Aspen Leadership Group is pleased to partner with the NorthSouth Foundation in the search for a Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer will be the highest-ranking executive for the NorthSouth Foundation, responsible for providing 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 cultureof 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 forthe 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.
The Learning Journey program is designed to empower K-12 students with the skills, knowledge, andconfidence needed to succeed in school and in life. It is supplemental to students’ current in-schooleducation, filling a critical gap with its focus on holistic learning. The program was created to allow kids tolearn directly from a coach while also interacting with other students. Learning Journey programs ensurestudents’ independent progress and help instill self-learning ability. Through its academic coachingprograms, the NorthSouth Foundation provides neighborhood-based coaching that strengthens localconnections and expands its volunteer network. Its coaching programs connect students with high-qualityacademic preparation at low cost.
The NorthSouth Foundation’s energetic contests offer a platform for personal growth and academicachievement, while contributing to a meaningful cause. The foundation has over 75 local U.S. chaptershosting regional contests each spring. The top-ranked students from these contests are invited to theNational Finals where they will compete to achieve trophies and scholarships. Since 1999, 21 of 25 ScrippsSpelling Bee winners have been NorthSouth Foundation alumni.
The Young Changemaker Journey (YCJ) program is an initiative of the Young Changemakers of NorthSouth(YCNS). Middle and high school students are provided with tools to bring change to their local communities. During a Changemaker’s first year, participants will connect monthly to learn about design thinking and Changemaking principles. After they graduate from their first year, Changemakers will receive additional alumni programming to progress their projects further and strengthen connections among fellow Changemakers.
NorthSouth Foundation believes that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. Through educational programs and scholarships, NorthSouth is empowering students in the U.S. and around the world. With over 75 active U.S. chapters, these nation wide partners are key to NorthSouth Foundation’s impact. Together, this grassroots network creates a strong, passionate community fostering excellence in education, greater empathy, and impactful social entrepreneurship. The NorthSouth Foundation,supported by over 5,000 dedicated volunteers, empowers thousands of students each year.
Reporting Relationships
The Chief Executive Officer will report to the Board of Directors, through the Chair, Dr. Arun Maheshwari. The Chief Executive Officer will oversee eight direct reports, most of whom are volunteers.
From The Board Of Directors & Interim Chief Executive Officer
Since 1989, the NorthSouth Foundation has been making education possible for the underserved in India. Along the way, we have awarded over 35,000 scholarships in India, provided educational access points here in the U.S., and paved the way for many students to excel here, including 29 of the last 35 Scripps National Spelling Bee champions.
Having served as volunteer CEO for the better part of the last 5 years, it is time for me to step back and focus on my other full-time job as Chief Medical Officer of a large healthcare company. The Board and Iare looking for a CEO who will make us proud, preserving powerful elements of our storied past while embracing a technology-driven future for our virtual educational institution.
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. One big change will include winning over our volunteer base-historically we have been 100% volunteer-driven, so a paid CEO is a new concept for our Foundation.
Our story is a compelling one. NorthSouth has empowered thousands of incredible stories, many of our scholarship recipients started in a small village and went on to higher education and made great contributions in different parts of the world. Our story has also been shared with large audiences. In thelast 3 years alone, we’ve been featured in the New York Times, The Athletic, live on CNN, and more.
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 upfor the next three decades of success. I look forward to meeting you!— Dr. Arun Maheshwari, Board Chair & Interim CEO
Board Of Directors
The NorthSouth Foundation is governed by an engaged 11-member Board of Directors — a close-knit anddedicated group who provide the organization with time, wisdom, and resources, playing a crucial role inoverseeing its strategic direction, financial health, and community engagement. The board is comprised of respected leaders from various sectors, including nonprofit organizations, business, and philanthropy, all driven by a shared passion for the transformative power of education. Dr. Arun Maheshwari serves as Chairman and Interim CEO. You may learn more here.
Primary Responsibilities
The Chief Executive Officer will
• develop and execute the organization's strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, setting clear goals and objectives to expand programs and increase impact;
• lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of volunteers and staff across the U.S. chapters;
• oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring operational excellence, effective resource management, and a culture of transparency and collaboration;
• ensure the organization's financial sustainability and growth by managing cash flow, overseeing budgets, and leading fundraising efforts from diverse sources, including individual donors,corporate partners, and foundations;
• serve as the primary spokes person for the NorthSouth Foundation, building and nurturing strong relationships with donors, volunteers, partners, and the broader community;
• advocate for the organization's mission and represent it to the public and media;
• oversee the development and management of high-quality educational programs and services inboth the U.S. and India, ensuring they align with the organization's mission and values; and
• ensure compliance with all regulatory and legal requirements, including corporate governance and ethical leadership.
Preferred Competencies and Qualifications
The NorthSouth Foundation seeks a Chief Executive Officer with
• a commitment to the mission of the NorthSouth Foundation — to provide every child with opportunity and equity to educational access, to empower every child to be an empathetic and holistic leader, and to provide a platform for volunteers to come together to support their communities;
• a growth mindset, and a belief in transparency, team work, camaraderie, consensus building, and accountability;
• experience as a senior executive, with a history of successfully leading and growing non-profit ormission-driven organizations;
• exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills;
• an entrepreneurial spirit;
• a deep understanding of the non-profit sector, corporate governance, and ethical leadership;
• strong financial acumen, including experience overseeing budgets, ensuring fiscal sustainability, and working with Finance and Audit Committee, CFO, and Investment Committee & advisors tosteward organizational assets and endowments;
• experience leading fundraising and revenue diversification strategies;
• experience with strategic planning, organizational change, and scaling operations;
• an ability to manage and motivate diverse teams, including volunteers;
• an ability to lead, inspire, and build high-performing teams of volunteers while maintaining a positive work environment;
• outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to effectively articulate the organization's vision to internal and external stakeholders and foster trust;
• an ability to communicate with respect and sensitivity across all levels of the organization and community partners;
• an ability to navigate and engage with the diverse and complex cultural landscape of the Indian American community, with a nuanced understanding of the diaspora's values, traditions, and generational shifts; and
• a strong passion for educational equity.
A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least five years of senior level non-profit management experience or the equivalent, is required for this position. The NorthSouth Foundation will consider candidates with a broad range of backgrounds. If you are excited about this role and feel that you can contribute to NorthSouth, but your experience does not exactly align with every qualification listed above, we encourage you to apply.
Salary, Benefits, and Culture
The salary range for this position is $180,000 to $200,000 annually. The NorthSouth Foundation provides a competitive benefits package. NSF values a culture of service, collaboration, and volunteerism; theyseek a leader whose motivation comes from making a meaningful impact as well as achieving organizational results.
Location
This is a remote position. The Chief Executive Officer may work from any location, preferably near amajor regional airport. They will be expected to travel approximately 30% of their time.
Application Instructions
All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and resume. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of the NorthSouth Foundation as well as the responsibilities and qualifications stated in the position prospectus. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate has been selected.
To apply for this position, visit: Chief Executive Officer, NorthSouth Foundation.
To nominate a candidate, please contact Eric Rosario.
All inquiries will be held in confidence.
