CAREERS

Summary

Young Leaders Council (YLC) is currently seeking to hire a full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our small, creative, and passionate team.  This individual will be responsible for providing the leadership, management and vision necessary to effectively grow the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. Must possess excellent skills in strategic planning, board development, fund development, financial management, and corporate and community relations. The CEO also supervises a full-time program manager and occasional part-time consultant.

 About Young Leaders Council

Founded in 1985, Young Leaders Council’s mission is to train diverse, committed individuals to effectively participate on the boards of nonprofit organizations and make a difference in the Nashville community by continuously replenishing the volunteer leadership base.

YLC’s programming consists of a series of eleven interactive training sessions, which address fundamental board skills.  Training sessions are offered through five cohorts hosted throughout the year (three in the spring and two in the fall).  Each session is facilitated by an industry expert and focuses on ensuring that our students build essential board leadership skills and obtain the knowledge deemed crucial for success as a nonprofit leader.  The training is followed by the completion of a one-year, non-voting board internship with a nonprofit community organization.  

Position Responsibilities

The CEO role is a full-time position with a commitment of at least 32.5 hours per week. This role is integral to the success of the organization, providing supervision and management of all hands-on operational and programmatic aspects of the organization. The work environment is flexible and includes a hybrid opportunity for in-person and remote work. Occasionally, work is required outside of standard operating hours. The ideal person for this role is highly organized, dependable, technologically savvy, creative, confident, professional, and an excellent communicator with a deep commitment to community and civic engagement. This person must also possess excellent skills in strategic planning, board development, fund development, financial management, and corporate and community relations.

Specific duties include: 

Operations:

• Lead fundraising and development efforts, including grant writing, corporate outreach, and direct mail, with specific goals and strategies for achieving them.
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors in the development and execution of fundraising plans. Measure and regularly report on progress.
• Maintain a strong public relations program that serves the best interests of the YLC.
• Prepare and present programs to key constituencies, enhancing the public understanding and support for YLC.
• Routinely interact with corporate and community organizations.
• Prepare an annual operating budget and allocate the resources to carry out programs and activities responsibly.
• Effectively manage financial and facility resources, ensuring budget and facility integrity and accountability.
• Review and interpret monthly financial statements and take appropriate corrective action in response to variances and trends.
• Oversee all financial matters, including coordinating with the organization’s bookkeeping firm, monitoring expenses, and serving as the primary liaison to the board treasurer and finance committee.
• Manage the office – including technology, equipment leases, and supplies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Programming and Special Events:

• Coordinate and implement plans for all special events: logistics, speakers, instructors, invitations, and facilities.
• Identify and manage speakers for events and training sessions.
• Plan meetings with host agencies and organizations.
• Communicate with instructors before and after each session.
• Coordinate evaluation of instructors by class participants.
• Work with the program manager and board members to recruit, interview and select all YLC program participants.
• Maintain ongoing communication and connections with leaders of partner nonprofit agencies.

Board Administration:

• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Young Leaders Council board of directors and board committees. Attend all meetings when possible. Coordinate and communicate with the board about all meetings.
• Develop, in partnership with the Board of Directors, a plan of goals and objectives that provides program direction and meets the needs of participants and the non-profit community.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors executive committee to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the growth objectives of our organization.
• Implement organizational policies as directed by the board.
• Report operational concerns and make recommendations to the board or its committees.
• Communicate with alumni to facilitate new board placement and participation in alumni development activities.
• Be accountable to the board of directors through the board chair.

Supervisory Expectations:

• Supervise the full-time program manager and any contracted staff.
• Supervise contracted staff with all communications/marketing with assistance from appropriate board members.
• Recruit and select well-qualified, service-oriented staff based upon established job descriptions and appropriate selection criteria.
• Develop staff through empowerment and training and support collaborative goal setting and team building. Receive general direction and support from the board of directors.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience/background in program development and management or a related discipline
• Demonstrated leadership experience in effectively managing a diverse organization, including budget, project development and management, marketing/public relations, program, community relations, fundraising and human resource management responsibilities. Recognized experience in leading program development and continuous improvement efforts.
• Superior communications skills, including listening, presentation and writing skills.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with staff, class participants, nonprofit directors and funders.
• Ability to interact effectively with board of directors and board committees.
• Knowledge of effective training techniques and leadership development.
• Competency with using AI and other technology tools.
• Ideal candidate will have participated in Young Leaders Council program.

Compensation

This is a full-time position that requires a minimum of 32.5 hours of work per week based on the needs of the organization.  There are currently no health or retirement benefits associated with this position.  Compensation for this position will be determined based on experience and ranges between $80,000 – $85,000 commensurate with experience, plus bonus potential.  Young Leaders Council has a flexible working environment, which may occasionally require work to be performed outside of normal working hours.

How to Apply

Please email a PDF version of your cover letter, resume, and three professional references that include email, phone number, and nature of each affiliation to ylccareers@youngleaderscouncil.org.

References will not be contacted without prior approval.  Please send your information using “YLC CEO” in the email subject line. Only applicants selected for consideration will be contacted.  All correspondence is confidential.  Background check required. Applications will be accepted until midnight on May 22^nd, 2026.

Please note that incomplete submissions or expressions of interest sent by other means, including phone calls, will not be considered.

Culture & Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Young Leaders Council is committed to creating a workplace culture that celebrates each employee’s differences and creates space for individuals to apply their unique skills and abilities in a way that feeds their overall professional and personal goals. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment focused on excellence in our programming and service to our students, volunteers, and the community.

Young Leaders Council is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for all roles without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic or status.