Chief Executive Officer
NorthSouth Foundation - Chicago, IL
The NorthSouth Foundation seeks a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership and overseeing all aspects of the organization's operations. The CEO will work in close partnership with the Board of Directors, the leadership team, chapters across the U.S., and a dedicated network of volunteers to advance the mission, drive growth, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. They will oversee the day-to-day operations of the NorthSouth Foundation, ensuring operational excellence, effective resource management, and a culture of transparency and collaboration. The Chief Executive Officer will be a visionary leader with a history of growing non-profits, a deep commitment to the mission of the NorthSouth Foundation, and the skills to scale its impact globally.
Since 1989, the NorthSouth Foundation has been empowering students to reach their full potential. Through academic coaching, the Learning Journey program, and competitions, the NorthSouth Foundation provides a pathway to success for students from all backgrounds. The foundation also supports disadvantaged students with the funds to pursue their educational goals. The NorthSouth Foundation’s annual academic competitions and spelling bees inspire thousands of students to reach for the stars. Beyond academics, the foundation fosters leadership and citizenship through programs like Young Changemakers. Since its founding, NorthSouth has provided more than 35,000 scholarships to students in India who demonstrate academic excellence and a desire to continue their education but cannot financially afford to pursue their dream.
"Our new CEO will need to embrace change, appreciating the opportunities that come with the role, but also acknowledging the challenges in effecting change. NorthSouth had a very successful playbook from 1989 until 2019. COVID-19 changed everything in the educational space, and NorthSouth was not immune to this change. We have a strong endowment, allowing the right leader to make bold moves as needed. I will remain on the Board, and the Founder is an active Board member as well. Given that wisdom and experience on the Board and among our volunteer base, the CEO will need to have a strong operational background, with experience in steady change management.
I’ve had the opportunity the last few years to build a small staff of paid employees and volunteers who believe in our mission of intersecting the 4 Es: Education, Excellence, Empathy and social Entrepreneurship. Our goal is not to develop smart kids - rather it’s to bring together volunteers, parents, and students who want to use their effort and intelligence to change the world. It’s a tall order, but we have thousands of proof points which reminds us it’s possible. We hope you’re the leader who sets us up for the next three decades of success. I look forward to meeting you!" — Dr. Balu Natarajan, Vice Chair, NorthSouth Foundation Board of Directors & Interim CEO
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.
Since 1989, the NorthSouth Foundation has been empowering students to reach their full potential. Through academic coaching, the Learning Journey program, and competitions, the NorthSouth Foundation provides a pathway to success for students from all backgrounds. The foundation also supports disadvantaged students with the funds to pursue their educational goals. The NorthSouth Foundation’s annual academic competitions and spelling bees inspire thousands of students to reach for the stars. Beyond academics, the foundation fosters leadership and citizenship through programs like Young Changemakers. Since its founding, NorthSouth has provided more than 35,000 scholarships to students in India who demonstrate academic excellence and a desire to continue their education but cannot financially afford to pursue their dream.
"Our new CEO will need to embrace change, appreciating the opportunities that come with the role, but also acknowledging the challenges in effecting change. NorthSouth had a very successful playbook from 1989 until 2019. COVID-19 changed everything in the educational space, and NorthSouth was not immune to this change. We have a strong endowment, allowing the right leader to make bold moves as needed. I will remain on the Board, and the Founder is an active Board member as well. Given that wisdom and experience on the Board and among our volunteer base, the CEO will need to have a strong operational background, with experience in steady change management.
I’ve had the opportunity the last few years to build a small staff of paid employees and volunteers who believe in our mission of intersecting the 4 Es: Education, Excellence, Empathy and social Entrepreneurship. Our goal is not to develop smart kids - rather it’s to bring together volunteers, parents, and students who want to use their effort and intelligence to change the world. It’s a tall order, but we have thousands of proof points which reminds us it’s possible. We hope you’re the leader who sets us up for the next three decades of success. I look forward to meeting you!" — Dr. Balu Natarajan, Vice Chair, NorthSouth Foundation Board of Directors & Interim CEO
For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.