Pi Lambda Phi

Fraternity & Foundation

Chief Executive Officer

To support the organization’s next chapter, the Fraternity and Foundation have launched a national search for a new Chief Executive Officer who will serve both organizations in a newly aligned leadership structure. This model is intended to strengthen strategic coordination, fundraising growth, operational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability across Pi Lambda Phi.

OVERVIEW

Founded at Yale University in 1895, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity was established on the principle that membership should be determined by character rather than race or religion, making it the first non-sectarian college fraternity in the United States. Today, Pi Lambda Phi continues to advance its founding mission of developing courageous leaders committed to eliminating prejudice and building stronger communities.

The Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity currently supports more than 30 undergraduate chapters across the United States and more than 24,000 alumni. Through leadership development, chapter services, alumni engagement, and educational programming, the organization seeks to create a lifelong brotherhood grounded in values, leadership, and service.

Established in 1938, the Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation advances the educational and leadership mission of the Fraternity through scholarships, leadership initiatives, educational programming, and philanthropic support. The Foundation plays an increasingly important role in strengthening the long-term sustainability of the organization through donor engagement, fundraising growth, and strategic investment in member development.

Together, the Fraternity and Foundation are entering an important period of organizational alignment and leadership transition. The organizations are implementing a new leadership structure centered around a Chief Executive Officer role that will be employed by the Fraternity, but provide services for both entities. This transition represents an opportunity to strengthen strategic coordination, fundraising capacity, operational effectiveness, and long-term organizational sustainability.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, relationship-centered executive to help shape the future of a historic, values-driven organization, while building the operational and fundraising infrastructure necessary for long-term growth and impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the chief staff executive and senior full-time employee of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and through a shared services agreement will also serve as the CEO of the Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation.The CEO works in close partnership with both Boards to advance organizational strategy, operational performance, fundraising growth, and member impact.

The CEO will lead the day-to-day operations of the Fraternity and Foundation while helping guide the two organizations through an important period of strategic alignment and modernization. This leader will oversee staff, support volunteer leadership, strengthen donor engagement and fundraising strategy, and help position Pi Lambda Phi for future growth and sustainability.

The CEO reports to the Fraternity Board, but will work closely with board leadership for both organizations to support strategic planning, governance alignment, and organizational accountability.

This role requires a leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational execution, build trust across diverse constituencies, and successfully navigate a volunteer-driven environment.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to connecting soon.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership

  • Serve as the chief executive and senior staff leader for Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and the Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation, in accordance with the shared services agreement.

  • Lead, coach, and develop professional staff while helping shape an organizational structure aligned with future strategic priorities.

  • Partner with Fraternity and Foundation leadership to develop and implement a coordinated strategic vision for the organizations.

  • Ensure alignment between organizational strategy, staffing, operational priorities, and financial sustainability.

  • Support the Boards in governance best practices, strategic planning, and organizational accountability.

Fundraising & Advancement

  • Serve as the primary staff leader for fundraising and donor engagement.

  • Lead the development and implementation of annual giving, recurring giving, and major gift strategies.

  • Build meaningful relationships with alumni, volunteers, and donors to strengthen philanthropic engagement and long-term support, including maintaining a portfolio of major gift prospects.

  • Partner with Foundation leadership to grow fundraising infrastructure, campaign readiness, and donor stewardship practices.

  • Foster a culture of philanthropy among volunteer and alumni leadership, including fundraising and governance skill development for board members.

Operations & Financial Management

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the Fraternity and Foundation, including staffing, budgeting, and operational planning.

  • Supervise a fully remote team.

  • Develop and manage organizational budgets in partnership with board leadership, staff and volunteers.

  • Ensure effective administrative, technology, reporting, and operational systems are in place to support organizational effectiveness.

  • Oversee implementation and administration of shared services and operational agreements between the Fraternity and Foundation.

Membership Growth & Chapter Support

  • Implement strategies focused on chapter health, membership growth, and expansion opportunities.

  • Ensure delivery of high-quality member services, volunteer engagement, leadership programming, and chapter support.

  • Partner with volunteers and staff to strengthen undergraduate and alumni engagement across the organization.

  • Support positive relationships with host institutions, inter-fraternal partners, and campus stakeholders.

Governance & Volunteer Leadership

  • Build strong and productive relationships with Fraternity and Foundation Boards, committees, volunteers, and alumni leaders.

  • Support effective communication and collaboration between staff and volunteer leadership.

  • Assist Boards in developing meaningful CEO performance metrics and organizational success indicators.

  • Provide leadership for conventions, board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and organizational initiatives.

External Relations & Representation

  • Serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for Pi Lambda Phi and its mission.

  • Represent the organization with alumni, donors, universities, industry organizations, vendors, and strategic partners.

  • Promote the values and mission of Pi Lambda Phi through strong communication and relationship-building.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

  • Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive leadership experience within a fraternity/sorority organization, association, higher education institution, nonprofit, foundation, or mission-driven organization.

  • Demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor engagement, advancement strategy, or major gift development strongly preferred.

  • Experience leading staff, volunteers, boards, and complex stakeholder environments.

  • Strong strategic planning, organizational leadership, and operational management skills.

  • Experience navigating governance structures and volunteer-led organizations preferred.

  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship management skills.

Prior fraternity/sorority experience is highly valued but not required. Pi Lambda Phi welcomes candidates from both within and adjacent to the fraternal, nonprofit, association, and higher education sectors.

The successful candidate will approach their work with an entrepreneurial mindset and believe deeply in the value of mission-driven organizations, leadership development, authentic relationships, and the lifelong impact of fraternity experience.

WORKPLACE & TRAVEL

Pi Lambda Phi currently operates within a flexible and distributed, fully remote work environment with no central headquarters location. The CEO role is eligible for remote work within the United States, with preference for candidates located within reasonable access to major travel hubs.

The role requires regular travel for:

  • Board meetings

  • National programs and conventions

  • Alumni and donor engagement

  • Chapter visits

  • Industry conferences and partnerships

Expected travel is approximately 20%.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The anticipated salary range for this role is $110,000–$140,000, with additional bonus eligibility tied to mutually established organizational performance metrics, including fundraising and membership growth objectives.

Pi Lambda Phi also offers a competitive benefits package and flexibility designed to support work-life balance and professional growth.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

A start date on or before July 15, 2026, is preferred.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity and the Pi Lambda Phi Educational Foundation are equal opportunity employers committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees, volunteers, members, and applicants. Qualified candidates will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity, applications should include:

  • Cover letter or statement of interest (300-400 word limit);

  • A resume highlighting relevant achievements and leadership.

The above application materials must be submitted electronically via this webform. The priority deadline for applications is June 5, 2026. However, review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

There will be three phases to the applicant process: an initial application screening by the search firm, secondary virtual interview(s), and a final interview. Final candidates must complete a background check and should be prepared to interview in person in mid to late June. Travel expenses will be covered and/or reimbursed by the Fraternity & Foundation.

All inquiries and applications will be received and evaluated in full confidence.