Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About the Role

The Opportunity Network is seeking a balanced, strategic, and forward-thinking Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to guide the organization through an exciting period of external change and market evolution. The incoming CEO will partner with a dedicated staff and an engaged Board of Directors to champion our mission and scale our impact. This role balances a commitment to OppNet's core regional programming with national growth and requires a leader who can crystallize the organization's identity in a dynamic market while unlocking the full potential of its network of champions and philanthropic supporters.

What You'll Do

• Serve as OppNet's primary external voice, chief spokesperson, and principal fundraiser, collaborating with teams to champion the mission to media, constituents, and the public.
• In partnership with the board, design and execute a sophisticated fundraising strategy to cultivate and diversify new donor revenue streams across individuals, foundations, and corporate funders, with a focus on securing seven-figure gifts.
• Engage directly as the lead ambassador in high-value donor relationships, modeling innovative philanthropic practices aligned with core organizational values.
• Oversee the overarching brand, marketing, and external communications strategy to secure OppNet's reputation as a prominent national thought leader in college and career.
• Lead organizational strategy, board engagement, and team leadership by maintaining a transparent relationship with the Board of Directors, designing engagement strategies that leverage their networks and fundraising capabilities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to execute and evolve the strategic plan, ensuring that students and communities served remain the focal point.
• Ensure the organization remains responsive to shifts in the postsecondary and workforce landscape, supporting executive leaders in developing and implementing strategies that address emerging trends such as generative AI.
• Lead, coach, and empower a long-tenured executive team, fostering a culture of continuous development, collaboration, and high morale; nurture a data-driven culture to maintain exceptional student outcomes while navigating economic and educational landscape shifts.
• Strengthen internal systems, scale operational infrastructure, and manage organizational risk as the organization grows nationally.

What We're Looking For

• A proven, collaborative leader with experience as an external ambassador and chief fundraiser, demonstrated ability to cultivate executive-level relationships and secure major gifts.
• Track record of diversifying revenue streams across individuals, foundations, and corporate funders; experience designing and leading national fundraising strategies.
• Experience leading senior leadership teams and boards, translating strategy into action, and scaling operations across multiple markets.
• Strong brand, communications, and thought leadership capabilities; ability to position OppNet as a national voice in college and career success.
• Deep commitment to equity, access, and workforce development; familiarity with postsecondary education trends and the job market; comfort with emerging technologies like generative AI and data-informed decision-making.
• Data-driven, outcomes-focused approach with experience using evaluation to improve performance.
• Ability to build strategic partnerships with schools, anchor institutions, and national networks.