Nashville Chess Center Executive Director – Position Description
The Executive Director oversees the staff of the Nashville Chess Center (NCC) and manages the Chess in Schools program, ensuring that it continues to grow and run efficiently while all members of the team have what they need to succeed. The Executive Director will have experience managing major chess tournaments, and experience in developing and managing organizations and budgets. The Executive Director also coordinates communication and information flow among and between stakeholders, management, staff, members, donors, the Foundation for Tennessee Chess (FFTC) Board of Directors and others within the broader chess community. This position reports to the FFTC Board.
Responsibilities
• Serves as NCC’s primary spokesperson and advocate, increasing NCC’s visibility and reputation with key stakeholders.
• Develops and presents in writing to the Board of Directors for approval NCC’s long term strategic plan (3 to 5 years). Then leads the implementation of said plan. The plan should have a particular focus on growing the NCC’s school instructional program.
• Oversees performance of all tasks necessary to operate the NCC’s school instructional program including the recruitment and development of Chess in Schools teachers.
• Recruits, hires and develops NCC staff while managing personnel issues as appropriate and building staff morale and effectiveness.
• Oversees the activities of the office manager to insure the accuracy and integrity of financial information, reporting and disclosure requirements as well as the establishment of an annual budget. Monitors performance against said budget and takes appropriate steps to ensure performance within the parameters of the budget.
• Performs all tasks necessary to manage and maintain the chess center building and guesthouse (including rental).
• Oversees performance of all tasks necessary to staff and run four (4) summer chess camps.
• Oversees performance of all tasks necessary to run the same or a greater number of chess camps during school year (MLK Day, etc.).
• Oversees performance of all tasks necessary to run Nashville Scholastic Championship and Nashville Open Championship.
• Oversees performance of all tasks necessary to run at least two annual national tournaments (Music City Open, and Nashville Summer Classic).
• Acts as Chief TD or assistant TD of the tournaments listed above and other minor tournaments held at the NCC, as needed.
• Serves as school Chess Instructor if necessary throughout the school year.
• Oversees and manages staff schedules and activities to insure the NCC maintains its regular operating hours.
• Oversees and manages staff activities to maintain and enhance NCC’s social media presence.
• Oversees and manages fundraising events (if deemed necessary or beneficial by the Board of Directors).
• Assists Board of Directors with other fundraising matters as directed by Board.
• Oversees and manages staff to ensure an annual NCC Newsletter is developed and distributed.
• Oversees and manages staff to ensure the NCC website is maintained and enhanced.
• Provides information and data requested by Board for quarterly Board meetings.
• Identifies and develops written policies necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the NCC.
• Actively maintains communications with the Board of Directors on the status of the NCC and any developing issues.
• Performs other activities as requested by the Board of Directors.
Required Skills/Abilities
• Superior verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Superior managerial and diplomatic skills.
• Highly ethical leader.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• An understanding of how to manage and drive growth in a service organization.
• Cultural competence to effectively engage with diverse demographics.
• Skills or experience in grant writing and donor relations.
Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree required preferably in business, management or related.
• Operational leadership experience, preferably at least 5 years and preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• USCF certified TD required; FIDE arbiter is a plus.
• High level club chess player – expert or higher preferred.
• Experience in a similar nonprofit setting highly desirable.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and must have a demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines. A bachelor’s degree is required. At least five (5) years of experience in management and prior P&L responsibility is required (preferably in a service organization).
Location
Job requires residence in or relocation to the Nashville, TN area and regular in-person presence at the NCC.
Salary
Commensurate with qualifications and experience.