Appalachian Community Capital (ACC) is seeking a talented, innovative, and strategic leader to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to deepen ACC’s vision for generating and supporting sustainable economic growth in Appalachia and rural communities at a time of unprecedented opportunity and change. The President and CEO embodies the values of ACC and strives to expand impact more deeply into underserved, economically distressed markets in the region.
THE POSITION
Reporting to ACC’s Board of Directors, the President and CEO has overall responsibility for leading ACC’s strategy and vision. The President and CEO will maintain the strong network, high industry profile, credibility, and know-how that ACC has built with outstanding leadership.The President and CEO represents ACC, building relationships within the ecosystem andcollaborating with high-performing CDFIs and other mission-aligned lenders who recognize the importance of constantly striving to find ways to better serve their communities.
ACC Priorities for the President and CEO
- Shaping a strategic vision and framework for ACC – in partnership with the board of directors, staff, network, and community – to grow and scale impact.
- Developing and implementing an innovative business model, a diversified fund development strategy, and operations structure, including people and technology, which align with the vision and drive mission and financial sustainability.
- Leading an extensive capital campaign that identifies new approaches for attracting capital and delivers new funding for the region.
- Expanding and sustaining ACC’s role as a trusted partner, community resource across Appalachia, and catalyst for equitable economic development.
- Supporting alternative energy projects, which remains an important strategy to ACC’s growth and impact in Appalachia and rural places nationally regardless of EPA funding availability.
- Advancing current initiatives regarding data analytics work and technology, and supporting ACC members through development services, education, and training.
Identifying ways to expand ACC capacity and increase net assets, growing the organization while ensuring financial sustainability.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Leadership: Work in partnership with the board and staff to provide strong leadership, vision, and direction for ACC to serve its members, borrowers, and small businesses and communities throughout the Appalachian Region.
- Planning: Working with the board, develop a shared vision for the future of the organization, build understanding around the mission, and develop appropriate goals and strategies to advance that mission.
- Fund/Capital Raising: Develop and implement fundraising systems and strategies that enable ACC to meet its financial development goals and carry out its programs and operations. Strengthen relations with banks, financial institutions, large foundations, government entities, and “impact investors” with a presence and/or interest in Appalachia.
- Board Relations: Develop and maintain a strong working relationship with the board and build a system for sharing information that enables the board to effectively carry out its governance role.
- Financial Management: Ensure resources are managed wisely. See that the organization’s goals and strategic plan serve as the basis for sound financial management, that solid budgeting and accounting systems are in place, and that appropriate financial controls and risk-management strategies protect the organization’s assets.
- Communications and Public Relations: Serve as the primary spokesperson and “public face” for ACC, effectively promoting the organization, advocating for its mission and work, and building relationships with constituent or stakeholder groups such as banks, foundations, corporations, social impact investors, and family offices critical to the success of ACC.
- Administration: Work with staff to develop, maintain, and use systems and resources that facilitate the effective operation of the organization.
QUALIFICATIONS
Successful candidates will bring a range of skills, experience, and attributes including:
- 15+ years of experience in development finance, impact-investing, and/or major grant-making management and leadership, including executive roles.
- Successful experience fundraising for operations and/or capitalization of impact investing activities.
- Hands-on experience working with CDFIs, community lenders, and development finance organizations; experience with community and economic development, including small business lending, commercial real estate development, energy finance, etc., a plus.
- Innovative, strategic mindset and a commitment to serving rural communities.
- Exceptional relationship builder across community, partners, funders, and government/ legislative professionals; effective interpersonal skills.
- Outstanding communicator, with effective verbal and written skills.
- Experience working with/understanding of demographic, geographic, cultural, and economic challenges and opportunities impacting rural communities.
- Master’s degree or equivalent work experience in finance, management, community and economic development, or relevant fields.
Salary will be commensurate with experience, with total compensation in the range of $245K-$285K. ACC offers a competitive benefits package through a Professional Employment Organization. While the position is remote, the President and CEO meets with stakeholders in urban and rural communities in the region. Ability to travel throughout Appalachia and conduct outreach within communities is a must.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, upload a detailed resume and cover letter explaining qualifications and your interest in this leadership opportunity to our portal here. For inquiries, contact Karen Schuler at [email protected] or Olive Idehen at [email protected]. Resume reviews begin immediately.