Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM)
Reports to: Board Chair

About Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM)
At Communities In Schools of Memphis (CISM), we are on a mission to surround students with a community of support so they can stay in school and achieve in life. Our work is grounded in the belief that every student—regardless of race, income, or background—deserves the support they need to succeed. We provide integrated student supports that connect young people to critical resources, ensuring they graduate ready for college, career, and life.

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to scale our impact, deepen our partnerships, and lead the next chapter of our work in Memphis.

The Opportunity
The Chief Executive Officer of CISM will lead the organization into its next phase of growth and impact. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape the future of CISM, build sustainable revenue streams, and expand our reach to ensure every student in Memphis receives the support they need to thrive. The CEO will work alongside an engaged team and a committed board to further CISM’s mission and drive long-term strategies focused on equity in education.

Why This Role is Unique

• Shape the future of CISM by leading a bold and inclusive strategic planning process.
• Build on a strong foundation with a dedicated team, established partnerships, and growing impact in the community.
• Be the face of CISM, strengthening relationships with funders, school district leaders, and policymakers to drive sustainable change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Lead the development and execution of CISM’s strategic plan, setting a bold vision for the next chapter.
• Drive organizational growth and impact, ensuring CISM reaches more schools and students across Memphis.
• Maintain a culture of excellence, equity, and continuous learning within the organization.

Resource Development & Fundraising

• Serve as the primary fundraiser and external ambassador for CISM.
• Build and sustain multi-year funding relationships with foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Develop and implement a diversified funding strategy to ensure financial sustainability and support organizational growth.
• Lead and manage a strong development team focused on expanding CISM’s resources and impact.

Organizational & Financial Stewardship

• Build and maintain a strong, collaborative relationship with the national Communities In Schools (CIS) office, representing CISM with professionalism and ensuring clear communication and alignment on priorities and expectations.
• Oversee high-quality program implementation, ensuring fidelity to the Communities In Schools (CIS) model of integrated student supports.
• Ensure the organization’s financial health by collaborating with the Board and finance team to manage budgets and revenue growth.
• Lead a high-performing leadership team, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven workplace.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent CISM as a trusted leader in Memphis’ education and nonprofit landscape.
• Strengthen partnerships with school districts, government leaders, and community organizations.
• Advocate for policies and funding that support educational equity and integrated student supports.
• Serve as CISM’s spokesperson at conferences, in media, and with key stakeholders.

Board Relations & Governance

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors to ensure alignment on strategy, governance, and fundraising efforts.
• Support the Board’s engagement in fundraising, advocacy, and organizational oversight.
• Ensure transparent and effective communication between leadership and the Board.

Success in This Role (First 12 months)
The CEO will be expected to:

• Launch a new strategic plan, setting a clear and bold direction for the organization.
• Expand CISM’s footprint, increasing the number of schools and students served.
• Strengthen financial sustainability by securing multi-year funding commitments.
• Deepen relationships with school districts and key funders.
• Build a high-performing leadership team that is aligned on mission and organizational goals.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in education, public administration, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Visionary leader with minimum 7-10 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit, education, or mission-driven organization.
• Proven track record of fundraising and securing institutional grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donors.
• Strategic thinker able to scale impact while ensuring financial and programmatic sustainability.
• Skilled relationship builder, adept at navigating education systems, government, and philanthropy.
• Strong people leader, able to develop, motivate, and retain a high-performing team.
• Deep commitment to educational equity and an understanding of systemic barriers impacting students in Memphis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading an organization through strategic planning and expansion.
• Strong financial acumen, including oversight of budgets and nonprofit financial management.
• Knowledge of public education policy, school partnerships, and integrated student supports.

Compensation & Benefits

• Total compensation, which will be shared early in the screening process, is competitive and designed to attract the scope of leadership and impact expected in the role.
• Health, dental, vision, 401(k), and professional development opportunities.

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