Life Directions CEO Job Posting

Overview

Life Directions is seeking a full-time, visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization into the next 50 years of motivating young adults to mature into responsible, productive adults through self-direction (targeting those economically poor and underserved). The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading a nonprofit, expanding services and partnerships, creating a culture of compassion, and assembling and empowering a high-performing staff. The CEO will partner with the Detroit Board of Trustees and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The CEO will plan, manage and lead operations, programs and fundraising while inspiring innovation and ensuring the organization’s sustainability.

Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities of the CEO include but are not limited to:

1. Driving the mission, vision and overall direction of the organization
2. Executing the Strategic Plan as developed by the leadership team and approved by the Board of Directors
3. Directing all financial strategies to sustain the organization’s operations
4. Overseeing and monitoring the master budget, grants and funding, ensuring financial stability and stewardship over donations
5. Initiating, coordinating and working with the Detroit Board of Trustees in identifying and cultivating individual, corporate and foundation donors
6. Expanding fundraising activities to support existing program operations, staffing, the Training Center and expansion in Detroit
7. Overseeing direction and operation of the Training Center
8. Overseeing, supervising and evaluating the leadership team
9. Determining staffing levels, roles and responsibilities
10. Influencing and shaping the brand and public profile of the organization

The secondary responsibilities of the CEO will include but are not limited to:

1. Ensuring Bylaws compliance
2. Supervising the Chicago Director
3. Overseeing program and services outcomes to ensure that program objectives are being met and are consistent with the mission
4. Refining all aspects of communications — from web and social media presence to external outreach with the goal of creating a stronger brand awareness and promotion
5. Overseeing and approving all hiring and termination of staff
6. Identifying and cultivating potential new Board members (National and Detroit)
7. Assessing and evaluating existing and potential partnership opportunities
8. Engaging the board, preparing agendas for board meetings and obtaining board approvals when needed; ensuring appropriate and timely communications with the Board and seeking guidance on significant issues

Qualifications

Candidates may emerge from nonprofit, foundation, government or industry backgrounds and must possess:

• 3-5 years of prior experience as a nonprofit CEO, Executive Director or comparable position reporting to a board of directors is preferred. Strong business acumen and history of providing visionary leadership at the executive level. Proven success and experience executing organizational growth, fundraising, preferably overseeing and creating youth and young adult programs, and assembling and mentoring a strong, results-oriented internal team
• Excellent written, oral and public speaking skills
• Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience required
• Ability to work in the Detroit office and occasional travel to Chicago is required (this is not a remote position)

Salary & Benefits

Base salary $70K and benefits package available, however, compensation is negotiable and commensurate with background and experience.

Life Directions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages diversity and equity in all facets of the organization’s operations. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other protected class.

Established in 1973, Life Directions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the mission of motivating young adults to mature into responsible, productive members of the community through self direction and core mentorship programs. Celebrating 50 years, Life Directions has a proven track record serving and inspiring more than 170,000 young adults across five major cities since its inception. Find out more about Life Directions.

Please apply to: info@vellaspg.com. Please include a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and references are preferred but not required, indicating your application is for the Life Directions CEO. No phone calls please.