Employment Opportunities

Interim Executive Director

Location: Aurora, NE (On-site)

Position Type: 6-Month Interim Contract (30–40

hours per week) with option to extend

Reports To: Board of Directors

About The Leadership Center

The Leadership Center is a premier conference and retreat center located in Aurora,

Nebraska. Dedicated to serving our community and regional organizations, we provide

exceptional spaces for meetings, strategic planning, team building, and leadership

development. We are seeking a dynamic and steady leader to guide our organization

through this 6-month transitional period.

Position Overview

The Interim Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership,

ensuring organizational stability and growth during our 6-month transition. This role

focuses on maintaining rigorous financial oversight using QuickBooks Online, managing

day-to-day staff operations, driving business development, and identifying new

fundraising streams. The ideal candidate will be a visible, energetic presence at the

center, working 30 to 40 hours per week on-site.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Management & Oversight

● Maintain complete oversight of the center’s financial operations, including

budgeting, cash flow, and financial reporting.

● Manage day-to-day bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable, and payroll

verification utilizing QuickBooks Online.

● Provide regular financial updates and transparency to the Board of Directors.

● Identify and implement immediate cost-efficiency strategies where appropriate.

2. Staff Leadership & Operational Direction

● Provide daily direction, mentorship, and support to the center's staff.

● Provide daily direction, mentorship, and support to the center's staff.

● Foster a collaborative, productive, and positive workplace culture.

● Oversee scheduling, performance management, and day-to-day operational

decision-making.

● Ensure high-quality hospitality and service delivery for all guest groups.

3. Business Development & Revenue Growth

●Actively market the center’s facilities to attract corporate retreats, community

events, conferences, and private gatherings.

●Re-engage previous clients and build new relationships with regional

organizations, schools, and non-profits to fill the booking calendar.

●Optimize facility utilization rates to maximize revenue during the interim period.

4. Fundraising & Community Engagement

● Identify, research, and pursue new fundraising opportunities, including grants,

individual donations, and corporate sponsorships.

● Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors, stakeholders, and the

Aurora community.

● Support the Board of Directors in planning and executing immediate fundraising

initiatives.

Qualifications

● Proven experience in a leadership role, such as an Executive Director, Chief

Operating Officer, or senior manager (non-profit or hospitality background

preferred).

● Strong financial acumen with mandatory, hands-on experience using

QuickBooks Online for organizational accounting.

● Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and direct a diverse staff.

● Experience in sales, business development, or marketing venue spaces.

● Familiarity with fundraising strategies, donor relations, or grant writing.

● Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public relations skills.

● Must be able to commit to a 6-month contract working on-site at the center in

Aurora, NE, for 30–40 hours per week.

Salary

● Salary negotiable based on experience

● Onsite Lodging is available as needed

Contact

● If interested, please submit resume and cover letter to Kurt VanDeWalle at

kurtv@tlcaurora.org

● Please respond by August 17, 2026 at 5:00 pm

● Interviews to be scheduled for the week of Aug. 24 through Aug. 28

How to Apply

If you would like to apply, please fill an application (see above buttons), be sure to mention what position you are applying for and return your completed application to The Leadership Center, 2211 Q St (E Highway 34) or to Espressions: Coffee & Community, 1117 M Street.

The Leadership Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Those who work with us, find the opportunity enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.

Thank you!

Benefits:

Because we are a nonprofit organization, we are not able to offer traditional employee benefits. However, we do offer several perks for our team members:

Team Support

• We wash team shirts and kitchen hats for you.

Uniforms

• Our dress code is simple: dark-wash, non-distressed jeans or denim/khaki shorts or capris.
• Kitchen team members may also wear scrub pants.
• Non-slip, closed-toe shoes are required.
• We provide team shirts for you to change into when you arrive at work. If you prefer to have one at home, additional shirts are available for purchase.
• Kitchen team members must keep their hair tied back and wear a kitchen hat (provided).
• At Espressions, hair must also be tied back.

Food & Drink Perks

• 15% discount on drinks at Espressions: Coffee & Community.
• When working at the coffee shop, you receive a free drink and, depending on the length of your shift, a free meal.
• When working at The Leadership Center, you have access to the beverage station during your shift, and if guests are being served a meal, we make sure our team members are fed too.

Wellness & Recreation

• Access to the pool and pond.
• Team members ages 16 and older have access to our fitness room.

Learn Something New

Working here often means learning skills you might not expect! Whether you’ve ever wanted to learn how to drive a tractor, run a chainsaw, back up a truck and trailer, make our famous stuffed mushrooms or brisket, or craft the perfect latte—we’re happy to teach you.

The Best Perk

You’ll be part of a pretty awesome team!