President & CEO
Dix Park Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in partnership with the City of Raleigh as its philanthropic and community engagement partner to help ensure the creation and long-term success of Dorothea Dix Park. The Dix Park project is among the most ambitious and transformative projects our region has ever undertaken, attracting national attention. It’s an adventure that demands imagination, leadership, and diligence.
Position Description
The Dix Park Conservancy in Raleigh, North Carolina, seeks a vibrant and visionary President & CEO to assume stewardship of this young and dynamic organization. Dix Park Conservancy (the Conservancy) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2016 that exists to support the City of Raleigh, the owner of Dorothea Dix Park (Dix Park), in its efforts by serving as the city’s philanthropic and community engagement partner, and ensuring the creation and long-term success of Dix Park as a place for everyone – a transformative public space for community, health, and celebration that will enrich our quality of life in North Carolina.
Reporting to the Chair of the Conservancy Board of Directors, the President and CEO will initiate and execute community engagement and outreach efforts, as well as support programs designed to generate broad-based civic, community, and philanthropic support for Dix Park.
This opportunity calls on inspiring and collaborative leaders who understand the power of public parks to make life better for community members and visitors alike. Partnering with a dedicated staff, loyal community stakeholders, and an engaged 35-member Board of Directors, the Conservancy’s next leader will help transform the land of Dix Hill to be a place that inspires awe through its beauty, invites people of all ages and abilities to play and relax, and informs through stories captured in its incredibly rich history.
Position Responsibilities
The next President and CEO of the Conservancy will be a visionary leader with the experience and foresight to help the dedicated Board members, loyal community stakeholders, and talented staff to chart the course of the organization’s future. Proven leadership in a complex corporate, governmental, or nonprofit organization will be a key asset sought in candidates well-positioned to help the Conservancy set and meet ambitious goals. In addition, the President and CEO will be expected to fulfill the following key responsibilities:
Leadership, Strategy, and Management: Serve as the primary advocate, visionary, and spokesperson for the organization. Ensure the progress of long- and short-term strategic plans. Build strong and meaningful alliances with the City of Raleigh, community partners, donor organizations, government officials, and other key partners to realize the Dix Park Master Plan. Build and develop a high-functioning team and Board. Motivate employees, Board members, and other stakeholders to contribute. Provide intellectual leadership and foster an entrepreneurial environment of creativity and innovation. Mentor and build the team, promoting a trustworthy, inclusive, and constructive culture.
Fundraising, Resource Development, and Communication: Work with the Campaign Cabinet, staff, and fundraising counsel to raise money to fulfill the master plan with the mindset of chief philanthropic ambassador. Be creative in the crafting of the next phase of the fundraising campaign—knowledge in pursuing federal, state, and county funding in addition to the City of Raleigh funding. Create an earned income strategy for the Conservancy and park operations through food and beverage and rentals. Execute early impact projects to establish the Dix Park Concessions program. Oversee ongoing food and beverage services and rental facilities at Dix Park that contribute to the overall park visitor experience and generate income for operations.
Partnership Management & Development: Collaborate with the team, educate and lobby elected officials and city staff, and organize grassroots action around Dix Park and public-private partnerships. Manage key partnerships and donor relationships including but not limited to the City of Raleigh Mayor and City Council, City Management, Dix Park Founding Partners and Leadership Circle, NC DHHS, NCSU, State Farmer’s Market, and Raleigh Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
Outreach & Engagement: Serve as the chief Dix Park community outreach ambassador. Communicate the Conservancy’s mission effectively to a wide range of partners, audiences, and stakeholders, leading to broad community awareness and support of the project. Have an understanding or experience that lends itself to an understanding of the external environment that surrounds and affects the building of the park by building a culture that supports the work.
Board Governance: In collaboration with the Board of Directors, identify, recruit, and retain highly effective Board members. Maintain regular communications with the Board and provide them with the necessary training, support, counsel, and information required for effective governance. Support the Board’s involvement in fundraising, strategic planning, program delivery, and increasing the overall visibility of the organization.
Operational, Financial Oversight, and Risk Management: In collaboration with the CFO, VP of Operations, and outside legal counsel, oversee the financial integrity of the Conservancy, ensuring the strategic creation of and adherence to the budget, diligently following approved financial policies and accounting ethics and best practices. In addition to overseeing financials, also oversee audits and risk management, i.e., ensure adequate insurance coverage for all activities and staff, ensure best practices in employee management and HR administration, and ensure quality data management, process documentation, and division of duties.
Required Skills & Characteristics
The Conservancy’s next President and CEO must share a passion for parks and a commitment to the mission and the diverse constituents the park serves. In addition, a successful candidate should possess a variety of attributes, skills, and characteristics, including:
Collaborative, innovative, transparent, and effective leadership that can motivate the Board, staff, community, donors, and partners.
Strategic innovator with a big vision; set strategy and execute for results.
Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of operations, finance, and budgeting.
Fundraising and resource development track record that will help craft the next phase of the fundraising campaign.
Creating and leading a Senior Management Team.
Collaboration, community relations, and understanding public-private partnerships.
Working with fundraising leadership committees, staff, fundraising counsel, and other partners.
Operational and technological innovation.
Risk management.
Successful delivery of projects.
High social-emotional intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment.
Ability to inspire others through written and verbal communication.
Other specific skills and qualifications include:
Ten or more years in a leadership position or commensurate experience with demonstrated success in organizational management, including strategic planning, program development, finance, fundraising, and operations.
A strong familiarity with the Triangle region is a plus.
A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college/university. Master’s degree preferred.
The President and CEO must live in the Triangle region.
This is a full-time, in-person (not remote) work opportunity.
Salary/Benefits
The Conservancy is committed to attracting extraordinary leaders for this position through a compensation package that includes a competitive salary in the range of $225,000 - $250,000 and a generous employee benefits package that includes employee health insurance, dental, vision, paid vacation, and sick time.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume in one attachment by September 20, 2024, by applying here. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.