Chief Executive Officer

Overview

Forward Cities is a national nonprofit with a firm belief that every entrepreneur deserves an equitable chance to launch and grow a business that generates wealth for themselves, their families, and their communities.  And since more equitable business ownership holds great potential for addressing the racial wealth gap, we are on a mission to catalyze wealth-building opportunities for Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous entrepreneurs by transforming the way local communities see, support, and sustain them.

We are poised for growth and are currently seeking a visionary and experienced Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead and help shape the future of our organization.

 

Position Summary

The Forward Cities CEO will have primary responsibility for the organization’s continued growth and for ensuring that the organization’s financial, operational, program, and development functions are aligned and effective. 

The CEO will be responsible for providing leadership to the Forward Cities staff, developing and managing resources that enable them to achieve the organization’s goals and priorities, while unlocking the potential that each diverse staff member brings to the organization.

The CEO will also initiate and maintain strategic relationships with funders, stakeholders, and partners to further the organization’s ability to carry out its mission.

 

Functions and Responsibilities

Strategic Direction

• Work with the Board of Directors and the Chief Program Officer to set and implement strategic priorities and goals that support Forward Cities’ mission and vision
• Look around corners to develop a 3-5 year plan that prioritizes the organization’s longevity, relevance, and impact

Internal Leadership 

• Oversee the organization’s marketing, communications, fund development, operations, human resources, and technology functions 
• Develop long- and short-range financial plans and priorities, track progress, and ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place
• Ensure the aligned implementation of strategic priorities across the organization
• Develop and implement an effective staff performance management plan and hold staff accountable for achieving agreed-upon commitments in a timely manner
• Identify and act on opportunities for operational improvement, solve problems quickly and effectively, and mitigate risks to the organization
• Foster an internal culture that promotes an inclusive, healthy, collaborative, and productive workplace with a fully informed and engaged staff
• Cultivate continuous learning and continuous improvement within the organization
• Ensure and oversee the effective management and security of the organization’s physical and intellectual resources including offices, hardware, and technology

External Relationships

• Achieve fundraising goals through the cultivation and maintenance of new and existing revenue and partnership opportunities
• Work with the staff and the Board to develop clear and compelling marketing materials that tell our story, share lessons learned, and attract the attention and interest of funders and potential partners
• Identify and act on speaking and writing opportunities that increase the organization’s visibility and credibility, and that inform the field

 

Qualifications

The Forward Cities CEO will have a strong commitment to racial equity and to the mission and vision of Forward Cities.  In addition, the ideal candidate will bring:

• 7+ years of nonprofit leadership experience
• Lived experience aligned with the mission and work of Forward Cities
• Experience building and managing high-performing teams
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
• A demonstrated ability to secure funding and support for mission-driven initiatives
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to set a vision, develop comprehensive strategies, and execute plans effectively
• Demonstrated ability to be creative and flexible, and to adapt quickly to shifting circumstances
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a remote work environment

Work Location & Expectations

This position is full-time and, while the organization is currently based in Durham, North Carolina, we are open to this position being remote. The CEO will report to the Board of Directors.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $140-160K, depending on relevant experience and geographical location. Forward Cities also offers comprehensive health insurance, 403(b) plan matching, paid time off, paid holidays, and a flexible/remote work culture.