AEDF Executive Director

** APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 31 **

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB SUMMARY

ABOUT:

Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) is a neighborhood economic development nonprofit focused on the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. Home to 58,000 residents, Algiers is the only West Bank neighborhood of New Orleans. Covering 17 square miles, Algiers is home to a range of sub-neighborhoods, industries and businesses. AEDF takes pride in serving all our diverse businesses, residents, and stakeholders through our three program areas: economic development, small business support, and community development.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the AEDF Board of Directors, the Executive Director will drive the initiative to build momentum for economic development, specifically in the realm of business retention, expansion and attraction in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. He/She will work externally within the economic development community, governments, elected officials, site selectors/brokers, utilities providers and potential customers to build strong relationships and execute strategies that reliably stimulate business development opportunities.

The Executive Director will manage and grow existing programs and projects, adopt a passion for AEDF’s mission, adhere to the highest standards and quality of his/her work, and possess excellent analytical skills, with exceptional oral and written communication skills.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

Ideal candidates are self-directed with excellent people skills and a dedication to helping others succeed. As a community/business facing neighborhood organization, accountability, transparency and strong follow through are essential to develop community trust and expand our membership. Candidates should have the ability and experience working in diverse communities and be easily able to adapt to people’s communications style and unique needs. Similarly, ideal candidates are eager for feedback, both from staff/board members and residents/business owners, and excited about improving programming to better serve Algiers’ needs.

A small organization, AEDF’s team wears many different hats. Candidates should enjoy being generalists, and eager to assume new responsibilities, provide feedback on current systems, and think about building out new systems and processes for the programs they oversee.

AEDF provides flexibility and agency to its employees to create a positive and tailored work environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Design, implement, monitor and evaluate programs that encourage economic development in Orleans Parish’s only Westbank community (Algiers)
• Enhancing AEDF’s brand awareness
• Communicate the elements of the organization’s economic development and redevelopment strategy to diverse stakeholder groups, while building consensus as a facilitator of this strategy;
• Utilizes diverse methods to increase the organization’s financial sustainability
• Increase the economic relevance of Algiers to help attract significant economic opportunity
• Positions AEDF as a key lever, convener, and trusted resource of the Algiers business community
• Ensures that AEDF provides meaningful, relevant, and high quality programming and services that drive membership growth & retention
• Ensures optimum balance in serving local businesses and our broader Algiers community
• Makes data-driven decisions to drive the success & sustainability of AEDF
• Reports directly to the AEDF Board of Directors, particularly the Board Chair
• Regularly provides accurate and timely reports and key information to the AEDF Board of Directors (including ED reports, financials, etc.) to drive well-informed governance decision-making
• Participates in periodic performance evaluation to celebrate his/her successes as well as pinpoint areas for growth and actionable goals for improvement
• Assumes responsibility for & leads AEDF’s fundraising strategy & planning; donor cultivation & stewardship; grant acquisition & management; corporate sponsorships; and other diverse fundraising activities. This includes but is not limited to use of a development plan and donor database with pipeline tracking and reporting, as well as quarterly reporting of fundraising progress to the board.
• Serves as the top representative of the AEDF brand, inclusive of attracting positive media exposure/PR. Write, plan, organize, and coordinate media engagement strategies, including press releases, business spotlights, and public relations activities that elevate AEDF’s brand and the visibility of member businesses and community partners.
• Recruit and retain a moderate staff to drive day to day organizational responsibilities/obligations
• Sound judgement and innovative thinker that can create effective solutions in high pressure situations
• Develop, maintain and foster key internal and external relationships
• Coordinate economic development activities, including outreach, referrals, tracking and reporting, compose material to be presented to legislative entities for the purpose of informing and obtaining funding and other assistance for programs
• Act as a liaison to City/Parish departments, regional agencies, state/federal agencies, and local organizations on matters relating to economic development issues
• Write, plan, organize and coordinate the dissemination of information to the general public, communications media, public and private sector officials, industry and businesses and participate in activities associated with the release of this information to the public
• Well-organized, disciplined, persistent and persuasive individual: identify and focus on key issues, prioritize efforts and ensure follow up with timely, quality results
• Serve as a resource to the local community development and neighborhood organizations in arranging media events, press conferences, tours, etc.
• Plan, arrange and coordinate related workshops, information sessions and special conferences which can include program specific reports, newsletters, studies and other informational documentation.
• Create and manage an organizational budget.
• Raise funds through corporate sponsorship, grant writing, and other revenue-generating activities such as fundraisers and Annual Meeting to maintain quality of programming.
• Prepare financial reports, manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and communicate financial information to the board and stakeholders as appropriate and required.
• Implement a youth workforce development program, coordinating speakers, field trips, and program administration.
• Develop and implement policies and programs targeted at Business Retention, Expansion (BRE), Attraction, and Recruitment.
• Plan and execute the Annual Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert and Annual Meeting.
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5-7 years’ economic development, urban planning, managerial experience in a related government and/or private industry capacity
• Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, Economics, Planning, or related discipline
• Proficient oral and written communication skills; Proficient computer-related skills and in-depth Microsoft Office experience
• Holder of valid Louisiana Driver’s License and clean driving record,
• Possess or ability to retain a Passport
• This is an in-person position based at our office in Algiers, with some evening and weekend hours required.
• Resident of New Orleans required- Native Algerines or Algiers residents are especially encouraged to apply!
  
• PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• If you have any of the following additional qualifications, we encourage you to describe them in your cover letter.
• Understanding of local entrepreneurial support ecosystem and government small business assistance programs
• Experience in nonprofit management and administration
• Familiarity with small business operations
• Previous supervisory experience
• Grant writing and/or fundraising experience

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. ** APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JULY 31 **

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual starting salary of $70,000 - $75,000 in alignment with regional market research for this role for our organizational size and current annual budget. Benefits include a monthly stipend for health insurance, 15 days of PTO, and 7 days paid sick leave