Job 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 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.

The President and CEO will be expected to fulfill the following key responsibilities: 

• Leadership, Strategy, and Management
• Fundraising, Resource Development, and Communication
• Partnership Management & Development
• Outreach & Engagement
• Board Governance
• Operational, Financial Oversight, and Risk Management

A successful candidate should possess a variety of attributes, skills, and characteristics, including:

• Collaborative, innovative, transparent, and effective leadership that motivates 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 skills and qualifications:

• Ten+ years in a leadership position or commensurate experience with demonstrated success in organizational management, including strategic planning, program development, finance, fundraising, and operations.
• 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.