old school

Jobs

Executive Director

Reports to: The Old School Team (Co-founders Ashton Applewhite and Ryan Backer, and Facilitator David Wilson)

Location: Virtual

Compensation: $80,000–$100,000 for a one-year contract

About the Old School Hub:

The Old School Hub for Age Equity and Ageism Awareness is a dynamic, grassroots organization dedicated to dismantling ageism and fostering a world where aging is a universally respected human right. Conceived of by internationally recognized ageism expert Ashton Applewhite and founded with Kyrie Carpenter and Ryan Backer, Old School began as the Old School Clearinghouse in 2018, a vital resource bank for the growing anti-ageism movement. Today, we empower individuals and advocates through:

  • Office Hours: A popular weekly virtual gathering for open discussions about ageism (now in its fourth year)
  • Hubsters: Bi-weekly virtual meetings of our working group, which evaluates and shapes projects for the Hub
  • Learn: Our regularly updated and carefully curated resource bank
  • Resource Creation: Developing conversation guides and other materials to promote age equity
  • Community Building: Both virtual and in-person convenings,including our inaugural Summer School gathering (Montréal, August 2024) and projects like the Aging is Living artwork (launched March 2025)

The Old School team is actively involved in trainings, workshops, academic collaborations, and supporting other pro-aging initiatives. While we’ve got a lot covered, we welcome the Executive Director’s insights and participation across all areas.

The Opportunity:

Old School Hub is seeking a transformative Executive Director to capitalize on our unique position and significantly expand our impact on the anti-ageism movement. This is an exciting chance to shape the future of a vital organization.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Visionary Leadership: Serve as a passionate ambassador for Old School, building relationships with funders, supporters, other social justice organizations, and the public.
  • Collaborative Management: Provide strong leadership while fostering a collaborative environment. The contract will clearly define the Executive Director’s independent responsibilities and those requiring consultation with the Old School team.
  • Financial Sustainability: Determine the best path to financial stability (e.g., securing nonprofit status or finding a new fiscal sponsor) and lead the implementation. Drive fundraising efforts to ensure long-term financial health within three years.
  • Strategic Growth: Collaborate on staffing/hiring decisions and help initiate, execute, and evaluate future Old School initiatives, including laying the groundwork for a collective impact strategy.
  • Organizational Stewardship: Attend one annual in-person meeting for program and budget review, strategic planning, and goal setting, as well as one convening of age advocates every two years (next in summer 2026).

About You:

  • Values Alignment: You prioritize consensus-building, transparency, and team well-being.
  • Social Justice Commitment: You’re dedicated to supporting other social justice movements and advancing a world where everyone can age well.
  • Collaborative Style: You thrive in consensus-driven environments.
  • Proven Leadership: You have a successful track record of leading organizations through startup, growth, and beyond.
  • Financial Acumen: You possess strong budget management and financial oversight skills.
  • Strategic Thinking: You have experience developing and implementing effective strategic plans.
  • Relationship Building: You excel at building relationships, fundraising, and networking.
  • Best Practices: You are knowledgeable in and utilize best practices in organizational management.

Why Join Old School?

  • Meaningful Impact: You’ll be part of a movement that truly matters, working to advance equity across the lifespan in the world of longer lives. This work is deeply rewarding.
  • Exceptional Opportunity: This role offers a unique chance to collaborate with a global thought leader and a skilled project manager, building on a strong foundation to elevate Old School to the next level.
  • Supportive Team: You’ll join a dedicated, skilled, and collaborative team that values mutual respect.
  • Transformative Vision: You’re inspired by the pivotal role Old School has played in raising awareness of ageism and how to end it. You have a vision for how to expand the reach and impact and are eager to lead the way.

Compensation and Details:

This is currently a 1099 contract position offering a salary of $80,000–$100,000 for a one-year term.

Send the following to jobs@oldschool.info. Please include Executive Director in the subject line:

  • A cover letter that includes how you learned about the position, how you meet these requirements, and why Old School’s mission excites you
  • Your resume
  • Three professional references
  • A relevant writing sample

Applications will be reviewed and considered as submitted; absolute closing date is May 15, 2025.

It is the policy of OS to prohibit discrimination against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, political service or affiliation, or disability.