President & CEO

President & CEO

Leadership North Carolina

 

Executive Summary For the past 30 years, Leadership North Carolina (LNC) has informed, developed, and engaged dedicated leaders by expanding their understanding of and involvement in issues and opportunities facing our state. As one of the state's most esteemed leadership programs, LNC has graduated over 1,500 leaders who are making significant contributions throughout North Carolina.

 

LNC seeks an experienced nonprofit executive to serve as its next President & CEO, leading LNC through its next era of growth and innovation. This critical leadership position requires a seasoned professional with proven success in nonprofit management, fundraising, strategic planning and team development. The President will manage a small, high-performing team to implement a Board-approved strategic plan, while also developing and communicating an inspiring long-term vision. Along with a major focus on fundraising and team development, a key aspect of this role is to develop a strong alumni activation strategy that engages the 1,500+ members as active partners and champions, significantly increasing their participation in civic leadership and LNC’s organizational development.

 

The Opportunity

 

The President will serve as chief executive officer, providing visionary leadership and hands-on management to advance LNC's standing as one of the state's top leadership programs. This role requires a unique combination of strategic thinking and tactical execution, as the President must set organizational direction and work closely with a small, dedicated team to achieve results. The ideal candidate will have the vision to shape LNC's future and the dedication to realize that vision.

 

Key Areas of Responsibility

 

• Long-term Vision & Strategic Leadership - Develop and clearly communicate a compelling vision for LNC's future; lead the implementation of Board-approved strategies while positioning the organization for sustained growth and impact. Work collaboratively with the full team to assess, evaluate, and envision/reenvision programming, roles, and approach to achieving LNC’s mission and vision to align with best practices and opportunities for highest impact and sustainability.

• Development & Fundraising - Lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy with personal responsibility for cultivating major gifts, securing corporate sponsorships, and writing grants; maintain and grow a portfolio generating over $1M annually.

• Team Leadership & Development - Manage, mentor, and support a small professional team; promote teamwork and performance in a collaborative, mission-focused environment. Administer HR functions, including regular performance reviews, compensation assessments, and development of paths for professional development.

• Alumni Engagement & Network Activation - Develop a strong alumni activation plan that transforms the 1,500+ member network into active partners and advocates, significantly increasing their participation in civic leadership and organizational growth; craft innovative approaches to enhance alumni involvement in advocacy and philanthropic efforts.

• Stakeholder Relationship Management - Cultivate and nurture new and existing relationships with alumni, program participants, Board of Directors, corporate partners, major donors, and community leaders.

• Financial Management & Sustainability – Develop and manage the yearly budget, uphold fiscal responsibility, create diverse revenue sources, and sustain the organization's financial health.

• Program Excellence & Innovation - Ensure the delivery of cutting-edge leadership programs while identifying opportunities for improvement and expansion.

• Board Partnership & Governance - Collaborate effectively with the Board of Directors and Executive Committee; provide consistent & timely communication, strategic advice, and operational transparency.

• External Relations & Advocacy - Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for LNC; represent the organization to the media, government officials, funders and business leaders, while building meaningful partnerships with local, regional, and statewide organizations to promote LNC's mission.

 

Required Qualifications

 

Education

 

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (MBA, MPA, or relevant master's or doctorate degree) strongly preferred

 

Experience

 

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5 years in senior executive roles (Executive Director, President, CEO, or equivalent)

• Demonstrated success in nonprofit management, preferably in leadership, education, or civic engagement organizations

• Proven track record in fundraising with documented success in: 1) Securing major gifts ($25,000+) - Corporate partnership development; 2) Grant writing and management; and 3) Annual fund and special event management

 

Core Competencies

 

Strategic & Operational Excellence

 

• Experience in developing and implementing multi-year strategic plans with clear, measurable results.

• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution

• Demonstrated success in organizational growth and sustainability

 

Fundraising & Development Expertise

 

• Personal experience with direct solicitation and donor cultivation

• Ability to effectively articulate a persuasive case for support

• Experience managing development programs generating $1M+ annually

 

Leadership & Management Skills

 

• Proven ability to motivate and develop small teams

• Experience with administering human resource functions and goal setting

• Experience managing in collaborative, non-hierarchical environments

• Proven ability to build high-performing, mission-driven cultures

 

Relationship Building & Communication

 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse groups.

• Excellent verbal communication and public speaking skills

• Experience working effectively with volunteer boards and committees

 

North Carolina Knowledge & Commitment

 

• Deep understanding of North Carolina's political, economic, and social landscapes

• Established relationships within North Carolina's business, nonprofit, and government sectors are highly valued

• Commitment to a non-partisan approach to the leadership and execution of LNC

 

Personal Characteristics

 

• Mission-Driven Leader - Genuine commitment to leadership and civic engagement

• Strategic Thinker - Ability to see the big picture while managing critical details

• Collaborative Partner - A natural collaborator who fosters consensus and shared ownership

• Results-Driven - Proven ability to set ambitious goals and deliver measurable results

• Adaptable Problem Solver - Experienced and comfortable navigating ambiguity with creative problem-solving skills

• Authentic Communicator - Ability to connect sincerely with diverse audiences

 

Compensation & Benefits

 

Competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, including:

 

• Estimated base salary range: $140,000 - $160,000 (based on experience and qualifications): 1) Performance-based bonus potential; and 2) Comprehensive benefits package

• Professional development opportunities

• Flexible remote work arrangement

 

Work Environment

 

This position is based in the Triangle region of North Carolina, with a hybrid work environment combining in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. The President must be available for evening and weekend events, frequent statewide travel for programs and donor cultivation, and occasional national travel for conferences and peer learning opportunities.

 

To Apply

 

Qualified candidates should submit the following materials to opportunities@leadershipnc.org:

 

• Cover letter addressing specific qualifications and vision for LNC's future

• Current résumé with applicable experience

• References upon request

 

Applications are due by January 23, 2026.

 

About Leadership North Carolina

 

Through hands-on programming, Leadership North Carolina’s mission is to inform, develop, and engage committed leaders by broadening their understanding of and involvement in issues and opportunities facing the state. The LNC Core Program brings together approximately 55 leaders annually for an intensive year-long experience, including an orientation retreat and seven twoday sessions exploring critical state issues, including government, economic development, health and human services, education, environment, and inclusive leadership. Through presentations, site visits, experiential learning, and facilitated dialogue, participants gain a deep understanding of North Carolina's challenges and opportunities while building lasting professional networks.

 

LNC operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an annual operating budget of approximately $1 million, supported through corporate sponsorships, individual donations, participant fees, grants, and special events. The organization maintains a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its operations and programs.

 

For more information about Leadership North Carolina, visit www.leadershipnc.org.

 

Leadership North Carolina: Developing Informed, Engaged, and Connected Leaders for North Carolina's Future