Description
ABOUT BOARDSOURCE
BoardSource partners with the nonprofit community to advance governance that honors and centers the dignity of all, so that organizations can lead with clarity and fulfill their purpose. BoardSource works alongside nonprofit leaders to enhance governance practices in the social sector in line with our own Theory of Practice to center community.
Purpose-Driven Board Leadership is BoardSource’s primary framework for good governance. Boards that execute their roles and responsibilities through a purpose-driven lens build stronger governance infrastructure and practices that sustain the organization over time, improve outcomes for those most impacted by the organization’s work, and help the sector as a whole fulfil its role in civil society. BoardSource advances the principles of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership across its core programs and field-facing work, including membership, assessments, learning journeys, thought leadership, consultant engagement, and strategic partnerships.
BoardSource has been on a journey of transformation since 2017. Under the leadership of our first-ever Chief Program & Strategy Officer, we prioritized listening and learning from the sector, centered the community in our work, and developed methods to co-create expertise so that our guidance reflects the wisdom of our sector. Now, with a new three-year strategic plan, BoardSource is even more strongly positioned to advance the evolution of governance, cultivate a growing and thriving community of leaders and partners, accelerate the adoption of effective board practices, and sustain this important work through a resilient and diversified financial model.
ROLE OVERVIEW: CHIEF PROGRAM & STRATEGY OFFICER
BoardSource now seeks nominations and applications for our next Chief Program & Strategy Officer (CPSO). As a member of the senior leadership team, the CPSO will be an experienced leader, strategist, and manager who can lead the implementation of our three-year strategic plan across all program areas, further institutionalize our Theory of Practice, and help shape the long-term future of the organization.
Governance expertise is essential to success in this role. The CPSO must possess a deep understanding of effective nonprofit governance and demonstrate a strong commitment to Purpose-Driven Board Leadership as BoardSource’s foundational governance framework. This individual will serve as a trusted governance expert both internally and externally, helping to translate governance principles into practical guidance, thought leadership, educational offerings, and organizational strategy.
The CPSO works in close partnership with a dynamic, experienced, and accountable senior leadership team, will lead and directly manage a dedicated program team, and will inspire and motivate staff at all levels. The ideal candidate brings experience directing an organization-wide shift in programmatic strategy, extensive management experience, a belief that boards can be a positive force for change in our sector, and experience working with or for community-driven organizations.
The CPSO will report directly to the President & CEO.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The CPSO will have the opportunity to build on a well-established and impactful brand to strengthen the capacity of nonprofit boards. Partnering closely with the President & CEO and her senior leadership team, the CPSO will lead in the following ways:
Program leadership, Strategy, Implementation, and Oversight
Partner with the President & CEO and senior leadership team in setting and achieving the organization’s strategic priorities, with a focus on providing nonprofit boards with the practical pathways and tools that make governance more purpose-driven.
Lead and coordinate implementation of BoardSource’s strategic plan across programmatic functions, continuously assessing progress, identifying opportunities for adjustment or acceleration, and ensuring organizational priorities remain aligned with strategic goals.
Lead the continued evolution, interpretation, and application of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership (PDBL) across BoardSource’s governance programs, learning experiences, thought leadership, and external engagement activities.
Monitor program performance and organizational impact, ensuring that BoardSource’s work is advancing governance and strengthening the nonprofit sector and utilize community feedback, data, and sector trends to inform decision-making, resource allocation, and continuous improvement efforts.
Serve as an external representative for BoardSource’s work to help boards embrace and apply the principles of purpose-driven board leadership.
Oversee external consultants, advisors, and strategic partners to ensure high-quality deliverables, alignment with organizational priorities, and effective use of resources.
Leadership and Team Management
With the senior leadership team, serve as the lead architect and manager for the infrastructure needed to support the development and delivery and programmatic priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President & CEO and senior leadership team on governance trends, organizational strategy, programmatic decisions, and emerging opportunities.
Oversee the programs team, including community-centered content development and delivery; learning, research, and evaluation; marketing and communications; membership, member relations, and customer service.
