WE ARE HIRING - Executive Director

 

The Opportunity

The Nashville Institute for Faith and Work (NIFW) is seeking a visionary and entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead its next chapter. NIFW is relaunching as an independent nonprofit after church ownership, backed by a strong board, its original founder, an engaged alumni network, and a city primed for meaningful faith and work integration. This role presents an opportunity for a dynamic leader to build upon a strong foundation and bring fresh energy to an organization dedicated to deep discipleship, city renewal, and marketplace impact.

The Role

The Executive Director will be responsible for setting and executing the strategic vision of NIFW, overseeing programming, fundraising, and partnerships, and expanding the organization’s reach and impact. This position requires a self-starter with a deep commitment to Christian discipleship and theological formation, someone who is comfortable working across denominations and engaging with a broad spectrum of socioeconomic and professional groups. The ideal candidate will be as effective in a boardroom as in spaces addressing urban poverty, able to bridge gaps and build partnerships that strengthen the work of Christians throughout the city.

Key Responsibilities

  • Vision & Leadership: Provide strategic direction and organizational leadership, ensuring NIFW fulfills its mission of integrating faith and work in Nashville.

  • Discipleship & Teaching: Oversee and expand NIFW’s teaching programs and modalities across the city, including the Gotham Fellowship, to ensure a strong emphasis on spiritual formation with authentic heart change.

  • Fundraising & Sustainability: Develop a diversified funding model, including donor engagement, grants, and partnerships, to establish long-term sustainability.

  • Community Cultivation: Engage the rich alumni network and beyond to mobilize work for the common good.

  • Partnerships & Collaboration: Work across denominational lines to foster relationships with churches, businesses, and community organizations.

  • Operational & Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, staffing, and resources efficiently, ensuring that NIFW maximizes impact with limited resources.

  • Public Engagement: Serve as the face of NIFW, speaking at events, engaging with media, and championing faith and work integration in Nashville.

  • National Leadership: Participate in the national faith and work ecosystem, ultimately cultivating thought leadership with and to other like-minded organizations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

  • Deep Personal Relationship with Christ: A profound and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, demonstrating a life transformed by the gospel and a commitment to ongoing spiritual growth.

  • Lived Experience of Faith and Work Integration: Practical experience in integrating faith and work, understanding the challenges and opportunities of living out one's faith in various professional contexts.

  • Entrepreneurial Spirit: A self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of doing a lot with a little and building from the ground up.

  • Strong Theological Foundation: A solid understanding of Christian theology, with a passion for integrating faith and work.

  • Experience in Discipleship and Teaching: Proven experience in discipleship and teaching, with the ability to mentor and develop leaders.

  • Marketplace Experience: Experience in the marketplace is a plus, bringing firsthand understanding of professional challenges and opportunities.

  • Knowledge of Nashville’s Culture: Deep knowledge of Nashville’s culture, economy, and spiritual landscape is a significant advantage.

  • Cross-Denominational Collaboration: Ability to work across socioeconomic and denominational lines, fostering unity and collaboration.

  • Fundraising Expertise: Proven ability to develop funding strategies and cultivate donor relationships.

Organizational Background

NIFW was founded in 2015 as an intentional, city-facing ministry, launched and primarily funded by Christ Presbyterian Church. The organization quickly became a hub for faith and work integration in Nashville, introducing the Gotham Fellowship, a flagship year-long leadership development program licensed from Redeemer City to City. The program, which runs in 14 cities nationwide, has produced over 200 alumni in Nashville, many of whom remain deeply engaged in the city's faith and work movement.

Beyond the Gotham Fellowship, NIFW expanded its impact by hosting conferences on critical workplace issues—such as innovation, creativity, the generational divide, and gender dynamics. Additionally, the organization launched an entrepreneurial support group, staffed by a counselor and an executive coach, providing ongoing encouragement and guidance for faith-driven business leaders.

In 2024, NIFW was paused due to an unexpected pastoral transition at its founding church. However, the vision and momentum behind the organization never wavered. Recognizing its vital role in the city, a dedicated board has come together to relaunch NIFW as an independent 501(c)(3) organization. This moment presents an incredible opportunity for a leader ready to take ownership, build on a strong foundation, and guide NIFW into a flourishing future.

This is an exciting, high-impact role for someone who is deeply committed to a continued personal journey of heart transformation and is ready to lead boldly, engage deeply, and make a lasting mark on the faith and work movement in Nashville and beyond. If this vision resonates with you, we invite you to explore the opportunity further.

APplication information

Please send the following documents to directorsearch@NIFW.org by Apr 1, 2025.  The search will remain open until a candidate is selected, but those who apply by April 1 will be considered first. 

  • Resume

  • Cover letter with relevant experience highlighted

  • Answers to the following questions in 250 words or less each:

    • Please describe your faith journey.

    • What is your personal experience with faith and work integration?

    • Which aspects of the role are most exciting to you?  Which will be most challenging for you?

Salary will be commensurate with experience and nonprofit Nashville market rates. Only those proceeding to the next phase of consideration will be contacted.  

Thank you for your time considering this opportunity.