Chief Strategy Officer

Communities Unlimited, Inc.•Fayetteville, AR

3h•$130,000 - $140,000

About The Position

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is a senior executive responsible for translating Communities Unlimited’s mission and strategic plan into coordinated organizational priorities, program strategies, partnerships, funding opportunities, and measurable results across its seven-state footprint. In partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the CSO provides enterprise leadership for strategic planning, program integration, impact measurement, organizational growth, and resource development, ensuring CU’s programs operate as an integrated portfolio focused on the needs of rural communities. The CSO serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO, evaluates emerging opportunities and community needs, promotes shared accountability and cross-program collaboration, and leads diversified resource development efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and long-term financial sustainability. The successful candidate must reside in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas; preference is given to candidates residing in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. Regular travel throughout the seven-state service area and periodic regional and national travel are required.

Requirements

Option A: Master’s degree in public administration, environmental science, planning, business, nonprofit management, or a closely related field, and 12+ years of progressive management experience in rural infrastructure programs, community development, or federal/state program implementation.
Option B: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science, planning, business, nonprofit management, or a closely related field, and 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in rural infrastructure programs, community development, or federal/state program implementation.
Significant senior leadership experience in complex, mission-driven organizations, including success leading collaborative teams, managing change, fostering accountability, and building consensus.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, establish performance measures, use data to drive decisions, manage resources and risk, and navigate complex organizational and operational challenges.
Deep understanding of rural community and economic development.
Demonstrated success securing diverse funding, managing grants and compliance, building strategic partnerships, and communicating effectively with boards, funders, government leaders, and community stakeholders.
Maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage.
Must be authorized to work in the USA.
Must reside in the seven-state service area: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, or Texas.

Nice To Haves

Residence in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and oversight to Program Directors and Community Impact Hubs, fostering cross-program collaboration and integrating CU’s services and resources to maximize community impact.
Drive organizational strategy and program effectiveness by identifying emerging community needs, developing measurable performance indicators, and advising the CEO and Program Directors on opportunities, partnerships, and growth strategies.
Lead enterprise-wide resource development to support CU’s financial sustainability, including cultivating relationships with funders, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and strategic partners.
Develop and pursue major funding opportunities through collaborative funding initiatives, diversified revenue strategies, earned-revenue opportunities, and competitive grant proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
Build and maintain strategic external partnerships and represent Communities Unlimited in national, regional, and community networks.
Identify opportunities for systems changes, strategic investments, policy advancement, and speaking engagements that highlight CU’s integrated approach to rural community development.
Contribute to enterprise-wide decisions related to strategy, financial sustainability, organizational capacity, talent, risk, operations, and growth as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
Oversee adherence to organizational policies, grant and contract requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and Board reporting responsibilities; support strategic initiatives assigned by the CEO.
Travel regularly throughout the seven-state service area and periodically regionally and nationally for conferences, partner meetings, funder engagement, and organizational representation.