Senior Executive of Municipal Programs - National League of Cities

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and no later than May 22, 2025.  

The National League of Cities (NLC) is a prominent membership-based organization representing the interests of over 19,000 cities, towns, and villages across the United States. With a dedicated team of over 150 professionals, NLC provides a comprehensive range of services through specialized centers focused on leadership development, policy research, federal advocacy, member engagement, operations, and communications.

Based at NLC’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Senior Executive of Municipal Programs is a pivotal leadership role for a strategic thinker and relationship-builder who is passionate about supporting local governments and driving meaningful, measurable change in communities nationwide. This role sets the strategic agenda and oversees the delivery of programs, initiatives, and high-impact technical assistance to municipal leaders in key areas, including housing and homelessness, education, sustainability, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, financial empowerment, early childhood education, health and wellness, and workforce development. The Senior Executive of Municipal Programs develops and executes a funding strategy focused on securing sustainable philanthropic support, while also guiding grant development and fund management.

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The Senior Executive of Municipal Programs will have the unique opportunity to:

·Shape the Future of Municipal Programs: Lead the integration of two impactful centers into a cohesive vision that builds on past successes while cultivating a new, forward-looking organizational culture.

·Champion Equity and Inclusion: Embed equity and inclusion at the heart of all strategies, while honoring the organization's nonpartisan values and supporting cities navigating complex political and social landscapes.

·Elevate Organizational Strategy: Serve as a key member of the Senior Executive Team, aligning programmatic efforts with broader organizational goals and shaping strategic direction across the enterprise.

·Drive Innovation in Technical Assistance: Lead the development of measurable, community-informed technical assistance programs rooted in a robust theory of change, supporting local governments in making meaningful, sustainable improvements.

·Lead Through Change: Provide steady, confident leadership during a period of transformation, guiding staff through organizational integration, evolving priorities, and new ways of working.

·Fundraising and Relationship Building: Strengthen the organization’s financial foundation by cultivating and stewarding key philanthropic relationships, closing funding opportunities, and ensuring alignment between funder interests and mission-driven outcomes.

·Engage and Empower Experts: Inspire a team of experienced, passionate professionals by helping them see beyond individual programs to broader, system-wide solutions that benefit both communities and the organization.

·Elevate and Amplify the NLC Programs for Youth, Education, and Families: Position NLC as a national cradle-to-career resource for city leaders and their partners, highlighting its importance in shaping equitable, community-centered solutions.

The starting salary for this position will be $200,000 - $240,000. NLC provides employees a generous benefits package with access to robust health, vision & dental insurance, life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, a retirement plan, and other ancillary benefits. Vacation is accrued following the employee’s start date, up to a maximum of 25 days per year along with 13 days of sick leave, one personal leave day, and 12 paid holidays. 

This is a hybrid position based at NLC’s headquarters office in Washington, D.C. Hybrid positions require on-site attendance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week, with the third day approved by the employee and supervisor. Relocation assistance is available. 

This position requires a Master’s degree in Public Administration, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field, along with a minimum of 15 years of experience in municipal governance, local government relations, nonprofit management, or a related area, including at least seven years in a senior leadership role overseeing complex programs. 

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with local, state and federal municipal leaders and a deep understanding of the complex challenges municipalities face. Additionally, the candidate must demonstrate proven experience in providing strategic direction for programs, initiatives, technical assistance, and campaigns in areas such as housing and homelessness, sustainability, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, financial empowerment, education, early childhood education, health and wellness, and workforce development.

This position is open until filled; however, applications will be reviewed as received. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and no later than May 22, 2025.  For more information, please contact Yolanda Howze at Yolanda.Howze@bakertilly.com or 312-240-3401.

The hired candidate will be required to complete satisfactory reference and background clearances. Proof of legal authorization to work in the United States as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 must be provided within three days of the start date.

For more information about the National League of Cities, please visit: https://www.nlc.org/.

Salary : $200,000 - $240,000