Small Nonprofit CEO Job Description

Chief Executive OfficerSmall Nonprofit Organization

• Position: Chief Executive Officer
• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Employment status: Full-time
• Location: City, State or Remote/Hybrid

About the Organization

Organization Name is a nonprofit organization dedicated to mission and primary beneficiaries. Through principal programs or services, we work to describe the organization's intended impact.

We are seeking a collaborative, resourceful Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization through its next stage of development. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring strategic judgment, operational involvement, strong fundraising skills, and a genuine commitment to the organization's mission.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer provides overall leadership for the organization's strategy, programs, finances, fundraising, staff, and external relationships. Working closely with the Board of Directors, the CEO translates the organization's mission into achievable priorities while ensuring that limited resources are used effectively.

Because the organization operates with a lean team, the CEO must be comfortable moving between strategic planning and direct execution. This includes developing donor relationships, supporting grant applications, overseeing program delivery, managing organizational finances, and addressing day-to-day operational needs.

The successful candidate will combine sound management skills with the ability to build relationships, mobilize resources, and maintain focus on the organization's mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Board of Directors to establish organizational priorities, annual goals, and longer-term plans.
• Translate strategic objectives into practical work plans, budgets, and measurable outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen programs, reach new beneficiaries, and increase organizational impact.
• Monitor changes in community needs, funding conditions, and the nonprofit operating environment.

Fundraising and Revenue Development

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising plan in collaboration with the board and staff.
• Cultivate relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporate supporters, and other funding partners.
• Participate directly in donor meetings, grant development, fundraising campaigns, and stewardship.
• Maintain a sustainable mix of revenue sources appropriate to the organization's size and mission.

Financial and Operational Management

• Prepare annual operating budgets with appropriate board and financial oversight.
• Monitor cash flow, expenditures, grant restrictions, and financial performance.
• Maintain effective administrative processes, financial controls, and required reporting.
• Ensure that organizational resources are allocated in accordance with mission priorities.

Program Oversight

• Ensure that programs respond to the needs of the communities served.
• Monitor program performance, service quality, and progress toward intended outcomes.
• Work directly with program personnel when needed to resolve operational problems.
• Use participant feedback and performance information to improve services.

Staff and Organizational Development

• Recruit, supervise, and support staff and contractors.
• Establish clear responsibilities, performance expectations, and communication practices.
• Build a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive working environment.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen staff capacity and reduce dependence on individual employees.

Board Partnership and External Relations

• Maintain a productive working relationship with the Board of Directors.
• Provide timely financial, operational, fundraising, and program reports.
• Support board recruitment, development, committee work, and governance practices.
• Represent the organization to community partners, funders, public officials, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a nonprofit, mission-driven organization, or comparable setting.
• Experience with fundraising, donor engagement, grant development, or revenue generation.
• Working knowledge of nonprofit budgeting, financial management, and organizational administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities while remaining focused on strategic objectives.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and the communities it serves.

Experience supervising a small team and building effective partnerships is highly desirable.

Measures of Success

During the first 12 to 18 months, success will include:

• Establishing a clear set of organizational priorities with the board.
• Maintaining sound financial management and improving financial visibility.
• Strengthening fundraising relationships and progress toward revenue goals.
• Supporting reliable program delivery and meaningful outcome measurement.
• Establishing clear staff responsibilities and practical management routines.
• Building confidence among board members, employees, donors, and community partners.

Leadership Profile

The ideal candidate is a practical, relationship-oriented leader who can set direction and do the work required to achieve it. The CEO should be comfortable operating without a large management team, making thoughtful resource decisions, and building organizational capacity without adding unnecessary complexity.

Compensation and Application

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and organizational resources. Insert salary range, benefits, and application instructions.

Organization Name is an equal opportunity employer committed to a respectful and inclusive workplace.