Executive Director

About Judge Dinkins Educational Center

The Judge Dinkins Educational Center believes in the potential of every person to transform themselves, their families, and their community.

The Judge Dinkins Educational Center provides juvenile vocational training and high school curriculum in Davidson County for adolescents who might be at risk or engaged with the juvenile or criminal justice system. The Center’s programs are supported by social and emotional learning and focused on sustainable, hands-on education for long-term employment.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) of the Judge Dinkins Educational Center (JDEC) is responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction, and overall management of the organization. The ED will have the opportunity to lead a respected, mission-driven organization while making a meaningful impact on the lives of youth, families, and the broader community.

The ED will work collaboratively with the Board, staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to advance JDEC’s mission of empowering at-risk and justice-involved youth through vocational training, education, workforce development, counseling, and life-skills programming.

Chief Fundraiser + Community Leader + Board Builder

Key Responsibilities

Resource Development & External Relations

• Secure financial resources, strategic partnerships, and community support necessary to advance JDEC’s mission and sustainability.
• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and community ambassador leading all resource development efforts to build capacity and achieve lasting impact.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, diverse fundraising strategy that includes major gifts, annual giving, foundation support, grants, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, special events, and individual donors.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donor relationships. Identify and pursue new revenue opportunities that support organizational growth.
• Engage and support Board members in all aspects of fundraising.
• Research foundations, corporations, and government grant opportunities. Manage all grant-related activities, including proposal development, staff/board engagement, budget coordination, reporting, and compliance.

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic plans and organizational priorities.
• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction in support of JDEC’s mission, values, and goals.
• Collaborate with the Director of Program Operations to provide leadership and organizational oversight to manage daily operations and program delivery effectively.
• Maintain awareness of emerging community needs, workforce trends, and funding opportunities that align with JDEC’s mission.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Build organizational capacity to support sustainable growth and long-term success.

Board Relations & Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors. Strengthen and develop the governing Board into a highly engaged, effective, and strategic leadership body.
• Collaborate with the Board Chair to develop a high-performing Board through ongoing education, orientation, committee development, and governance best practices.
• Support Board members in understanding their roles and responsibilities related to governance, fundraising, community engagement, and organizational stewardship.
• Assist in identifying, recruiting, onboarding, and cultivating diverse and talented Board members whose expertise, influence, and commitment advance the mission of JDEC.
• Prepare and present regular reports regarding organizational performance, finances, fundraising progress, strategic initiatives, and community impact.
• Ensure compliance with organizational bylaws, policies, and governance best practices. Support Board committees and facilitate effective communication between the Board and staff.

Financial Leadership & Stewardship

• Oversee the financial health and sustainability of JDEC. Review financial statements, forecasts, and cash flow projections and communicate financial performance to the Board and its finance committee.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, monitor financial performance and ensure responsible stewardship of resources. Work collaboratively with the organization’s contracted accountant.
• Ensure appropriate financial controls, policies, and risk management practices are maintained.
• Oversee audit processes, regulatory compliance, and grant-related financial requirements. Ensure compliance with all applicable legal, financial, employment, and nonprofit regulations.

Community Relations & Brand Stewardship

• Serve as the primary spokesperson and public representative of JDEC.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, juvenile justice partners, community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, and civic leaders.
• Promote awareness of JDEC’s mission, programs, and impact in the community. Advocate for opportunities, resources, and partnerships that benefit youth served by JDEC.
• Establish relationships with business partners to secure employment for JDEC program graduates.
• Oversee organizational communications, public relations, and brand stewardship efforts. Support storytelling, marketing, social media, and outreach initiatives that strengthen community engagement and donor support.
• Protect and strengthen the organization’s reputation and visibility in the region.

Organizational Impact & Performance

• Partner with staff and the Board to establish organizational goals, performance measures, and key success indicators. Monitor outcomes and evaluate progress toward strategic objectives.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to guide decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Communicate program outcomes and organizational impact to the Board, funders, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Ensure accountability for achieving organizational goals and delivering measurable results.

Staff Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Hire, supervise, support, and evaluate senior staff.
• Foster a positive, mission-driven workplace grounded in open communication, accountability, collaboration, respect, and excellence.
• Ensure appropriate staffing structures, policies, and practices are in place to support organizational effectiveness.

Core Competencies

Fundraising & Resource Development: Demonstrates a proven ability to cultivate relationships, secure financial support, and develop sustainable funding strategies that advance organizational goals. Understands diverse funding mechanisms and has a track record of closing major gifts for a nonprofit organization.

Grant Development & Funder Relations: Demonstrates the ability to identify funding opportunities, develop compelling grant proposals, manage grant reporting requirements, and cultivate strong relationships with foundation, corporate, and government funders. Effectively communicates organizational impact and funding needs while ensuring compliance with grant requirements and stewardship expectations.

Strategic Leadership: Provides vision, direction, and long-term planning while balancing mission impact with organizational sustainability. Has demonstrated their skilled ability to grow an early-stage nonprofit organization.

Community Engagement & External Relations: Builds trust and credibility with donors, community leaders, partners, government agencies, and stakeholders while serving as an effective ambassador for the organization.

Board Governance & Partnership: Works effectively with boards and committees to increase board engagement and support strong governance, strategic decision-making, and organizational accountability.

Financial Acumen: Understands nonprofit financial management, budgeting, forecasting, compliance, and resource stewardship.

Organizational Performance & Impact: Utilizes data, outcomes, and performance measures to evaluate effectiveness and guide strategic decisions.

Leadership & Team Development: Builds high-performing teams and fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Ability to manage a growing organization and its staff, understanding how to engage and motivate team members.

Communication & Executive Presence: Communicates effectively with diverse audiences and represents the organization with professionalism, authenticity, and confidence.

Qualifications & Attributes

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, education, workforce development, youth services, community development, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, donor cultivation, and resource development.
• Demonstrated experience securing grant funding and managing grant-related activities, including proposal development, reporting, compliance, and funder stewardship.
• Experience managing organizational budgets, financial reporting, and resource allocation.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance, board development, and organizational best practices. Experience working effectively with nonprofit boards and volunteers.
• Strong public speaking, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives and organizational growth efforts.
• Overall comfort with technology platforms.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• Experience serving as a nonprofit Executive Director, Development Director, or senior nonprofit leader.
• Demonstrated success in securing diverse sources of contributed income.
• Experience leading major fundraising campaigns and/or comprehensive development programs.
• Experience working with youth-serving organizations, workforce development initiatives, educational institutions, juvenile justice systems, or community-based nonprofits.
• Technology

Desired Attributes

• Able to lead effectively in a growing organization where systems, processes, and structures continue to evolve.
• Sound judgment, adaptability, and the ability to bring clarity, focus, and accountability to complex and changing circumstances.
• Ability to develop processes, systems, and organizational structure that support growth, sustainability, and long-term impact.
• Passion for creating opportunities and positive outcomes for young people.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to identify opportunities for growth and innovation, and transform ideas into action.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of integrity, transparency, and accountability.
• Collaborative leadership style that empowers others and builds trust.
• Ability to inspire confidence among donors, board members, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Commitment to the mission and long-term success of the Judge Dinkins Educational Center.

The position also includes generous paid time off, paid holidays, and employer health coverage.