Job Description

SC Thrive is seeking a visionary and strategic Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization in fulfilling its mission of connecting South Carolinians with essential resources for stability and well-being. The CEO will be responsible for driving SC Thrive’s strategic direction, expanding its statewide visibility and access, ensuring financial sustainability, fostering a thriving team and culture, and leveraging resources and technology to drive service impact and growth. As the primary representative of the organization, the CEO will strengthen partnerships, advocate for community needs, and lead the organization into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Reports to: SC Thrive Board of Directors

Located in: Columbia, SC

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with the Board and Senior Team, support the development and execution of long and short-term operational action plans to drive the business strategy.
• Clearly and consistently communicate the strategic direction to all levels of the organization, ensuring alignment, accountability, and a shared commitment to reach organizational goals.
• Proactively assess organizational risk and establish ethical, compliant operational practices that protect SC Thrive’s integrity and long-term sustainability.
• Maintain a forward-thinking mindset, anticipate emerging challenges, and position the organization for continued innovation, relevance, and growth.

Community Engagement & Visibility

• Act as the primary spokesperson and advocate for SC Thrive’s vision and mission across the state, building strong relationships with key stakeholders including community leaders, state agencies, funders, and nonprofit partners.
• Increase visibility and awareness across South Carolina by engaging with media, speaking at events, and participating in public forums, state and national coalitions, events, and conferences.
• Demonstrate deep knowledge of current issues impacting South Carolinians, including systemic barriers to accessing resources and benefits; maintain up-to-date insights through ongoing research, stakeholder engagement, and policy awareness.
• Strengthen community partnerships to ensure alignment with the needs of those SC Thrive serves. Identify new strategic partnerships which prioritize SC Thrive’s needs.

Financial Growth & Sustainability

• Lead efforts to diversify and significantly increase revenue through a robust mix of philanthropic support, corporate sponsorships, public/private partnerships, government funding, and innovative financing strategies.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) to conceptualize, implement, and evaluate dynamic fund development strategies that fuel both current programming and future growth.
• Provide strong, strategic financial oversight in collaboration with the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term organizational health.
• Partner with the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to lead enterprise-wide budgeting and forecasting processes, aligning fiscal strategies with organizational goals and impact priorities.
• Cultivate and leverage personal and professional networks, along with institutional relationships, to identify and engage potential donors, investors, and partners who align with mission.

Organizational Innovation & Impact

• Identify and pursue innovative opportunities to grow the organization, build new partnerships, and expand service delivery to enhance statewide access to resources.
• Serve as a creative thought-partner to South Carolina’s community benefit organizations on how to drive change in communities.
• Drive impact by leveraging new and emerging technology to enhance connection to resources, processes, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
• Leverage data to communicate and “tell the story behind the numbers” of the impact that SC Thrive has on South Carolina communities.

Team and Culture Development

• Attract, retain, and motivate a strong, high-performing team and workforce that embodies SC Thrive’s values and mission.
• Foster a culture of trust, teamwork, service, and continuous improvement throughout the organization. Set an example and standard for excellence in all work.
• Prioritize robust and targeted professional development initiatives and programs that empower and grow employees. Take an active role as a coach and mentor to direct reports.
• Grow and invest in relationships with Board members, individually and collectively based on mutual respect and shared goals. Understand each Board member’s priorities, lens, and specific strengths.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; master’s degree is a plus.
• 15+ years of progressive executive leadership experience in the nonprofit, government, or social impact sector.
• Passion for SC Thrive’s mission and commitment to community impact.
• Strong strategic planning and organizational development skills within a multi-faceted organization.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, financial management, and sustainability strategies.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with a track record of statewide or national advocacy and engagement.
• Experience leading and developing diverse, high-performing teams and fostering a strong organizational culture.
• Expertise in leveraging technology for social impact, innovation, and operational excellence.

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