Job Description

Executive Director, NFP - Advocacy

This is a senior leadership role requiring a high degree of judgment, ownership, and comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

The Executive Director is responsible for setting strategic direction, driving fundraising and community engagement, and serving as the organization’s primary public representative. The Executive Director will work closely with staff, partners, donors, and the Board of Directors to expand the organization’s reach and ensure strong, sustained impact across campuses and high schools, while maintaining meaningful connection to the students at the core of its work.

Role Priorities

The Executive Director will be expected to operate as a highly strategic, externally-facing leader, with a particular focus on:

• Driving organizational growth through fundraising and donor development
• Setting clear strategic direction and identifying opportunities to expand impact
• Leading with strong judgment in high-stakes or sensitive situations, including crisis response and advocacy
• Overseeing and strengthening internal leadership, organizational health, and the professional team
• Maintaining alignment with the organization’s multi-year strategic plan

Key Responsibilities

1. Vision & Strategic Leadership

• Set and drive the organization’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with mission, priorities, and growth opportunities
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand impact across campuses, high schools, and the broader community
• Translate vision into clear, actionable plans and organizational priorities
• Make high-level decisions on where to invest time, resources, and attention
• Maintain focus by prioritizing effectively and determining what not to pursue
• Oversee overall organizational performance and operational health
• Ensure systems, processes, and workflows support growth and efficiency

2. Fundraising & Development

• Lead and execute the organization’s fundraising strategy, with a focus on revenue growth and sustainability
• Cultivate, manage, and steward relationships with major donors and key funders
• Drive donor engagement through meetings, updates, and tailored communications
• Oversee grant strategy, campaigns, and development initiatives
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to expand the donor base

3. Event Strategy & Execution

• Conceptualize and lead major fundraising and community events from inception to execution
• Identify and secure speakers and special guests aligned with event goals
• Define event strategy, including audience, positioning, and fundraising objectives
• Build and guide event committees and oversee sponsorship and ticketing strategies
• Serve as the final decision-maker on key event elements and lead execution on-site

4. Organizational Leadership & Team Management

• Foster a strong organizational culture aligned with values and pace
• Lead, mentor, and develop department heads and senior staff
• Set clear expectations, performance standards, and accountability across the organization
• Make key hiring decisions and build a high-performing, mission-driven team
• Provide mentorship to staff across levels
• Address performance issues and make difficult personnel decisions when required

5. Financial Leadership & Stewardship

• Oversee the organization’s financial health, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Ensure responsible stewardship of funds and alignment with strategic priorities
• Work closely with finance personnel and external partners (e.g., auditors, accountants)
• Maintain accurate and diligent financial records in partnership with internal staff

6. Advocacy, Messaging & Communications

Advocacy & Crisis Leadership

• Lead the organization’s response to high-stakes or sensitive situations, making timely and strategic decisions on engagement
• Coordinate cross-functional responses involving legal, communications, and program teams, as well as relevant external partners
• Leverage relationships across the broader community ecosystem to strengthen advocacy efforts

Public Voice & Representation

• Serve as the organization’s primary public voice and spokesperson in media, public forums, and community settings
• Establish and maintain a credible, trusted, and prominent presence on issues relevant to the organization’s mission and community environment

Narrative & Communications Oversight

• Oversee organizational messaging and public narrative, particularly on sensitive or high-profile issues
• Review and guide statements, campaigns, and key communications to ensure consistency in tone and positioning
• Support the growth and effectiveness of digital and social media channels as key platforms for engagement and outreach

7. Student Engagement & Community Responsiveness

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with student leaders, serving as a visible and accessible source of support
• Stay connected to on-the-ground realities through direct engagement
• Respond to community members seeking guidance or support

8. External Partnerships & Organizational Alignment

• Manage and strengthen relationships with affiliated or partner organizations
• Serve as a primary point of contact with senior external stakeholders
• Navigate alignment, agreements, and areas of collaboration or complexity
• Leverage shared resources, programming, and institutional knowledge
• Adapt broader strategies to fit the local context
• Ensure effective communication and coordination across partner organizations

9. Board & Governance Leadership

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors
• Prepare for and lead board meetings, including reporting on strategy, performance, and impact
• Engage board members in fundraising, strategic planning, and organizational growth
• Ensure strong governance practices and alignment between board and leadership

Candidate Profile

Who You Are

You are a strategic, externally-oriented leader who thrives at the intersection of community engagement, advocacy, and fundraising. You are equally comfortable in a boardroom, on campus, or in conversation with donors and community leaders.

You bring strong judgment, clarity of thought, and the ability to make decisions in complex, fast-moving environments. You are a leader who can set direction, mobilize people, and drive results. This role requires the ability to build a strong, connected network of students, staff, and board members, and to effectively mobilize that network toward meaningful, high-impact action.

You are also someone who can connect with and inspire students and who values staying grounded in the organization’s work through direct engagement.

What You Bring

• Strong fundraising experience, including securing major support
• A credible public presence and ability to represent an organization with clarity and confidence
• Strategic thinking and the ability to identify and pursue opportunities for growth
• Sound judgment under pressure, particularly in complex or sensitive situations
• Leadership experience, with the ability to build, manage, and motivate teams
• Demonstrated ability to engage with and inspire students and build trust with those you serve
• Organizational and operational awareness, including comfort overseeing budgets, systems, and performance

Please email your CV to Rick Chad rac@chadman.com