President and Chief Executive Officer
Job Description
DFWUL is seeking a dynamic organizational leader who can compellingly articulate the organization’s mission and vision and who will continuously promote and expand the Affiliate's reach. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO will work collaboratively with the board, staff, and volunteers to develop strategy, raise funds, and achieve performance standards. The CEO will carry forward the intergenerational foundation established by leading the two Affiliates' auxiliaries: the Young Professionals and the Guild.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League President and CEO will bring an entrepreneurial mindset to advancing the organization’s mission—combining strategic vision with the creativity and agility to identify new opportunities, mobilize resources, and drive sustainable growth. This role calls for an executive who can balance entrepreneurial initiative with nonprofit stewardship— someone who can develop new processes and systems, build cross-sector partnerships, attract and diversify funding streams, and transform ideas into tangible results.
Key achievements for the President and CEO will be best defined by the organization’s success in achieving greater measurable impact across our focus areas. An affiliate of the National Urban League, the DFWUL seeks to improve the economic, cultural, social, and educational conditions affecting communities in the DFW Metropolitan Area. As an Affiliate of the National Urban League, it reaches nationwide audiences and partners with the other Urban League Affiliates, making it a strong proponent for programs that can be replicated across the country. The DFW has a population of 8.34 million, making it the 4th-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
As the administrator of the organization, the President and Chief Executive Officer directs the day-to-day operation of the Affiliate; implements and administers Affiliate policies and procedures; demonstrates wisdom, tact, and diplomacy in managing internal and external politics; evaluates programs and services administered by the Affiliate; and engages multiple stakeholders in the mission, goals, and objectives of the Urban League. Additional key responsibilities include: developing strategic plans to grow and sustain the organization's impact; establishing a strong people-centric culture that engages internal and external stakeholders and the communities served; leading the two auxiliaries to foster dynamic engagement to drive membership growth and community impact; and ensuring the effective delivery and expansion of programs aligned with the mission and national objectives and standards.
The President and Chief Executive Officer must be proficient in, and have above-average ability in, the areas of fundraising, fiscal administration, grant/proposal writing, organizational skills, written and oral communication, program evaluation, human resources administration, community and public relations, advocacy, and strategic planning. The successful candidate for the position must hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) and a proven track record of leadership and management in community-based organizations. The ideal Candidate must have at least 8 years of progressive leadership experience, and preference will be given to applicants with proven executive leadership experience, preferably in the non-profit, business, or public sectors. These are the minimum requirements for the position of President/CEO. Prior experience within the Urban League Movement is desirable.
The Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) area is a diverse and fast-growing metropolitan area with a strong mix of culture, education, and sports. Culturally, it blends modern arts—seen in places like the Dallas Arts District—with traditional Texas heritage in areas like the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Educationally, it features major universities such as Paul Quinn College, Texas A& M Law School, the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan, and Southern Methodist University. In sports, DFW is a powerhouse, home to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and the Mavericks, with strong fan support and major events.
The DFW metropolitan area has more than 1,500 corporate and regional headquarters, approximately 46 Fortune 100 headquarters, and roughly 26 Fortune 500 headquarters. The North Texas metroplex has also attracted 280+ headquarters relocations since 2010, which continues to grow.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League is located in the National Urban League’s Southern Region. Bemnet Meshesha serves as the Board Chairperson. Note: For certification consideration, please upload a cover letter and up-to-date resume on the DFWUL website (DFWUL.org/Careers) by May 8, 2026.
URBAN LEAGUE EMPLOYEES WITH AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE WOULD BE A PLUS
Please Note: This Affiliate may have specific requirements which may not be listed in this announcement
DFWUL is seeking a dynamic organizational leader who can compellingly articulate the organization’s mission and vision and who will continuously promote and expand the Affiliate's reach. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO will work collaboratively with the board, staff, and volunteers to develop strategy, raise funds, and achieve performance standards. The CEO will carry forward the intergenerational foundation established by leading the two Affiliates' auxiliaries: the Young Professionals and the Guild.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League President and CEO will bring an entrepreneurial mindset to advancing the organization’s mission—combining strategic vision with the creativity and agility to identify new opportunities, mobilize resources, and drive sustainable growth. This role calls for an executive who can balance entrepreneurial initiative with nonprofit stewardship— someone who can develop new processes and systems, build cross-sector partnerships, attract and diversify funding streams, and transform ideas into tangible results.
Key achievements for the President and CEO will be best defined by the organization’s success in achieving greater measurable impact across our focus areas. An affiliate of the National Urban League, the DFWUL seeks to improve the economic, cultural, social, and educational conditions affecting communities in the DFW Metropolitan Area. As an Affiliate of the National Urban League, it reaches nationwide audiences and partners with the other Urban League Affiliates, making it a strong proponent for programs that can be replicated across the country. The DFW has a population of 8.34 million, making it the 4th-largest metropolitan area in the United States.
As the administrator of the organization, the President and Chief Executive Officer directs the day-to-day operation of the Affiliate; implements and administers Affiliate policies and procedures; demonstrates wisdom, tact, and diplomacy in managing internal and external politics; evaluates programs and services administered by the Affiliate; and engages multiple stakeholders in the mission, goals, and objectives of the Urban League. Additional key responsibilities include: developing strategic plans to grow and sustain the organization's impact; establishing a strong people-centric culture that engages internal and external stakeholders and the communities served; leading the two auxiliaries to foster dynamic engagement to drive membership growth and community impact; and ensuring the effective delivery and expansion of programs aligned with the mission and national objectives and standards.
The President and Chief Executive Officer must be proficient in, and have above-average ability in, the areas of fundraising, fiscal administration, grant/proposal writing, organizational skills, written and oral communication, program evaluation, human resources administration, community and public relations, advocacy, and strategic planning. The successful candidate for the position must hold a bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) and a proven track record of leadership and management in community-based organizations. The ideal Candidate must have at least 8 years of progressive leadership experience, and preference will be given to applicants with proven executive leadership experience, preferably in the non-profit, business, or public sectors. These are the minimum requirements for the position of President/CEO. Prior experience within the Urban League Movement is desirable.
The Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) area is a diverse and fast-growing metropolitan area with a strong mix of culture, education, and sports. Culturally, it blends modern arts—seen in places like the Dallas Arts District—with traditional Texas heritage in areas like the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Educationally, it features major universities such as Paul Quinn College, Texas A& M Law School, the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan, and Southern Methodist University. In sports, DFW is a powerhouse, home to the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers, and the Mavericks, with strong fan support and major events.
The DFW metropolitan area has more than 1,500 corporate and regional headquarters, approximately 46 Fortune 100 headquarters, and roughly 26 Fortune 500 headquarters. The North Texas metroplex has also attracted 280+ headquarters relocations since 2010, which continues to grow.
The Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League is located in the National Urban League’s Southern Region. Bemnet Meshesha serves as the Board Chairperson. Note: For certification consideration, please upload a cover letter and up-to-date resume on the DFWUL website (DFWUL.org/Careers) by May 8, 2026.
URBAN LEAGUE EMPLOYEES WITH AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE WOULD BE A PLUS
Please Note: This Affiliate may have specific requirements which may not be listed in this announcement
About Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League
The Dallas-Fort Worth Urban League (DFWUL) was nationally affiliated in July of 2025 to serve
Dallas, Fort Worth, and neighboring communities. Within one of the most dynamic and fastestgrowing metropolitan areas in the United States, this affiliate startup represents a unique
opportunity to develop and advance a strategic direction and service delivery across the
focus areas of Workforce Development, Education, Housing, Economic Development,
Health, and Advocacy.