Chief Executive Officer

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Board of Directors

The Little Bit Foundation (TLBF) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2001, TLBF (www.thelittlebitfoundation.org) works to eliminate barriers to learning for under-resourced students in the St. Louis region. Embedded in school communities, we bring programs and partnerships into the lives of students across every grade level that address basic needs, provide health education and intervention, and expand academic and career opportunities. Our vision is to be a source of support for students during their educational journey, so that they may graduate and go on to become successful members of a stronger St. Louis.

TLBF utilizes its staff and a large group of volunteers to serve 14,000 students in 42 schools in the St. Louis region. Each of the schools served by TLBF has between 90-100% of its students living at or below the poverty level.

The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for oversight and development of TLBF’s overall strategy, as well as the management and operation of the organization as a whole. The CEO must work with the Board of Directors, donors, community leaders and other constituents to advance the mission of the organization and expand its impact on the students in the region.

Role Summary

Executive Leadership and Organizational Management:

• Strategic and operational responsibility over all aspects of the organization.
• Lead development of strategic plan and tactics to support TLBF’s immediate and long-term goals.
• Manage, motivate and mentor team members to inspire collaboration and a positive culture driven by mission and impact, where everyone is empowered to succeed. Set the cultural tone.
• Collaborate closely with TLBF Leadership Team, Board of Directors and Young Professionals Board to create organizational vision, and a comprehensive marketing and business strategy regarding growth and reach of the organization.
• Build partnerships and strategic alliances with multiple constituencies, including education organizations, other nonprofits, community organizations and leaders, as well as donors, employees, and the Board of Directors.
• Through collaborations with community, educational and thought leaders, ensure TLBF has a “seat at the table” in discussions around the educational landscape and future direction of St. Louis community.
• Drive organizational growth and change that align with community needs and initiatives and ensure program excellence.
• Ensure fiscal integrity of organization, maintaining healthy cash flow and adequate reserves. Help recruit and develop diverse and robust Board of Directors.
• Other job-related activities as assigned by the Board of Directors.

Development and Fundraising:

• Ensure achievement of annual revenue goals.
• In collaboration with Chief Development Officer, plan and direct strategies to grow revenue and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee a comprehensive funding plan from public and private funding, as well as earned income sources.

External Communications:

• Manage overall media efforts and public relations and serve as the organization’s key spokesperson. Must be comfortable with any and all public speaking opportunities.
• Increase the public profile of the organization by being a visible, visionary and knowledgeable leader in the community.
• Establish and maintain an effective system of communications throughout the community. Act as liaison between the community and the Board of Directors.

Education, Experience and Skills Required:

• Leadership experience at an executive level.
• Bachelors’ degree from a four-year college or university required; related experience and/or training in diversity and inclusion, public education, public urban education, social work, nonprofit management; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated passion for the mission of a child-serving nonprofit, either through working for or leading a nonprofit organization, or deeply supporting a nonprofit organization.
• Strong business acumen, with clear knowledge of organizational and financial structures, and ability to evaluate risks, apply best practices, problem solve and make sound business decisions.
• Bold, open-minded, visionary able to lead an organization forward and drive progress, while grounded in its core values.
• Strategic thinker with excellent planning and organizational skills. Ability to keep organization focused on goals and commitments.
• Experience working with and building relationships with diverse groups of people.
• High energy, with strong oral, written and interpersonal communications skills. Excellent speaking skills a must.
• A successful track record of creating positive, high-performance workplace environments and mission driven, results-oriented teams.
• Strong resource development and external relations experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders to garner support for a cause.
• Familiarity with strategic communications, marketing and advertising campaign development and management.

To apply: Please send cover letter (including salary requirements) and resume to ceosearch@thelittlebitfoundation.org.