

  • Independent Living Programs: Teaching essential daily living skills such as cooking, medication management, and mobility training. 
  • Client & Family Support: Providing clients and family members comprehensive support, education, and knowledge regarding emotional and social rehabilitation needs.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Providing customized training to help visually impaired adults achieve meaningful employment. 
  • Young Adults Program: Supporting teens and young adults as they transition to college, vocational school, or the workforce. 
  • Children’s Program: Preparing children ages 5-13 with the skills and confidence to thrive in school and beyond. 
  • Assistive Technology Training: Providing access to life-changing tools like screen readers, magnification devices, smartphones, META glasses, and smart canes. 
  • Lighthouse Technology Services: Offering on-site and remote technical support tailored specifically for our low-vision community. From virus and malware removal to home wi-fi optimization and smart home set up, our experts provide personalized, accessible solutions.

Lighthouse is the only nationally accredited, nonprofit agency providing no-cost rehabilitation training to blind and visually impaired individuals of all ages in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, Charlotte, and Highlands counties. Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring they can live independently and with dignity. 

Position Overview 

The CEO will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization’s mission alignment, financial sustainability, and community impact. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, program evaluation, fundraising, financial management, and community relations. The ideal candidate will bring a balance of compassion, strategic vision, and operational expertise to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact, ensuring Lighthouse continues to evolve and remains the pre-eminent agency serving the visually impaired in Florida.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance 

  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors to define and execute the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities. 
  • Provide guidance and insights to support effective governance and decision-making. 
  • Ensure alignment of organizational goals and programs with community needs. 

Operations & Administration 

  • Lead and manage staff, volunteers, and contractors, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture. 
  • Oversee the development and implementation of performance management systems to evaluate program effectiveness and organizational impact. 
  • Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements. 
  • Develop and maintain an effective organizational structure and staffing plan. 

Fundraising & Resource Development 

  • Provide executive leadership in partnership with the Development Director to implement a fundraising strategy that advances the organization’s mission through cultivating major gifts, securing corporate and foundation support, strengthening planned giving initiatives, and expanding grant funding opportunities.
  • Cultivate relationships with donors, funders, and community partners to drive resource development. 
  • Build and strengthen relationships with county governments in Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, DeSoto, and Highlands counties to secure new funding opportunities and expand program impact. 
  • Empower senior leadership to create and market innovative programs and services to peer organizations as a revenue stream.

Financial Management 

  • Lead financial management functions including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning to safeguard the organization’s fiscal health and support mission-driven growth.
  • Work with the outsourced accounting team to develop detailed financial metrics and cash flow analyses. 
  • Identify opportunities to optimize resource allocation and improve financial efficiency. 

Program Oversight & Evaluation 

  • Ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services that meet the needs of the community. 
  • Develop and implement data-driven performance metrics to evaluate program outcomes and impact. 
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within program teams. 

Public & Community Relations 

  • Serve as the public face of the organization, representing Lighthouse at events, conferences, and with partners. 
  • Oversee marketing and communication strategies to raise visibility and awareness of the organization’s mission. 
  • Build partnerships with government, nonprofit, and professional organizations to expand the organization’s reach and impact. 

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Nonprofit Leadership Experience 

  • At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including 5 years in senior management within social services, rehabilitation, or nonprofit organizations. 
  • Proven success in fundraising, fiscal management, and program oversight, particularly in organizations with multi-million-dollar budgets. 
  • Experience managing day-to-day operations while maintaining a focus on long-term strategic goals. 

Mission Alignment 

  • A deep, personal connection to the mission of empowering individuals with vision loss. Candidates with lived experience or a strong history of advocacy for the blind and visually impaired community are highly valued.
  • The ability to inspire trust and credibility with clients, staff, donors, and community partners. 
  • A passion for making a tangible impact in the lives of individuals and communities served by the organization. 

Financial Acumen 

  • Expertise in nonprofit finance, including budgeting, grant compliance, and financial reporting. 

  • The ability to interpret financial data and make informed decisions to ensure the organization’s financial health and sustainability. 
  • Experience working with outsourced accounting teams and developing detailed financial metrics and cash flow analyses. 

Relationship-Building Skills 

  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including clients, board members, donors, government agencies, and community partners. 
  • A track record of cultivating donor relationships and securing funding from a variety of sources including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government grants. 

Strategic Vision & Execution 

  • Experience in developing and implementing long-term strategic plans that align with the organization’s mission and goals. 
  • A hands-on approach to leadership, with the ability to balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operational management. 
  • The ability to identify and address organizational challenges, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

Cultural Leadership 

  • A commitment to fostering a positive organizational culture, addressing internal challenges, and promoting staff development and collaboration. 
  • Experience in managing and mentoring teams, with a focus on building leadership capacity within an organization. 
  • Experience as an organizational change agent, able to guide an evolving organization to ensure its sustainability.
  • The ability to address and resolve organization challenges ensuring a cohesive and collaborative work environment. 

Advocacy & Community Engagement 

  • A strong public presence and the ability to serve as a passionate advocate for the blind and visually impaired community. 
  • Experience in public speaking, media relations, and community outreach to raise awareness and support for the organization’s mission. 
  • The ability to build partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand the organization’s reach and impact. 

Additional Requirements

  • Valid Florida drivers license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
  • Ability to pass level two background checks.

  • Ability to travel independently.

  • Proficiency with office technology and software.


Why Join Us? 

At Lighthouse Vision Loss Center, you’ll be part of a team that makes a tangible difference in the lives of individuals with vision loss. With 84% of our budget dedicated directly to programs and services, your work will have a meaningful impact on our community. We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment where your ideas and contributions are valued. Our team is passionate, driven, and committed to creating an inclusive community for individuals with vision loss. Additionally, we provide professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.

Benefits Overview for the CEO Role

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance 

  • Life Insurance: $20,000 company-paid coverage, with options to purchase additional coverage for employees and family.
  • Teledoc Services: 24/7/365 access to doctors via phone or video consultations.
  • Supplemental Insurance: Includes Accident, Cancer/Specified Disease, Critical Illness, Disability, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program: Support services provided

How to Apply

Lighthouse Vision Loss Center has engaged F. Jay Hall, Executive Recruiter at ExecSearches.com, to lead and oversee the CEO search process. Please direct all applications, nominations, and questions to him. 

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and passion for our mission online at: https://www.careers-page.com/execsearches/job/V6W8R7YR

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No calls please. First review of candidates will begin November 15, 2025. The search will remain open until filled.


F. Jay Hall
Executive Recruiter
ExecSearches.com


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