Chief Executive Officer

ABOUT OASIS: Oasis Center was founded in 1969 when a group of young lawyers came together to establish the “Rap House,” a simple community center for runaway teens and youth struggling with addictions. Fifty-six years later, the “Rap House” has evolved into Oasis Center, a nationally recognized organization, where nearly 3,500 youth and families turn for help and direct support every year. Oasis Center provides a wide range of opportunities that reflect the diverse needs of youth and their families, from crisis intervention to youth leadership and community engagement to college and career access. Our 20 programs and services are based on the foundation of four areas for youth success: Safety, Belonging, Empowerment, and Generosity.

Our Mission: Building relationships that advance youth well-being, amplify youth voice, and inspire action toward a just community.

Our Vision: To live in a world where all young people are safe, valued, connected to caring adults, and prepared for productive and fulfilling lives. We believe that progress is made toward this goal when we develop and encourage perspectives based on hope, a vision of what is possible, and the courage to act. We cultivate this change through caring relationships, meaningful action, and thoughtful reflection.

OPPORTUNITY: This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to guide a highly respected and mission-driven organization. The CEO of Oasis Center will step into a role that offers the ability to shape the future of youth services in Middle Tennessee while spearheading innovative growth strategies, strengthening financial sustainability, and enhancing organizational impact.

Oasis Center’s mission is deeply compelling, rooted in the belief that every young person deserves to feel valued, supported, and empowered to shape their future. With a 56-year legacy of impact, the organization has built an unparalleled reputation as a leader in youth services, offering a holistic range of programs from housing support to educational and leadership initiatives. The CEO will have the extraordinary privilege of leading a team that transforms lives daily, providing essential services to marginalized and at-risk youth. Oasis Center’s commitment to equity, justice, and innovation ensures that young people receive the tools, resources, and community they need to thrive. For a leader who seeks purpose-driven work with real, measurable impact, this role represents a rare and meaningful opportunity to drive lasting change in the lives of Nashville’s youth and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY: Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will oversee key agency operations: fundraising, programs, advocacy efforts, finance, and public relations. The CEO will ensure that the agency operates under its mission and within the parameters of the long-range goals set by the Board while optimizing the investment of agency resources.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Staff and Program Management

Fund Development & Marketing

Advocacy

Board Relations

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Five years minimum of senior level administrative experience.
• Proven leadership experience in a nonprofit, philanthropic, or mission-driven organization, with experience overseeing complex operations and diverse teams.
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to lead with empathy and resilience.
• Knowledge and ability to apply skills of organizational management, including personnel management, team building, financial management, strategic planning, fundraising, program evaluation, etc.
• Demonstrated track record in fundraising, donor cultivation, and revenue generation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
• Strong skills in networking and relationship building with a variety of constituents (Board, staff, clients, funding sources, community leaders, etc.).
• Ability to foster trust among staff, funders, community partners, and government entities.
• Excellent public speaking and advocacy skills.
• Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a leadership style that prioritizes collaboration and transparency.
• A passion for serving young people and the ability to inspire others to support Oasis Center’s mission.
• Ability to effectively communicate with others in oral and written form.
• Proven crisis management experience.
• Ability to travel locally.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep understanding of issues impacting youth, marginalized communities, and the nonprofit sector.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and strengthening governance structures.
• Experience working in or knowledge of the Nashville community.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s degree in social work or other human service-related fields.

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION:

The position of CEO is a 40-hours-a-week, full-time position. A full benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision plans, and agency-paid group life and long-term disability. A 401K plan is available to employees with an employer match of up to 3% starting the first of the quarter following six months of employment. Employees receive a generous time-off package with paid holidays.

Salary Range: $155,000 - $170,000 per year annual salary, commensurate with experience.

LOCATION: Nashville, TN

EEO Statement: Oasis Center is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and is operated in accordance with a policy which does not permit discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, ability, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.