Scout Executive

Reporting and scope

Serves as the chief executive of a local council and reports to the council's volunteer executive board, working closely with the volunteer council president and commissioner. Authority covers the whole council: employees, camps, finances and service to local units.

Core responsibilities

• Leads membership growth and support for units, districts and chartered partner organizations
• Runs the annual fundraising campaign, including Friends of Scouting, events and major gifts
• Manages council camps and other properties, including safety, personnel and capital needs
• Prepares the council budget and oversees audits, endowment and restricted funds
• Supervises district executives and program employees, and works with volunteer leaders and committees
• Maintains youth protection standards and national charter requirements

How it differs

Match here only when the incumbent is the top professional of a Scouting council; the head of another youth-serving nonprofit belongs under Executive Director / CEO. A Director of Development or Regional Director inside a council reports to the Scout Executive.

By organization size

Small councils serve a few rural counties with a small team, and the Scout Executive raises money and runs camp directly. Large metropolitan councils carry multiple camps, larger endowments and a senior team of program, finance and development directors.