Executive Director

NPower is a national nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization that empowers under-resourced young adults and military veterans to pursue tech futures by teaching the digital and professional skills demanded by the marketplace and placing our graduates in career-track IT jobs. Our free, award-winning, technology training programs provide in-demand certifications within weeks, professional networking and mentorship with business leaders, soft skills coaching, job placement assistance and an opportunity for graduates to give back to the program via our professional volunteer network.

NPower is deeply committed to our core values: Impact, Commitment, Integrity, Diversity and Humility. We work together to transform lives and strengthen communities, we are dedicated to the success of our students, employees and stakeholders, we are transparent, honest and ethical, we build respect, dignity, fairness and self-esteem and we learn from mistakes and success in equal measure. There is no endpoint to our work; we continuously strive to reach our full potential.

Position Summary:

The Executive Director position is a general manager role responsible for the overall programmatic and financial success of our work in Detroit, Michigan.  Success is measured by attaining benchmark results for the recruitment, training, certification, paid internship placement and job placement of our students across curricula;  securing funding to maintain program sustainability; cultivating an engaged Regional Advisory Board; recruiting and retaining A-level staff members, building productive partnerships with corporations, volunteers, and nonprofits across the greater Detroit area; and contributing to the culture, knowledge base and broader strategy of our national operation. 

Lead all NPower activities in Detroit, MI and serve as a member of the NPower Leadership Team

• Lead the Detroit team to superior program results by
• Sourcing high quality student pool reflective of our criteria for each class
• Driving for operational excellence and model fidelity – the NPower way
• Partnering with the Instructor Institute to ensure successful acquisition of skills and industry certifications.
• Cultivating and building a portfolio of corporate partners to provide volunteers, paid internships/apprenticeships, and fulltime employment.
• Attracting and retaining A-level employee talent
• Serve has a positive “culture carrier” who demonstrates NPower’s values every day.
• Oversee the Regional Advisory Board comprised of senior corporate and community leaders to assist in the financial and programmatic success of NPower in the state.
• Be a strong external ambassador for NPower, representing the organization with local market workforce investment boards, civic leaders, and community events.
• Provide excellent leadership for the staff including, goal-setting, team-building, performance assessment, career development, recruiting, and salary administration.
• Track and report best practices and relevant data to NPower Network utilizing Salesforce tool for both programmatic outcomes and funder/donor management.

• Work in collaboration with the regional Development Director to identify and close corporate and private foundation grants, and contributions from high net worth donors. Manage regional fundraising, community and partnership events.
• Partner with VP of Strategic Partnerships to manage national account engagement.
• Identify and close sources of government funding.

• Develop and manage balanced, sustainable budget for Detroit including revenue and expense forecasting, expense control and 3-year financial planning.
• Work closely with NPower Marketing team to grow NPower brand awareness across the greater Detroit area.
• Ensure executive reporting for regional results and compliance with NPower policy.

• Contribute to the design of NPower’s national strategic plan and lead its implement across Detroit.

Candidate Requirements

• A sincere passion for NPower’s mission.
• At least 10+ year’s executive experience with success in inspiring staff, delivering results under deadlines and in tightly constrained environments, and building strong, external partnerships.
• An established reputation as a strong, trustworthy leader in the Detroit community.
• Senior fundraising or comparable sales experience, including strong relationship building, interpersonal skills and excellent follow through.
• Equally comfortable and effective working with Fortune 500 executives, community leaders, elected officials, NPower clients (our students) and volunteers.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and to lead complex projects with multiple external and internal partners.
• An agile, strategic thinker who can contribute creatively and constructively as a member of NPower’s leadership team.
• Experience working with senior-level volunteers, guiding and directing their efforts to advance a mission.
• Excellent written communication and presentation skills.
• Positive, can-do attitude for a rapidly growing enterprise.
• Is the model of grace under pressure, while maintaining a sense of urgency.
• A sense of humor!

• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player with virtual linkages.
• Nonprofit experience, either as a staff leader or board member.

Preference given to individuals who have

• Workforce development experience
• Background in the IT field
• Experience in entrepreneurial environments
• Experience developing or managing a board of senior volunteer leaders