Executive Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry (BBBSL) seeks a transformative and empathetic Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. The Executive Director will guide BBBSL in enhancing internal operations and fostering a supportive and inclusive culture to elevate BBBSL’s visibility and impact in the Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

Key responsibilities will be to stabilize and grow donor relationships, build effective community partnerships, and inspire a collaborative team environment. The ideal candidate will be an experienced and adaptable leader capable of operational excellence, cultural awareness, and strategic vision to position BBBSL as a trusted, impactful, and sustainable organization in the Lowcountry.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Located: Charleston, SC

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Develop and implement a strategy that addresses BBBSL’s unique challenges and opportunities while maintaining alignment with its mission and values.
• Lead with authenticity, relatability, and purpose, fostering trust and connection with staff, board members, volunteers, and the community.
• Champion a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation that prioritizes mentorship and youth development.

Staff Development and Organizational Culture

• Foster an inclusive and supportive culture where staff feel valued, autonomous, and empowered to contribute their ideas and talents.
• Encourage staff collaboration and strengthen communication through regular check-ins, all-staff meetings, and transparent leadership practices.
• Prioritize equitable workload distribution and reduce stress through clear task management and planning.

Community and Donor Engagement

• Actively build relationships with existing donors while cultivating new funding sources, including major donors, corporate sponsors, and community-based fundraising, particularly within Charleston County.
• Ensure BBBSL is actively involved in the communities it serves, including partnerships with schools and other key organizations.

Operational Excellence and National Collaboration

• Streamline internal processes by consolidating technology platforms such as Salesforce, Classy, and Matchforce to improve efficiency and data management.
• Seek guidance and resources from BBBS national to enhance policies, operations, and program delivery.
• Address historical challenges and transitions to stabilize the organization and enhance efficiency.

Board Relations and Governance

• Partner with the board to foster transparent communication and strategic alignment.
• Empower the board to play an active role in donor relations and organizational advocacy.

Brand Awareness and Marketing

• Develop and execute a marketing strategy to raise awareness of BBBSL’s mission, programs, and impact.
• Create and implement grassroots initiatives to connect with local communities and sponsors.
• Position BBBSL as a leader in youth mentoring and a trusted partner for families, schools, and businesses.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership experience in nonprofit management or a comparable field, with a strong track record of community engagement and operational success.
• Expertise in donor cultivation, grassroots marketing, and community-based fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to address organizational challenges, including transitions, culture-building, and staff development.
• Experience working with volunteers and fostering trust and empowerment within a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Financial acumen, with the ability to manage budgets and prioritize resource allocation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including cultural awareness and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of or a commitment to learning the unique social and cultural dynamics of the Lowcountry.

Personal Attributes

• Empathetic and culturally aware leader who values collaboration and inclusivity.
• Open-minded, purposeful, and empathetic leader with strong self-awareness.
• Skilled communicator capable of inspiring and engaging diverse stakeholders.
• Committed to operational excellence and continuous learning.