President & Chief Executive Officer (Boston)

The Kresge Foundation; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) seeks a dynamic President & CEO committed to educational equity and racial justice. This role involves strategic growth, operational modernization, and leadership within a historic nonprofit organization dedicated to school desegregation and integration. The CEO will collaborate with the Board to enhance program support, advocate for funding, and ensure organizational success.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in nonprofit leadership and educational equity.
• Experience in fundraising and community engagement.
• Strong advocacy skills for legislative relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision with the Board.
• Enhance program engagement and address achievement gaps.
• Grow philanthropic support and diversify funding sources.
• Oversee organizational operations and financial health.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic Planning

Fundraising

Community Engagement

Advocacy

Education

Master's degree in Education, Public Policy, or related field

Job description

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, Inc. (METCO), the largest and best-known voluntary school desegregation program in the United States, seeks a President & Chief Executive Officer. Established during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement, the METCO program was designed to provide opportunities for children from racially imbalanced schools in Boston and children from isolated suburban schools to learn together in an integrated, diverse public-school setting. Over the last 59 years, METCO has facilitated the graduation of more than 100,000 alumni. Today, METCO’s 3,300 Boston resident students attend public schools in 33 participating districts in metropolitan Boston.

A robust, 20-year longitudinal study has demonstrated data showing that METCO works! METCO students achieve high MCAS scores, graduation rates, college admission rates, and employment and income rates.

METCO, a longstanding leader in the field, aims to continue creating impact in voluntary school integration within Massachusetts and across the nation to promote inclusion, close achievement gaps, and overcome racial barriers.

History

As the second oldest voluntary inter-district school assignment program in the country dedicated to increasing diversity and reducing racial isolation, the METCO Program is unique. Since September 6, 1966, when the first 220 Boston students traveled to classrooms in seven suburban communities, it has amplified academic, emotional, and social support needed for success beyond K-12, including post-secondary education. The program benefits districts through cross-cultural exchange, fostering global citizenship and impact.

Funded by the Massachusetts Legislature under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 76; Section 12A and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), METCO, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization providing administrative and support services such as student placement, transportation planning, counseling, advocacy, tutoring, and liaison work with districts.

Governance and Administration

The METCO, Inc. Board of Directors provides strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, policy setting, and supports organizational success through collaboration with staff. The Board has up to 18 members and meets at least 6 times annually.

Staff

METCO, Inc. has approximately 18 staff members. The President & Chief Executive Officer will have direct reports including the Chief Student Services and Enrollment Officer, the Chief Administration and Finance Officer, and the Chief Development Officer.

Finances and Development

The organization operates with a budget of about $3 million, supported by state funding. Moving forward, a strategic philanthropic plan is needed to strengthen revenue and support METCO students and families.

Opportunity

METCO seeks a dynamic President & CEO committed to educational equity and racial justice, capable of leading the organization through strategic growth, operational modernization, and increased visibility. Reporting to the Board, the CEO will collaborate to set strategic direction and oversee daily operations, ensuring alignment with METCO’s mission and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic vision: Collaborate with the Board to align resources with mission, communicate vision, and promote inclusion and high standards.
• Enhance program engagement: Strengthen supports for students and families, foster community inclusion, address achievement gaps, and activate alumni networks.
• Grow philanthropic support: Partner with the Chief Development Officer to diversify funding, engage donors, and lead fundraising initiatives.
• Maintain legislative ties: Advocate for funding, build relationships with government officials, and explore expansion opportunities.
• Oversee operations and finances: Ensure organizational efficiency, financial health, and effective leadership management.