Overview: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville seeks a dynamic, mission-driven executive to lead one of Middle Tennessee’s most impactful organizations. Serving the 38 counties within the Diocese since 1962, Catholic Charities upholds the dignity of every person and serves those most in need. The President & Chief Executive Officer provides visionary leadership, ensures financial stewardship, and advances the agency’s mission through strategic planning, program oversight, community engagement, and resource development. The ideal candidate is a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing with a strong background in nonprofit leadership, social work, or business administration, and brings excellence in governance, fundraising, fiscal management, and public advocacy grounded in Catholic Social Teaching.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Management

• Encourage a mission-driven culture prioritizing innovation, leadership, accountability, and responsiveness to emerging social needs, in collaboration with agency leadership.
• Manage corporate policies in accordance with articles, bylaws, and the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Implement the strategic plan with the Leadership Team and provide regular progress reports to the Board of Trustees and the Bishop.

Fiscal Responsibility

• Direct, control, monitor, and evaluate the agency’s financial performance and position.
• Execute contracts, leases, and agreements with government agencies, funders, and partners as authorized by the Board and the Bishop.
• Provide strategic fiscal oversight with the Deputy Director of Finance, including budget review/approval, monitoring financial performance, and guiding long-term financial planning to ensure sustainability and mission growth.

Program Development, Oversight & Operations

• Direct and manage centralized support services—Finance, Development, Communications, and Human Resources—to ensure effectiveness and alignment of all ministries with the mission.
• Oversee development, implementation, and evaluation of data-informed, outcomes-driven programs that respond to evolving community needs.

Fund Development & Stewardship

• Strengthen financial sustainability through relationship-building with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee fundraising strategies, donor stewardship, and transparent, impactful communication to build long-term engagement and support.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Represent Catholic Charities in the broader community, faith-based circles, and public/private sectors; build strategic alliances with parishes, diocesan entities, government, nonprofits, and advocacy coalitions.
• Promote Catholic Social Teaching and respect for human dignity at local, state, and national levels; serve as a prominent voice on issues impacting vulnerable populations.
• Engage with national and local networks, including Catholic Charities USA and sector coalitions, to share best practices and raise visibility.

Board Development & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Trustees to uphold strong governance through effective communication, strategic alignment, and trust-building.
• Support board capacity-building (recruitment, orientation, development) and provide timely, comprehensive reporting for informed decision-making.
• Engage Board members in meaningful planning and decision-making related to overall agency operations.

Catholic Identity & Mission Integration

• Serve as primary liaison to the Diocese; uphold Catholic identity and strategic alignment; foster partnerships with parishes and diocesan entities.
• Integrate Catholic Social Teaching into programs, policies, and advocacy, ensuring inclusive service to people of all faiths and backgrounds.
• Promote a culture of prayer and reverence among a diverse staff; lead the team to love and serve one another.
• Strengthen relationships with parishes, schools, diocesan ministries, and partners—especially the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Ladies of Charity.

Education & Experience / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s in Social Work and/or Business Administration strongly preferred.
• 5–10 years of executive administration experience with demonstrated outcomes aligned to organizational objectives.
• A practicing Roman Catholic in good standing; able to respect, promote, accommodate, and not conflict with the mission and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.
• Demonstrated maturity, sound judgment, and strong executive presence balanced with humility; servant-leadership orientation.
• Strong administrative, planning, and organizational leadership—especially strategic planning, financial management, team building, and partnership cultivation.
• Proven success leading mission advancement and fundraising efforts.
• Excellent presentation, public speaking, and written communication skills; able to produce concise reports/recommendations, present to varied groups, and articulate an inspiring commitment to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville.