Executive Director

The Cleveland Chess Foundation (CCF) is a new nonprofit organization with an ambitious mission:

To develop disciplined thinking, sound judgment, strong character, and principled leadership through the study and play of chess.

Headquartered in Brecksville, Ohio, within the offices of USA Firmware, CCF is being built as far more than a traditional chess club. We are creating an educational and community institution where children and adults alike develop intellectually and personally through structured chess study, competition, mentorship, scholarship, and lifelong learning.

What makes CCF unique is our educational philosophy. Rather than viewing chess solely as a competitive game, we believe it can be used to cultivate the habits and virtues that help people succeed throughout life. Our educational model is being built around four foundational pillars:

• Disciplined Thinking
• Sound Judgment
• Strong Character
• Principled Leadership

Each pillar is supported by a series of measurable attributes and competencies that will be intentionally integrated into lessons, lectures, tournaments, mentoring, and community activities. While becoming a stronger chess player is an important goal, we believe chess can also help people become better thinkers, wiser decision-makers, and more effective leaders.

Beyond education, CCF is committed to preserving and advancing the intellectual heritage of chess. Our long-term vision includes the development of one of the nation's premier chess libraries and study centers, working alongside distinguished institutions such as the Cleveland Public Library's internationally renowned John G. White Chess Collection. We aspire to become a destination for players, educators, historians, researchers, and lifelong learners from across the country.

This is a rare opportunity to join an organization in its formative years. The successful candidate will work directly with the Founder and Board of Directors to help build a lasting institution dedicated to education, scholarship, community, and the enduring value of chess.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Business, Nonprofit Management, Organizational Leadership, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Demonstrated experience leading projects, programs, teams, or organizations.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including volunteers, community organizations, donors, educators, or business leaders.
• Ability to think strategically while effectively managing day-to-day operations.
• A passion for education and developing people.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required for events, tournaments, lectures, and community activities.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or growing a nonprofit organization.
• Experience in educational program development or curriculum design.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, sponsorship development, or donor relations.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.
• Experience working with youth, families, or adult education programs.
• Experience organizing tournaments, conferences, educational events, or community programs.
• Familiarity with chess as a player, coach, tournament director, organizer, or enthusiast.
• Experience working with libraries, museums, archives, or cultural institutions.
• Experience developing strategic partnerships with schools, universities, businesses, or civic organizations.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will:

• Embrace the mission of using chess as a vehicle for intellectual and personal development.
• Enjoy building organizations from the ground up.
• Demonstrate integrity, humility, stewardship, and servant leadership.
• Be entrepreneurial, resourceful, and comfortable working in a startup nonprofit environment.
• Inspire volunteers, donors, educators, and community partners around a shared vision.
• Balance strategic leadership with a willingness to personally contribute wherever needed.
• Have the curiosity and discipline to help build an educational model that integrates chess instruction with lifelong learning and character development.

Benefits

Opportunity to help build a mission-driven nonprofit organization from its earliest stages.

Work directly with the Founder and Board of Directors to shape the Foundation's long-term vision, culture, and impact.

Play a leading role in creating innovative educational programs that integrate chess, critical thinking, character development, and leadership.

Help establish one of the nation's premier chess libraries and study centers while building partnerships with institutions such as the John G. White Chess Collection at the Cleveland Public Library.

Significant opportunities for professional growth as the Foundation expands.

Flexible and collaborative work environment during the Foundation's startup phase.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Paid time off and other benefits as the organization grows.

The opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of children, adults, families, and the broader community.

As a growing nonprofit, our benefits will grow with us.

The Cleveland Chess Foundation is committed to investing in its people by expanding employee benefits, professional development opportunities, and career growth as the organization fulfills its mission and increases its impact. We are looking for individuals who want to help build not only an exceptional organization, but also a meaningful and rewarding career.