Job Spotlight: Chief Executive Officer (, MA, United States)

Founded in 1999 by young organizers in Lowell, Massachusetts, UTEC has grown to serve young adults across Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill — and that spirit of youth leadership that launched us continues to drive everything we do. At UTEC, we believe in the limitless potential of young people and are committed to nurturing the ambitions of our most disconnected to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. It is our belief that everyone deserves a clean slate, the chance to step into their power, and to build lives filled with possibility.

About the Organization

What began as a drop-in center for teens is now a nationally recognized model for serving justice-involved young adults, many of whom have been deeply impacted by systemic inequities, primarily incarceration and gang involvement. On average, young adults join UTEC at age 22, with 61% having experienced gang involvement, and 67% arriving without a high school diploma. Many are young parents working to break cycles not just for themselves, but for their children. Recognizing the interconnectedness of the challenges our young people face, our programs are designed to be multi-faceted and offer our young people various pathways, choices, and multiple chances. Whether it's through our onsite education programs, our social enterprises in mattress recycling, food services, and woodworking, or our organizing and policy advocacy work, young adults find opportunities to build skills, earn credentials, and, most importantly, rewrite their own narratives.

Central to our success is our commitment to reach young adults where they're at. Our programming is designed around four pillars: Madd Love for Self, Community, Family, and a Positive, Peaceful Future. And because we believe healing is revolutionary, mental health support is woven into everything we do. Through restorative circles, therapy, and community organizing, young adults confront both personal trauma and systemic oppression, growing the self-knowledge and resilience they need to thrive. We also recognize the generational impact of our work. Through our onsite 2Gen Center, we support young parents and their children together, breaking cycles of poverty and trauma while nurturing the next generation's independence, emotional health, and curiosity.

In 2023, we began the process of refreshing our Theory of Change, sharpening our focus on restorative justice, self-knowledge, and healing-centered engagement. We are currently in the process of implementing this new framework and are excited for the impact it will have in the coming year.

We have launched bold new programs like our work inside correctional facilities, meeting young people currently incarcerated and walking with them as they reenter their communities. We are also launching transformative new initiatives like our Transitional Housing Program, providing safe, supportive homes for young adults exiting correctional facilities. Our Breaking Barriers Kitchen food truck is preparing to roll out, offering job training and delicious meals to nourish both body and spirit across our communities. And our reentry team continues to grow. In 2024, we held 53 restorative justice circles inside correctional institutions, and with the addition of new staff, we are poised to offer even deeper, more intentional support to young adults as they transition home.

Core Values

And we will continue our mission with our core values as our north star:

• Assuming goodness behind everyone's actions
• Show madd love, unconditionally accepting each person
• Offer everyone a clean slate, never giving up
• Carry out respectful curiosity, always seeking out moments to connect
• Be a sponge, actively seeking feedback
• Embody contagious passion in all they do

Organization Website

To learn more about the work we do and hear directly from our young adults visit us at:

About the Role

UTEC is looking for a new CEO to lead our next chapter of impact. Following in the footsteps of a long-serving and deeply respected CEO, Gregg Croteau, we are looking for a visionary, collaborative, and empathetic leader who can steward UTEC's powerful legacy while boldly steering us into the future. The CEO will build on UTEC's strong foundation grounded in deep commitment to justice-involved youth and our core values.

As CEO, you will serve as UTEC's chief executive, leading fundraiser, and external advocate. You will drive strategic direction across the organization and will work closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to align our strategy with our new Theory of Change. You will champion strong fiscal management practices, guide performance improvement initiatives, and lead the organization's budgeting and financial strategy to ensure stability and growth. You will model inclusive leadership practices, ensuring that UTEC's programs and internal systems reflect a commitment to racial equity, youth empowerment, and social justice. And lastly, as CEO you will play an active role in securing diverse streams of support for UTEC's mission by cultivating donor relationships, strengthening the organization's profile, and building strategic alliances with policymakers and community leaders to amplify UTEC's impact.

To be successful the incoming CEO must balance visionary leadership with the ability to deliver measurable results, set clear priorities, empower a strong and committed team, and foster a data-driven culture of accountability all while maintaining a vibrant and inclusive organizational environment.

This is an ideal position for a dynamic, community-centered leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, community, and impact—someone committed to showing madd love to young adults, while continuing to build on UTEC's incredible legacy.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Strategic Vision and Direction

• Partner closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team to refine and execute the organization's Theory of Change and overall strategic priorities, ensuring alignment with UTEC's mission and vision for the future
• Maintain a focus on long-term impact, ensuring UTEC stays agile and adaptable in an ever-evolving landscape while remaining grounded in its core values and mission
• With support from program leaders and senior leadership, champion the development and implementation of innovative, scalable programs that directly address the needs of justice-involved youth while ensuring consistent program quality and impact
• Provide oversight and leadership in the areas of financial management, including guiding the budgeting process, ensuring the alignment of resources with strategic priorities, and ensuring long-term financial health and stability

Empowering People and Cultivating an Inclusive Culture

• Champion UTEC's commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion by modeling inclusive leadership practices, ensuring they are embedded in all programs, policies, and internal systems
• Promote staff development, ensuring that UTEC's talent acquisition, retention, and professional development strategies reflect the organization's DEI goals and commitment to fostering an environment of belonging and opportunity for all team members.
• Empower staff to thrive in their roles through mentorship, feedback, and support, ensuring alignment with the organization's broader mission and vision

Operational Excellence

• Lead organizational performance improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, impact, and operational transparency, ensuring that key financial metrics are met and organizational resources are maximized.
• Foster a high-performance organizational culture by overseeing systems and structures that support accountability, sustainability, and growth
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement by guiding internal systems and processes to ensure they are responsive to both organizational goals and the needs of the communities served

Fundraising and External Leadership

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for UTEC, articulating the organization's impact, values, and future direction to external audiences, ensuring UTEC remains a respected voice in the justice-involved youth space
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to develop and implement strategies for diversified funding streams, with an emphasis on grant management, individual donors, and government partnerships
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government officials, community leaders, and policymakers, to increase UTEC's visibility and influence
• Leverage UTEC's strong community ties to build partnerships that will amplify the organization's mission, advancing both social and policy change for youth empowerment

Who You'll Work With

• You will report to the Board of Directors.
• You will supervise the Chief Development Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Chief Social Enterprise Officer, Chief Program Officer, Chief Operations Officer, Chief People Officer, Executive Director for the Center of Excellence, Senior Policy Director, and Chief of Staff. They will oversee a staff of 101 team members.
• You will frequently collaborate with community partners, program participants and young adults at UTEC, public and law enforcement officials and agencies, and coalitions.

Required Skills and Expe