CEO/Executive Director

Nashville Adult Literacy Council

Apply

Job Summary

Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC):

Literacy is how we understand and are understood in the world. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are essential, and remarkable, acts of human connection. For more than 40 years, the Nashville Adult Literacy Council (NALC) has been helping adults develop the literacy skills they need for the life they want. We provide learners with a safe place to learn through online classroom instruction and one-on-one tutoring with volunteers. At NALC, we believe that we are all lifelong learners. Using data, we enthusiastically and continuously question what we know and how we do things so we can grow our impact. We are seeking a creative, curious, and collaborative new leader to join our dynamic team.

The Opportunity:

NALC seeks a passionate, dynamic and strategic leader to be our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This is an exciting opportunity to build upon our remarkable teaching legacy while leading a team of dedicated educators committed to helping adult learners achieve their life-changing goals. 

The CEO, in coordination with the NALC Board of Directors (Board), is responsible for setting the mission, vision, and values of NALC while determining its strategic direction. The CEO allocates resources to accomplish important mission goals, provide sustainable quality programs, recruit, retain and inspire staff while building and nurturing a collaborative culture to support the NALC mission. The CEO reports to the Board of Directors while all other staff members and volunteers report directly or indirectly to the CEO.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong leader with an approachable, personable, and contagiously optimistic demeanor and a healthy sense of humor
• Continuous, highly visible learner who lets curiosity and courageousness drive creative and innovative solutions
• A detail-oriented leader with a project management mindset; the ability to see the big picture and think strategically combined with a deep understanding of the day-to-day operations.
• Demonstrates integrity and ensures accountability for themselves and others.
• Strategic thinker and executor, taking calculated risks and making difficult decisions to move the organization forward
• Strong business and financial acumen, who understands economics, performance, and quality metrics, and can identify disruptive market forces and seize opportunities
• Strong communicator with high emotional intelligence, excellent relationship builder and collaborator with all stakeholders
• Understands their role as a talent steward and has a successful track record of developing, coaching, and growing team members

Job Responsibilities

Leadership and Oversight                                                     

• Understand, embrace and share the goals and dreams of adult learners throughout the organization.
• Provide leadership toward NALC’s vision, mission, values, and strategic objectives. 
• Develop and implement the strategic plan with the staff, Board and other stakeholders.
• Oversee all parts of the organization, including programs, fundraising, communication, data management, facilities, IT, HR, and accounting.
• Use current research to lead others in strategically recommending sustainable and scalable organizational plans, policies, procedures and programs.
• Use data-driven analytics to uphold fiduciary responsibilities by ensuring programs are effective while efficiently using finances in service of adult learners.

Financial Management

• Establish and manage the organization’s budget with Board approval.
• Develop, implement and manage fundraising strategy, methodology and results.
• Communicate fundraising goals with staff and Board and equip team members to reach them.
• Maintain fiscal accountability and attainment of income and fundraising goals.
• Ensure financial data in donor and accounting systems is accurately maintained and reported regularly to the Board.
• Maintain financial and official records, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and reporting requirements.  

Management and Mentorship                                              

• Create a dynamic office culture that aligns with NALC values to attract, retain, and motivate a diverse team of top-quality employees and volunteers.
• Manage priorities, conflicts, and performance to build an effective team.
• Effectively lead, support, and develop NALC staff. 
• Lead and mentor NALC’s senior management team and participate in hiring, coaching, mentoring, and developing all staff members.

Fundraising and Outreach                                                                

• Oversee and participate in major fundraising programs and events. 
• Establish good rapport and relationships with current and potential donors to develop and grow fundraising campaigns.
• Seek, develop, and sustain partnerships and relationships with a variety of local and national foundations and community organizations.
• Represent the organization, including its mission and vision, when delivering the programs and services at events, to the media, other agencies, organizations, and the public. 

Board Relations                                                         

• Engage Board in strategic planning, governance, and financial management activities. 
• Provide appropriate, adequate, and timely information to the Board through reports on strategic objectives, bi-monthly meetings, and ad-hoc updates, as needed.   
• Comply with all bylaws and resolutions regarding Board approval.
• Effectively communicate with Board on staffing issues, policy implementation, collaborative partnerships, the status of external fundraising and development, and functionality of the organization’s programs.
• Actively participate in Board and committee meetings, provide guidance in creating policies, and follow through with board directives. 

Qualifications

• Commitment to NALC’s mission while demonstrating interest, enthusiasm, and affinity for working with people and improving their lives. 
• Comprehensive working knowledge regarding literacy is desired but not required.  An understanding of and/or interest in literacy and related policy issues desired but not required.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience, preferably with nonprofit, program development, leadership, and financial management. 
• Previous experience as CEO or Executive Director of nonprofit preferred but not required.
• Strong ability to mentor staff and inspire volunteers, tutors, learners, staff, and donors. 
• Demonstrated success at setting organizational and fundraising strategies with demonstrated results. 
• Strong ability to work collaboratively in a result-oriented environment. 
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural communication skills; excellent oral communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent written communication, research, and organizational skills.
• Change leadership and change management experience.
• Sense of humor, integrity and impeccable work ethic.
• Ability to engage and respond to an active Board of Directors. 
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a related degree preferred.
• Experience working with adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience with basic computer software for word processing and database management.

This position description offers guidelines for the employee, however in no way limits the scope of the position nor limits opportunities for expansion of the duties and responsibilities of the employee.  The CEO role requires flexibility and adaptability and may include occasional evening and weekend work.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter describing how your qualifications, skills, and experiences match the position criteria and what you will bring to the role. These can be emailed to kkaresh@nashvilleliteracy.org. Submissions will be compiled and forwarded weekly to the NALC board for consideration. The position will remain open until filled.

Details

• Date Posted: September 3, 2025
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Executive Leadership
• Service Area: Education
• Start Date: 11/01/2025