CEO (Non Profit) (Dallas)

Our Client is a global nonprofit and a recognized leader for over 25 years in providing college level academic scholarships to military families. With over $1M in annual revenues, the organization continues to grow in reaching and assisting our military family members achieve their dreams of a higher education. Located in the DFW metroplex, Our Client was founded in 2000 by a group of concerned US Army veterans who were seeking to make a lasting impact on our Nation and our military families after their own years in uniform. Our military families serve too, and they make countless sacrifices on behalf of their servicemember and the nation. Our Client seeks to thank these family members by assisting them in their educational endeavors. The Foundation operates with a small permanent staff and a large number of volunteers serving worldwide. Our footprint spans all 50 US states plus all territories, and around the globe, wherever our US military serves. Our Client is rated by Candid with the Platinum Seal for Transparency, has received a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, and has been rated a Four Star Charity by Great Nonprofits.

Purpose of the Position

The Chief Executive Officer will oversee all operational, programmatic, and external affairs activities of the Foundation. He/she will lead a complex and growing portfolio of activities that includes advocacy, innovative approaches to fundraising, endowment management and oversight, and capacity building for an organization with significant growth potential. The ideal candidate will provide leadership, structure, direction and strategic vision consistent with the mission and purpose of the organization. This Executive will report directly to the Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors.

The CEO will:

• Refine and implement the Foundation’s strategic vision and mission.
• Oversee all financial management including budgeting and fundraising efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders to include donors and partner organizations.
• Lead, manage and grow staff and volunteers, fostering a productive and positive work environment.
• Represent the organization externally with the media, at public events and with interested communities.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Refine the strategic direction and implement across programs, finance, IT, and organizational culture.
• Collaborate with the Chairman and the Board of Directors to refine and execute a multiyear strategy to grow the organization.
• Develop and implement a strategy to expand and diversify relationships with partners and individuals to unlock resources and grow both endowment and scholarship awards

External Engagement and Relationship Development

• Engage and evaluate current fundraising strategies and relationships to identify and exploit high impact opportunities
• Lead the pursuit of sustainable fundraising sources
• Represent with passion and conviction at various fora and events, cultivating high value relationships and elevating the Foundation’s profile.
• Develop and oversee successful capital and programmatic campaigns that meet or exceed targets and mobilize new constituencies of support.
• Sustain and ensure financial integrity, proactive risk management, and transparent accountability in all facets of fundraising and financial management.

Governance and Board Engagement

• Partner with the Chairman and the Board of Directors to strengthen organizational leadership and align Client’s practices with its strategic goals.
• Keep the Board of Directors regularly informed of key challenges, strategic opportunities, and operational developments to ensure timely support and decision making.
• Expand the Board’s capacity and resource development by fostering active engagement in fundraising and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure meaningful board engagement in its fiduciary responsibilities and encourage board member contributions of expertise and advocacy to help achieve the Foundation’s long‑term vision.
• Lead and promote board participation in developing and shaping new strategies and relationships.

Operational Oversight

• Develop a collaborative workplace where each employee and volunteer feels value and contributes to the organization’s mission and success.
• Align budgets to strategic priorities, safeguard and responsibly steward funds, and ensure financial practices enable innovation, growth, and sustained impact.
• Recruit, mentor and retain a high performing team that delivers operational excellence and promotes growth.

Qualifications, Experience, and Characteristics

• Proven success and leadership in developing, growing, and managing high performing, multifunctional teams.
• Strategic, visionary thinking and the ability to integrate innovative ideas into programming.
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, with an enthusiasm for the Foundation’s mission and a drive to build relationships across a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to network and develop partnerships

Added Desired Qualifications

• Retired military, veteran or military spouse experience preferred
• Experience with fundraising and/or with not-for-profit programs and organizations
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in an appropriate or related field.
• CFRE or similar certification or training.

Location

North Dallas, Texas metro area. Some minor travel involved. Opportunity for some remote work.