The National Conference on Citizenship (NCoC) is an independent, non-partisan organization dedicated to strengthening civic life in America. Civic life is—and always has been—the core of the American experiment, but our national civic spirit and that grand experiment today faces unprecedented challenges. As an organization, we recognize that America has not yet achieved our founding creed of a just nation where all are created equal, but we believe that every day, generation after generation, America continues to strive toward that goal and to live up to that original creed.

NCoC takes pride in being at the forefront of the civic movement and aims to be home to where great ideas and entrepreneurial civic leaders come together. Established in 1946, NCoC was chartered by Congress in 1953 to harness the patriotic energy and civic involvement surrounding World War II. It is one of fewer than 100 of the country’s 1.6 million nonprofits to have a congressional charter and takes seriously its legal charge to foster a more “active, alert, enlightened, conscientious, and progressive citizenry.” In recent years, NCoC has been an important incubator for programs such as the Civic Data Challenge, The Civic 50 and the Service Year Alliance and today operates and hosts a variety of programs aimed at understanding the national civic landscape, diagnosing problem areas, and delivering solutions to local communities and national leaders. 

We believe that connecting people strengthens our communities and our nation, and we pursue our mission through a network of individual and organizational partners interested in civic engagement. At the core of our myriad efforts is the belief that every person has the ability to help their community and country thrive, and that local leaders are the lifeblood of our democracy. NCoC remains dedicated to the profound value of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society, and is committed to living those values in every aspect of its work.

Under the leadership of a committed board of directors, who have ensured the financial viability of the organization, NCoC has hosted conferences every fall since 1946, bringing together local civic leaders to share experiences and challenge participants to be increasingly engaged.  Today, beyond that conference, the organization has a core operations staff of seven full-time employees and a program staff of more than thirty FTEs, as well as a wider network of consultants and partners. Now, facing an unprecedented crisis in civic life and unique, new challenges to American democracy, NCoC desires a CEO who can expand that network and aggressively grow the organization’s impact, charting a path forward that strengthens America’s civic and social fabric and supports local leaders by reaffirming the importance of civic involvement by all. 

The best entrepreneurial candidates for NCoC’s next CEO will come to the role with a desire to help America perfect its founding creed and think deeply about the strategy necessary to maximize the organization’s concrete impact in a too-often nebulous field. The organization has rapidly expanded its footprint and ambition in recent years, in an attempt to meet this critical moment in our history, and further growth opportunities abound. Successful growth, though, will require intentional work by the CEO on the organization’s values and culture and prodigious fundraising, linked to a thoughtful strategy, that solidifies a sustainable structure and long-term vision. Thus, candidates whose skill set and personal relationships make development an easy and comfortable priority are preferred. 

Key CEO Responsibilities

  • Bring deep, demonstrable commitment to civic life and local leadership as an engine of a vibrant democracy;
  • Model vision, imagination, and passion for the non-partisan mission and impact of NCoC;
  • Report to the Board of Directors through the Chair of the Board, provide the overall leadership, fundraising, strategy and vision for NCoC, its programs and outreach;  
  • Commit to clear, measurable goals for diversity, equity and inclusion within NCoC’s own team and program activities. 
  • Build and nourish a culture of inclusion, openness, and respect that encourages staff and leadership to be their whole selves and recognizes the unique workplace challenges of the pandemic and virtual work
  • In partnership with the Board of Directors, provide vision and strategic planning for the organization; ensure attention is focused on strengthening relationships and exploring new opportunities for visibility;
  • Serve as an advocate and knowledgeable spokesperson; expand the public’s understanding of NCoC’s work; ensure that NCoC’s mission and values are clearly and effectively conveyed through its various media channels;
  • Ensure, by effective management and leadership, that day-to-day NCoC operations, programs and services are professionally and efficiently organized and administered; 
  • Sustain and grow the current fundraising infrastructure, including the solicitation of individual and institutional donors and sponsors; develop and grow special events that boost fundraising, including corporate gatherings, and those that mark special milestones; 
  • With the Board Chair and Executive Committee, coordinate the efforts of various Board committees and task forces; develop Board meeting agendas, schedules and other activities with the Executive Committee; ensure that all committees achieve objectives; encourage Board members’ appropriate involvement in NCoC’s range of activities.

CEO Qualifications

  • Proven senior-level experience connected to the civic engagement field; strong problem-solving, negotiation and management experience;
  • A boundless, enthusiastic ambition and entrepreneurial spirit focused on making meaningful change around complex societal problems
  • A track record in attracting philanthropic support from foundations, businesses, individuals, and government sources; demonstrated success in collaborating with others in cooperative fundraising for initiatives; 
  • A mission-driven individual with a belief in and commitment to NCoC as a non-partisan civic leadership organization; decisive, resourceful and diplomatic, with the organizational sensitivity to gain the support and confidence of important constituents;
  • A team builder, confident, generous, and competent, with strong skills in management and leadership; one who understands the subtleties of recruiting, motivating, directing and retaining a diverse group of personalities with different work styles, and who is committed to a culture of transparency, belonging, good will and accountability; 
  • A grounded visionary and open-minded life-long-learner with a measured approach to growing NCoC’s programs and influence;
  • A demonstrated ability to work effectively with professionals with different backgrounds, political parties and from various communities; experience as a problem-solver, facilitator, network builder, catalyst for new ideas and leader/influencer; 
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills, a history of excellent public speaking skills for formal and extemporaneous presentations;
  • A “doer” with a willingness to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of activities ranging from the internal day-to-day operations, to the highly creative and visible with a goal of creating a culture of optimism and positive energy.
  • Possess a college education; graduate/professional education encouraged but not required.

At NCoC, we value excellence, creativity, and initiative. NCoC provides a nurturing work environment and generous benefits for our employees.

Lasting change is always built on diversity. NCoC is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or veteran status. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a special need that requires accommodation, please let us know in your application.

We are an Employer of National Service. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply. Please let us know if you have served in any of these programs. NCoC is based in Washington, DC.

How to Apply

To apply for a position, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@ncoc.org. Please include the position title in the subject of your email. Please no telephone calls or additional emails.