Job Details

President and Chief Executive Officer

World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth

Reporting to: Board of Directors

Organization Profile

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth (WACDFW) was founded in 1951 on the belief that an informed public is essential to a strong democracy. A proud member of both the World Affairs Councils of America and Global Ties, WACDFW is recognized as a leading voice on global issues in North Texas and among the top affiliates in a network of 90 councils nationwide.

Over the past 70+ years, the Council has grown into a vibrant community of globally curious learners and leaders. WACDFW connects global affairs to local lives by presenting authoritative voices—heads of state, diplomats, policymakers, authors, and rising thought leaders—who provide insight into pressing international issues spanning economics, security, human rights, health, technology, and more.

The Council operates as North Texas' premier platform for balanced, nonpartisan dialogue on world affairs. Our reach extends from boardrooms to classrooms, reaching nearly 10,000 students and teachers annually through the Global Young Leaders program and 70+ participating high schools. In addition, WACDFW hosts more than 180 international visitors each year through the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program, helping build citizen diplomacy across the region.

With a dynamic speaker series, acclaimed academic programming, and hands-on international engagement, the Council provides a platform for all generations to better understand our interconnected world.

To learn more about WACDFW visit dfwworld.org.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to the attention of Martha Powell, Chief of Staff, at ...@dfwworld.orgfor consideration. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged. Priority will be given to submissions received by August 15, 2025. All inquiries and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality.

Position Summary

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth Board of Directors seeks a globally minded, dynamic, and innovative President and Chief Executive Officer to lead a trusted, nonpartisan organization dedicated to global education, diplomacy, and public dialogue. This individual will build on the Council's legacy of fostering global awareness and civic engagement while expanding its reach and impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO is responsible for advancing the Council's mission by overseeing programming, operations, fundraising, membership, marketing, and public representation. This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and the ability to engage with stakeholders across generations, disciplines, and cultures. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and trusted leader—intellectually curious, collaborative, and capable of stewarding the Council's nonpartisan voice.

The President and CEO serves as the Council's chief strategist, visible ambassador, and team leader—responsible for advancing its mission, reputation, and community relevance in collaboration with a talented professional staff and engaged Board of Directors.

Preference will be given to candidates with existing ties to the Dallas/Fort Worth region or a willingness to relocate and engage fully in the North Texas community.

Key Responsibilities

Governance & Operations

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to support effective governance, strategic alignment, and performance monitoring.
• Oversee the Council's fundraising, financial and operational functions, as well as human resource practices. Ensure long-term sustainability, sound financial practices and alignment with the Council's mission.
• Ensure compliance with all legal, fiscal, and ethical standards, upholding the integrity and accountability expected of a leading nonprofit organization.

Vision and Strategy

• Lead the continued evolution of the Council's strategic plan to increase membership, expand programmatic impact, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Advance innovative strategies that amplify the Council's mission and position it for long-term impact in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
• Leadership and Management
• Provide strategic oversight of day-to-day operations, ensuring the effective deployment of the Council's financial, human, and intellectual resources.
• Foster a people-centered culture that prioritizes collaboration, professional development, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to excellence.
• Empower and support staff by investing in their growth, encouraging cross-functional teamwork, and creating an environment where ideas and contributions are valued.
• Lead by example to model transparency, accountability, and an open, inclusive leadership style that strengthens morale and organizational cohesion.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to advance the Council's mission and support long-term strategic goals.

Fundraising and Brand Advancement

• Drive key results in fundraising by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting support from individual donors, corporate partners, foundations, and public funding sources.
• Lead and inspire a coordinated fundraising strategy in partnership with the development team, leveraging both personal and organizational relationships to unlock transformational giving.
• Expand the World Affairs Council community by strengthening connections with members, supporters, partners, donors and stakeholders across sectors.
• Cultivate and help shape a diverse, engaged, and committed Board of Directors that contributes to the Council's mission, visibility, and long-term success.
• Serve as a compelling and visible ambassador for the Council, actively raising its profile in alignment with strategic marketing, branding, and public relations efforts.

Program Development and Oversight

• Steward the Council's commitment to thoughtful, mission-aligned programming that reflects global diversity, current affairs, and educational integrity.
• Oversee the development and delivery of the Council's core initiatives—including high-profile speaker events, international visitor exchanges, and student-focused programs—ensuring they remain relevant, engaging, and balanced.
• Collaborate with staff, educators, and community partners to align programming with strategic priorities and broaden the Council's impact across a diverse and evolving audience.

