Now Hiring


The Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership is currently recruiting for a Co-Executive Director of Programs and Operations. Please review the full Position Description below prior to applying. 


This position requires residency in the State of Tennessee.


Priority application deadline: January 5, 2026. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis thereafter and the position will remain open until filled.


OpePosition Description: Co-ED Operations & Programs

Title:   Co-Executive Director, Operations & Programs


Overview


The Tennessee Center for Employee Ownership (TNCEO) is a statewide nonprofit that expands awareness and adoption of employee ownership as a strategy for preserving business legacies, protecting jobs, and strengthening local economies. TNCEO is one of 24 State Centers in the U.S. affiliated with the Employee Ownership Expansion Network (EOX) and serves as the central hub for employee ownership information, referrals, and partnerships in Tennessee.


TNCEO’s mission is to increase the number of employee-owners and businesses in the state by educating business owners and their advisors, aligning statewide support systems, and positioning employee ownership as a proven tool for long-term economic resilience. The organization provides outreach, education, and technical assistance navigation to help companies explore transitions to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), and other models of shared ownership.


We are seeking a dynamic co-leader to oversee TNCEO’s programs and operations, build strong internal systems, and partner with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships and Board of Directors to grow employee ownership in Tennessee and expand the Center’s statewide impact.


Employment Type: Employee (20–35 hours per week)
Reports to: TNCEO Board of Directors
Collaborates with: Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships, TNCEO Board, contractors, and program staff
Location: Tennessee (hybrid/remote with in-state travel)

Position Overview


The Co-Executive Director, Operations & Programs, serves as one of TNCEO’s two senior leaders, jointly responsible for advancing the organization’s mission and strategy. Together with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships, this role shares executive leadership of TNCEO - balancing internal operations with external strategy to ensure the organization’s programs, partnerships, and systems function effectively and sustainably.


This position focuses on the internal management of operations, staff, and statewide programs while working collaboratively with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships on organizational planning, board engagement, and overall strategic direction. Both Co-Executive Directors act as joint stewards of TNCEO’s mission and are accountable to the Board for achieving strategic, operational, and financial goals.


Responsibilities 


Collaborative Leadership & Strategic Planning

  • Provide internal executive leadership as part of TNCEO’s co-leadership team, with primary responsibility for operations and organizational management.
  • Collaborate with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships, on strategic planning, board engagement, and governance activities.
  • Represent TNCEO in statewide and national forums and maintain active relationships with local, regional and statewide partners and funders.
  • Cultivate strong working relationships with funders, technical assistance providers, and ecosystem partners.


Organizational Management & Operations

  • Provide hands-on leadership for internal operations, staff, and systems to ensure TNCEO functions effectively and in compliance with nonprofit and employment regulations.
  • Supervise staff, interns, and contractors, providing coaching, accountability, and a positive organizational culture.
  • Manage contracts, bookkeeping coordination, and internal systems for finance, HR, and technology.
  • Prepare operational and financial reports for board and committee meetings.
  • Develop and maintain organizational policies, procedures, and documentation.


Program Development & Delivery

  • Lead planning and execution of TNCEO’s awareness and education programs, business outreach events, and professional training initiatives.
  • Partner with the Events & Education Committee to develop programming and secure event partners and sponsors. Manage logistics, registration, partner coordination, and post-event evaluation.
  • Oversee statewide referral intake and business navigation processes, ensuring timely and high-quality connections between business owners and technical service providers.
  • Track program outcomes and performance metrics in TNCEO’s CRM to support reporting and improvement.


Financial & Grant Management

  • Co-develop and manage organizational budgets in coordination with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships, and Treasurer and Finance Committee.
  • Ensure compliance with funder requirements and submit timely grant reports.
  • Oversee accounting and audit readiness with support from external bookkeeping and finance partners.
  • Support revenue tracking, invoicing, and expense reconciliation.


Marketing, Communications & Outreach

  • Coordinate implementation of marketing, communications, and social media strategies aligned with TNCEO’s statewide visibility goals in collaboration with the Co-Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships
  • Collaborate with creative partners to develop event collateral, presentations, outreach materials and email marketing lists to ensure consistent stakeholder engagement.



Qualifications and Experience


  • Strong operations leader and systems-builder with attention to detail and ability to create structure in a growing organization.
  • Skilled communicator with experience collaborating across sectors (nonprofit, business, and government). Excellent written and public speaking communication skills.
  • 7-10 years of business or nonprofit management experience.
  • Proven ability to:
  • Respectfully manage staff and contractors toward performance outcomes
  • Ensure multi-grant/program and legal compliance
  • Lead in a nonprofit, startup organization, or major initiative of a similar size
  • Design, build and execute programs that achieve strong outcomes and impact
  • Build and maintain professional relationships and strong collaborations
  • Think and act strategically about stakeholder engagement and systems building
  • Steward client / customer relationships with integrity and responsivity
  • Make confident and well informed decisions
  • Create and manage budgets
  • Commitment to:
  • Social and economic equity
  • Operational excellence and brand integrity
  • Collaboration and teamwork in a highly entrepreneurial environment
  • High-fidelity business-to-business and stakeholder relationship management
  • Learning about and fairly representing all forms of employee ownership, including Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts
  • TNCEO’s mission of preserving businesses, jobs, and community wealth through employee ownership.
  • Continuous learning and personal mastery of new skills/knowledge
  • High personal standard of ethics and accountability
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, social media platforms, and CRM and project-management tools.
  • Marketing, public relations, client management, and/or sales in mainly a business-to-business environment with some business to consumer experience helpful.
  • Fundraising, grant writing, and/or business development helpful but not required.
  • Knowledge of/experience with employee ownership and/or grassroots organizing helpful but not required.

Compensation & Benefits

 

  • Salary Range: $65,000–$75,000 annually for a 35-hour/week schedule (up to $85,000 including benefits and administrative costs). The position will be offered initially at 20–25 hours per week with a corresponding starting salary of approximately $37,000–$53,000 depending on experience and qualifications, with the opportunity to expand to 30–35 hours per week as funding and program scope grow.
  • Schedule: 20–25 hours per week to start. Occasional evening or weekend events may be required. Must have capacity to increase hours to 30–35 per week within 18 months.
  • Benefits: Health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid leave available at 30+ hours per week. 
  • Travel: Approximately 15–25% statewide travel.

Equal Opportunity Statement


TNCEO is committed to building an inclusive and equitable workplace that reflects the communities it serves. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences who share a commitment to broadening access to employee ownership and economic opportunity.





Priority Deadline to Apply: January 5, 2026


Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will remain open until filled.