Executive Director, Center for Private Business – Strategic Leadership and Community Engagement

About the Opportunity

Wake Forest University is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Center for Private Business. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic team that is dedicated to supporting and serving privately held companies in North Carolina. As the Executive Director, you will be responsible for leading the Center's strategic vision, building relationships with industry leaders, and fostering a collaborative environment that drives growth and innovation.

About the Center for Private Business

The Center for Private Business is a membership-driven organization that provides access to industry leaders, resources, networks, and education to support and serve privately held companies. With over 220 member-companies, 20+ sponsor-companies, and more than 50 individual volunteers, the Center is a vibrant community that is committed to the success of private businesses in North Carolina. As the Executive Director, you will have the opportunity to build on the Center's strong foundation and drive its growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

The Executive Director will be responsible for the following key areas:

• Strategic Leadership: Set the short- and long-term vision for the Center, develop a strategic plan to meet that vision, and oversee implementation of the plan in a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Team Management: Manage, mentor, and build a trust-based working environment for the Center for Private Business staff.
• External Relations: Raise local, regional, national, and global visibility of the Center by representing the CPB at membership events and key industry conferences and events.
• Financial Planning: Establish and manage a financial plan that enables the strategic plan, including daily budget management, short- and long-term budget forecasts, and the creation and implementation of a fundraising plan.
• Membership Development: Serve as the primary relationship manager for and lead stewardship of the portfolio of existing and prospective member companies, including strategy to recruit and retain Center members.
• Sponsorship Development: Cultivate and secure sponsorships to support the work of the Center.
• Program Development: Provide leadership and overall direction for Member Programming and the Forum Program that supports the Center's vision and strategic plan.
• Network Development: Develop and maintain a robust and inclusive network of industry thought leaders, University faculty and staff, and community members who can expand and enhance the impact of the Center on its members and the larger academic and business community.
• Administrative Oversight: Responsible for oversight of all administrative functions, including human resources, marketing, and communications.

Essential Qualifications

To be successful in this role, you will need to have the following essential qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree plus five or more years of experience in a related field.
• Leadership Experience: Proven track record of leadership experience, including strategic planning, team management, and external relations.
• Financial Planning: Ability to establish and manage a financial plan, including daily budget management, short- and long-term budget forecasts, and fundraising.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and steward relationships with a wide range of constituents in a diverse community.
• Teamwork: Ability to foster teamwork and cooperation in a work environment.
• Database Management: Experience in database management and maintenance.
• Fiscal Management: Skill in fiscal management, including budgeting and financial planning.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred but not required:

• Master's Degree: Master's degree in a related field.
• Accounting or Finance Background: Background in accounting or finance, including experience with financial planning and budgeting.
• Marketing or Communications Experience: Experience in marketing or communications, including experience with social media and event planning.

What We Offer

Wake Forest University offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• Salary: Commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development, including training and education programs.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and experienced leader who is passionate about supporting and serving private businesses, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your application, including your resume and cover letter, through our online application system. We look forward to reviewing your application.