Public Representation and Community Engagement

• Serve as the principal public voice and media spokesperson for the Council, articulating complex international issues to broad and diverse audiences across civic, academic, diplomatic, and business sectors.
• Elevate the DFW Council's visibility and reputation through active participation in public forums, strategic media opportunities, and community events—both regionally and, when appropriate, nationally and internationally.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders across different sectors in Dallas/Fort Worth cultivating high-level partnerships that enhance the Council's influence, credibility, and impact.
• Model exceptional communication and representational skills, reinforcing the Council's role as a respected, nonpartisan convener of global dialogue and public discourse.

Strategic Priorities and Outcomes

Success in this role will be demonstrated by:

• Preserving and strengthening the Council's commitment to fostering conversation, nonpartisan global education and civil engagement.
• Increasing visibility through community engagement, strategic partnerships, and public-facing thought leadership.
• Deepening engagement with Dallas/Fort Worth civic and business leaders while broadening the region's global reputation.
• Driving results in fundraising through cultivation of the membership, major donors, corporate partners, foundations, and public sources.
• Growing membership and community involvement across the Dallas/Fort Worth region, including individuals from all age groups, professional backgrounds, and political perspectives.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a globally minded, collaborative, and strategic leader who brings a deep passion for international engagement, public dialogue, and world affairs. They bring experience working across multiple sectors and have a demonstrated ability to navigate and connect business, government, nonprofit, and academic communities. They are a relationship builder, a skilled communicator, and an inspirational team leader who can mobilize resources and people around a bold mission. They are also results-oriented and forward-thinking, with a strong drive for innovation, adaptability, measurable impact, and long-term relevance.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A minimum of 10 years of executive leadership and management experience in the for-profit or nonprofit sector, with a track record of demonstrated accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit arena.
• A strong track record of cultivating donors and securing sustained financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public funding sources.
• Demonstrated global fluency, including experience with international affairs, global business, diplomacy, or cross-cultural collaboration.
• An active network of leaders across sectors—particularly in Dallas/Fort Worth—or a strong willingness to cultivate and deepen local civic engagement, with an emphasis on public visibility and cross-sector relationships that elevate the Council's presence and influence.
• Experience working with and supporting a nonprofit board of directors.
• Sophisticated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to build relationships with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals and groups with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and worldviews.
• Genuine passion for world affairs and a commitment to the Council's mission.
• Candidates who bring direct experience with a World Affairs Council —or who have been actively engaged in the global dialogue these organizations foster—will be considered a strong plus.
• Experience working with and within international communities—particularly within North Texas—is highly valued, underscoring the Council's commitment to connecting global issues with local relevance and civic engagement.
• A leadership style grounded in integrity and an appreciation for collaboration and shared success.
• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree preferred in international relations, public affairs, public administration, nonprofit management or business.

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/ Fort Worth is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, military status, veteran status, handicap, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation

The anticipated annual compensation range for this position is $175,000 to $200,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Final compensation details will be discussed with candidates selected for interviews.

Benefits

The World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, financial security, and professional growth of its employees. Key offerings include multiple medical, dental, and vision plan options; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; employer-paid life and AD&D insurance with optional supplemental coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; flexible spending accounts; access to an employee assistance program; and ongoing professional development opportunities. Final compensation and benefits details will be shared with candidates selected for interviews.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter to the attention of Martha Powell, Chief of Staff, at ...@dfwworld.orgfor consideration. Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are encouraged. Priority will be given to submissions received by August 15, 2025. All inquiries and nominations will be handled with strict confidentiality.

• Genuine passion for world affairs and a commitment to the Council's mission.
• A minimum of 10 years of executive leadership and management experience in the for-profit or nonprofit sector, with a track record of demonstrated accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit arena.
• A strong track record of cultivating donors and securing sustained financial support from individuals, corporations, foundations, and public funding sources.
• Demonstrated global fluency, including experience with international affairs, global business, diplomacy, or cross-cultural collaboration.
• An active network of leaders across sectors—particularly in Dallas/Fort Worth—or a strong willingness to cultivate and deepen local civic engagement, with an emphasis on public visibility and cross-sector relationships that elevate the Council's presence and influence.
• Experience working with and supporting a nonprofit board of directors.
• Sophisticated interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of audiences.
• A demonstrated ability to build relationships with a broad and diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals and groups with differing perspectives, backgrounds, and worldviews.
• Candidates who bring direct experience with a World Affairs Council —or who have been actively engaged in the global dialogue these organizations foster—will be considered a strong plus.
• Experience working with and within international communities—particularly within North Texas—is highly valued, underscoring the Council's commitment to connecting global issues with local relevance and civic engagement.
• A leadership style grounded in integrity and an appreciation for collaboration and shared success.
• A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree preferred in international relations, public affairs, public administration, nonprofit management or business.