Executive Director

The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership (CWLI) mission is fulfilled through effective leadership. The Executive Director serves as the strategic leader, key ambassador and representative of the organization. We are looking for a passionate and highly motivated individual who brings experience, talent and vision to build upon CWLI’s 26-year legacy and position the organization for its next stage of growth.

Measures of Success for this position include:

  • Leading the organization to meet fundraising goals.
  • Developing and implementing a marketing plan and strategy to include:
    • Increasing new memberships and retention of existing members
    • Increased attendance at events and organization offerings
  • Building relationships and rapport with local businesses and community organizations to support CWLI’s mission.

Reporting​ ​Relationship

The Executive Director reports to the Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute Board of Directors.

Experience​ ​and​ ​Qualifications

  • The Executive Director will be thoroughly committed to CWLI’s mission with the ability to align teams around the mission.
  • Bachelor’s degree required, Masters or other advanced degree a plus, with at least 5 years progressive leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success providing effective leadership in an organization with the ability to innovate, affiliate, define and execute strategy.
  • Experience as an Executive Director, CEO, President or other high level position leading an organization or business is preferred.
  • Proven and successful fundraising experience with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
  • Past success working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing boardmember relationships; ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
  • Strong marketing, public relations and social media knowledge.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator who can build commitment with internal and external stakeholders

Key​ ​Performance​ ​Areas:

  • Serve as the ambassador and spokesperson for CWLI locally, regionally and nationally.
  • Prepare and participate in Board meetings.
  • Engage the Board and committees through board meetings, committee meetings and recurring updates, to receive feedback and provide clarity around organizational performance.
  • Institute activities that will promote Board development and succession planning at all levels of the organization.
  • Work closely with the Executive Committee and Board to address issues and policy decisions in a timely manner.

Administrative, Financial and Program Operations:

  • Manage and develop CWLI staff to promote a positive and high-performance culture.
  • Evaluate staffing needs of the organization.
  • Recruit, hire, mentor, and hold accountable CWLI staff.
  • Provide leadership and development of a vibrant volunteer program.
  • Assess and recommend operational changes to enhance CWLI programs, heighten impact and allow for continued growth and scale of the organization.
  • Ensure that all educational programs and activities are consistent with the mission and maintain the highest level of quality; on an on-going basis assess the needs of the membership and adapt accordingly to maintain relevance and engagement.
  • With staff, board and committee support, develop the annual budget.
  • Monitor cash flow and performance versus budget and report to the Board at its regular meetings.
  • On a timely basis, identify and discuss where/when/how the organization is trending against the approved budget and take action as necessary to safeguard the financial assets of the organization.
  • Ensure that the organization complies with all local, state and federal requirements anddevelop, maintain and abide by policies and procedures to ensure best practices are followed.

Strategic​ ​Planning

  • Work with the Board and staff to ensure on-going development and implementation of the CWLI strategic plan in alignment with the organizational mission and tied to measurable goals.

Fundraising​ ​&​ ​Marketing

  • With Board support, develop fundraising plans and proactively coordinate efforts to heighten resource development (money and in-kind support) from individuals, businesses, foundations and government sources to support operations, programming and opportunities to scale.
  • Provide oversight to grant applications and fundraising events.
  • Develop marketing and communications to grow membership and strengthen a quality experience for the membership as well as engagement by strategic partners and donors.
  • Build strong positive relationships with members, donors and potential donors, partner organizations, government officials and policymakers – utilizing print, electronic, social and other media.

Pay Range:  $60,000 – $70,000

Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to info@cwli.org. Resumes will be accepted through Friday, September 23, 2022, 5:00 p.m.  No phone calls please. Candidates reaching the interview stage will be asked to present a brief presentation on their strengths for the Executive Director position, and the value they can add to Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute.