President And Ceo Jobs

President and CEO - Opportunity Austin

Austin, TX

The Greater Austin Economic Development Corporation (“GAEDC”), which conducts its business under the name “Opportunity Austin”, is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the organization’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Although Opportunity Austin has operated since 2004, this is a newly created position for the organization. This presents a remarkable opportunity for the right candidate to elevate a nationally recognized organization with a proven record of success to a new level of regional leadership, and a new and expanded level of global prominence. A description of job responsibilities, required qualifications, and hiring process is set forth below.

JOB PROFILE, CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• The President/CEO of Opportunity Austin will lead a team of professionals to focus on enhancing economic resilience, connecting global markets, filling the talent pipeline, and improving quality of life throughout the Austin region. Today the region is the 22nd largest metropolitan area economy, with regional gross domestic product of approximately $200 billion. Over the past decade the regional economy has grown twice as fast as San Antonio and Dallas, and three times faster than Atlanta, Columbus, and Orlando. The Austin region is a vibrant, globally connected region that drives inclusive economic prosperity through innovation, investment, and collaboration.
• The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate experience and competency in the following areas, complementing the subject matter expertise and leadership of staff engaged in economic development, workforce development, innovation, and other activities:

Operational Leadership

• Manage and develop professional and administrative staff and ensure an organizational structure with clear roles and accountabilities.
• Embed and further an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. • Develop and implement policies necessary to effectively manage and operate the organization.
• Plan and implement an organizational structure to effectively support the Opportunity Austin mission within a defined budget.
• Engage with staff and stakeholders to identify new opportunities, structures, and policies that promote inclusive growth and development.
• Support the existing economic development team (and grow the team as appropriate) to enable them to continue the success they have demonstrated.
• Develop and improve processes and systems to enhance operational excellence.

Understanding & Experience with Elements of OA Strategic Priorities

• Ability to identify and advance critical aspects to fostering innovation across various industry sectors.
• Effective means for connecting talent with employers and meeting employer needs for skilled workforce.
• Advancing talent and workforce development through education initiatives, including college and career readiness programs, cooperation and planning with regional school districts, as well as colleges and universities.
• Knowledge of critical infrastructure needs and opportunities for the region and understanding of significance of infrastructure components to various types of employers, including reliable power supply, transportation options, and sustainable water supplies.
• Understanding of, and the ability to maintain and advance, the region’s status as having one of the world’s top start-up ecosystems.

External Relations and Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as an influential advocate to advance Opportunity Austin’s goals before government, business, media, and other key external stakeholders.
• Support the development and adoption of policies that address the most critical opportunities and challenges for economic development in the Central Texas region.
• Initiate and build positive relationships with investors, stakeholders, and regional partners around job growth, investment, and workforce development throughout the Central Texas region.
• Forge and strengthen relationships with a wide range of diverse constituencies across the region and with the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, building coalitions and alliances to identify mutual goals and solutions to advancing the objectives of OA.
• Collaborate effectively with elected officials and other regional leaders to influence outcomes with the goal of advancing priority economic development initiatives for the region.
• Participate and drive government relations and public policy initiatives on behalf of OA, including outreach and engagement with City, Regional, State, and Federal legislators, and other stakeholders as necessary.
• Represent Opportunity Austin to external audiences, foster strong relationships, build OA’s brand, and communicate the OA mission in a clear and compelling manner.

Board Relations

• Serve as principal liaison to the Board and key committees.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board and related committees.
• Communicate effectively with the Board, providing timely and accurate information necessary for the Board to function properly and make informed decisions.
• Work with the Board of Directors to understand and fulfill the mission of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

• Diplomatic internal and external communications skills; political savvy.
• Strong public speaking and written communications skills.
• 10+ years of experience in executive-level management positions.
• Economic development exposure; demonstrated exposure to and experience with job creation activities and investments and promoting economic development activities.
• Experience working effectively with a board of directors to advance the strategic objectives of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to support fundraising; and to identify and secure commitments from potential investors.
• Experience developing and managing an organization with a defined budget.

SELECTION PROCESS: A search committee representative of the Austin region has been formed to consider candidates for the position. The committee anticipates evaluating written submissions of those applicants who express interest in the position and conducting interviews of a short-list of candidates determined to be best-qualified for further consideration. The committee will then make a recommendation to Opportunity Austin Board of Directors.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

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