Executive Director, Nashville Chapter

Executive Director, Nashville Chapter

Job Title: Executive Director, Nashville Chapter

Department: Chapter Impact

Location: Nashville, TN

Reports to: Vice President, Chapter Impact & Outposts

Direct Reports: Yes

Classification: Exempt

Anticipated Pay: $106,000 - $146,000

Blue Star Families is the largest nonprofit dedicated to making military life better for families. Each year, we support over 1.5 million military‑connected family members through a national network of 300,000+ members and local chapters across the country. Our mission is simple and bold:
We make military life awesome for families. We listen, share, partner, and act to deliver evidence‑based, data‑driven solutions that work for real people. We’re a lifestyle organization, a friend and neighbor, and a trusted partner. Our approach is collaborative, human‑centered, and designed with the whole family in mind.

• Bold thinkers, fast movers, and smart collaborators.
• People who want to build, lead, and drive measurable change.
• Someone who cares deeply about making an impact that matters.

• Solve complex challenges with data, heart, and humility.
• Build cross‑sector partnerships that get things done.
• Help military families feel at home wherever they live.

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior‑most leader of the Chapter, responsible for local strategy, sustainable revenue, community impact, and team performance. The ED leads a metropolitan region (Nashville) and supports satellite program delivery in adjacent locations (Clarksville, TN). The role requires a high‑capacity, externally focused executive who excels at strategic partnerships, six‑figure fundraising, board leadership, and cross‑functional coordination. It is an executive‑level role that demands strategic vision, high visibility, and the ability to navigate a complex ecosystem.

As a fully remote organization, the ED will travel overnight several times per year for staff off‑sites, planning retreats, and company‑wide events.

• Fundraising & Revenue Leadership
  • Develop and execute a Chapter Sustainability Plan tied to annual revenue and growth.
  • Secure major gifts from corporations, philanthropies, foundations, and high‑net‑worth individuals.
  • Partner with the Development Team and National team on joint fundraising strategy.
  • Lead stewardship and storytelling efforts that reinforce BSF’s virtuous cycle.
  • Expand diversified revenue streams: corporate sponsor ships, foundations, workplace giving, government opportunities, and community campaigns.
  • Own annual fundraising goals; oversee stewardship that increases renewal rates and multi‑year commitments.
• Executive Leadership & Chapter Operations
  • Lead the Chapter’s full operational portfolio, including staff, volunteers, programs, budget, and community partnerships.
  • Serve as the senior BSF representative in the metropolitan region—driving professionalism, visibility, and community trust.
  • Develop and manage the Program Director/Manager and volunteer corps; ensure satellite program delivery (Clarksville) is aligned, supported, and resourced.
  • Manage national program execution (Welcome Week, MFLS, NTS/Nourish the Service, etc.).
  • Implement BSF’s data‑driven evaluation model in partnership with National Programs & Applied Research teams.
  • Ensure compliance with BSF operational policies, fiscal management, KPIs, and risk mitigation practices.
• Advisory Board & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Recruit, develop, and steward a high‑performing, strategic local Advisory Board.
  • Cultivate relationships with VIPs, elected officials, military installation leaders, philanthropic champions, and corporate executives.
  • Leverage senior relationships to open doors and elevate the Chapter’s regional presence.
  • Represent BSF at community events, convenings, coalitions, and multi‑sector partnership tables.
• Community Building & Cross‑Sector Partnerships
  • Become a recognized thought leader in the local community.
  • Build a robust ecosystem of civic, military, corporate, nonprofit, and philanthropic partners.
  • Serve as the Chapter’s chief ambassador for military‑connected families.
  • Collaborate with the Program Director/Manager to connect…