Destination Imagination is a global nonprofit organization that inspires and equips students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. Through its creative, team-based Challenge programs, DI encourages students from kindergarten through college to solve open-ended problems using 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation. With programs spanning the U.S. and 30 countries, DI celebrates creativity through a dynamic progression of regional and international competitions, culminating in the highly anticipated Global Finals, which draw more than 17,000 attendees annually.
DI has empowered more than 1.5 million young people through hands-on STEM, fine arts, and social entrepreneurship experiences. The organization is supported by a passionate network of more than 38,000 volunteers and a staff of 15 based in New Jersey and working remotely nationwide. Destination Imagination operates with an annual budget exceeding $4 million and recently adopted a new five-year strategic plan in May 2025 to position itself as a global leader in creativity and innovation education.
The Opportunity
Destination Imagination seeks an entrepreneurial, visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.
The CEO will lead a highly mission-driven organization that exists to foster creativity as an essential skill for innovating, collaborating, and making a positive global impact. With a committed volunteer base, an engaged Board of Trustees, and a strategic plan that outlines a bold vision for the future, DI is poised for transformative growth under the guidance of its next leader.
The CEO will be responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, sustaining financial health, and strengthening relationships across the DI ecosystem. Key priorities will include diversifying and expanding revenue streams, evaluating and enhancing programming to meet the needs of today’s learners, and elevating DI’s national and global profile. The next CEO will also oversee a geographically dispersed staff, build a strong internal culture, and ensure organizational alignment around DI’s core values.
Ideal candidates will bring senior-level leadership experience in either nonprofit or business sectors, with a demonstrated track record of growth, change leadership, and stakeholder engagement. They must be strong communicators, effective fundraisers, and skilled managers who can build bridges across DI’s expansive network.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of creative education at scale, guiding a well-established organization into a new era of impact.
The salary range for this position is $150,000 – $190,000.