Provide direct management and leadership to the Director of Learning & Research, Director of Member Engagement & Marketing, Associate Director of Client & Member Services and one additional new position (title TBD), establishing clear expectations aligned toward strategic priorities, developing strong operational systems for managing expectations, and creating a culture of accountability that drives execution, results, and professional growth.
Align organizational strategy, priorities, and communications to ensure the organization speaks with one clear, consistent voice across teams, stakeholders, and audiences.
Operate as a positive advocate for change, modeling and fostering a culture where staff are well-informed and invested in BoardSource’s evolving work.
Establish and facilitate cross-functional decision-making processes that clarify priorities, align resources, and advance organizational goals.
Develop and manage the program aspects of the annual budget. Monitor revenue and expenses for all program areas and work on necessary budget adjustments.
WORK LOCATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
BoardSource is located in Washington, D.C., and staff are expected to be in the office at least twice a month. Senior team members are expected to be available for in-person meetings every week. The physical requirements for this role are customary to an office setting – seated or standing at a desk, using standard office equipment and technology. Reasonable accommodations will gladly be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. This role requires up to 25% travel.
BoardSource offers competitive wages and excellent benefits, including high-quality health insurance with dental and vision coverage, life insurance, a retirement plan with employer match, and other work/life benefits. This will be a full-time, exempt position. The salary range for this position is between $170,000 - $210,000.
TO APPLY
More information about BoardSource may be found at: boardsource.org
This search is being led by Rachel Burgoyne and Andres Marcuse-Gonzalez of NPAG. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and including responses to the below questions, along with their resume via NPAG’s website.
In your cover letter, please share your responses to the following questions. While you can use AI to help with editing, please draw from your own experiences in your answers.
Questions:
Please share a direct experience you have either working with or serving on a board and outline how that experience has shaped your thinking on the role that boards can play in advancing an organization’s purpose.
Please describe your nonprofit governance expertise, and share an example of how you have advised, educated, or worked with boards to strengthen governance and advance organizational purpose.
Please describe your management experience, including the size and scope of teams you have led. Share a specific example of how you aligned your team’s work with organizational strategic priorities, ensured focus on the most important objectives, and held team members accountable for delivering results. What was your approach, and what outcomes were achieved?
BoardSource is an equal opportunity employer and proudly values diversity.
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, and CHARACTERISTICS
BoardSource’s CPSO will be passionate about the essential role the nonprofit sector plays in supporting and strengthening society, and believe deeply in the critical importance of inspired, effective, and engaged board leadership. They will have a deep understanding of the breadth and complexity of the nonprofit sector and demonstrated experience as an executive leader, preferably within community-centered organizations. Ideally, they will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
10+ years of professional work experience in nonprofit organizations, including at least 3 years leading programmatic strategy and implementation as part of a senior leadership team.
Deep expertise in nonprofit governance, including a demonstrated understanding of governing for organizational purpose, trust, accountability, and community impact.
A committed champion of Purpose-Driven Board Leadership and able to establish credibility as a governance expert with nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, funders, and sector partners.
Experienced in the design, implementation and refinement of programs that serve to strengthen the health and impact of nonprofit organizations.
Experience in bringing a community-centered approach to the design, implementation and refinement of content and programming.
Proven track record of multi-functional leadership and success in leading change to increase organizational impact.
Substantial senior-management-level experience guiding an organization through development, implementation, and successful execution of organizational change initiatives resulting from reinvention, significant change, or transition.
Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing teams by fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous professional growth.
Strong leadership skills with a talent for connecting the dots between people, processes, and priorities while creating an environment where team members can thrive.
Demonstrated ability to lead effectively at every level of the organization, from shaping long-term programmatic strategy to driving execution and implementation and motivating team members to achieve results.
Demonstrated ability to contribute to sector-wide conversations through writing, speaking, convening, research translation, and intellectual leadership.
Dynamic and engaging presenter and facilitator with the ability to engage diverse audiences, foster alignment, and drive action.
Experience presenting to and engaging with nonprofit boards, with the judgment, communication skills, and governance expertise necessary to build trusted relationships with board members and organizational leaders.