The Providence Foundation is seeking an experienced, innovative Executive Director to lead and further unify its work to make Providence, Rhode Island, particularly the downtown district, the premier mid-sized city in the country.

The Providence Foundation is a private sector, 50-year-old 501(c)(3) organization that is supported by 140 leading local and regional companies and institutions. The Foundation’s vision is to create

“…an equitably prosperous capital city renowned worldwide for its welcoming and inclusive spirit and its vibrant cultural life. Economically, environmentally, and socially resilient, Providence preserves the best of its heritage as it adapts to build a sustainable future.”

To work toward this vision, the Foundation’s mission which guides its strategic plan, is to

“ …increase Providence’s competitiveness so the city can attract and retain public and private investment. We value investors who have a long-term commitment to our shared future. A vibrant downtown requires a dynamic and interrelated mix of investments, including commerce, residential and civic life, public spaces, built and natural environment, as well as arts and culture. Realizing our vision requires inclusion, partnership, collaboration, and engagement. We recognize that stakeholders bring many interests and ideas to the table and through collaboration we can advance the city. The Foundation’s work is to “honor the character and assets of this historic place, as we challenge ourselves to embrace change, actively creating the future and engaging upcoming generations.”

The Providence Foundation works with local and regional partners to advocate on behalf of downtown Providence. We undertake actions that enhance the growth of downtown businesses, both residential and commercial properties, along with academic and cultural institutions. Our goal is to grow the investment environment while improving quality of life.

The new leader will be uniquely positioned to build on the organization’s 50-year history of assisting in the successful transformation of Providence by implementing an ambitious program to develop a high-performing urban district, while identifying unique and innovative ways to grow organizational reach and impact.

The Executive Director is accountable for the overall leadership, direction and management of the organization and its resources to accomplish key goals, further the mission and build relationships throughout the community. The Director reports to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors and is responsible for leading a small team of professionals.

Guide the growth of the organization, ensure financial sustainability and provide sound financial management.

Manage and supervise the operations of The Providence Foundation, including recruiting, hiring, and managing staff.

Provide vision and direction to increase the organization’s impact within the City.

Evaluate and implement the current strategic plan to achieve the organization’s goals and objectives.

Lead the organization’s fundraising efforts, including both annual dues collection and larger endowment campaigns.

Grow and diversify resources by strategically engaging with funders, donors, and the broader community.

Navigate the City, State, non-profit and private sector landscape using existing relationships, while working to build new ones to achieve the organization’s mission.

Generate ideas to raise additional revenue for the Foundation and secure support, financial and political, to allow the Foundation to advance our mission and ensure long-term financial stability.

Prioritize membership development to recruit new members. Design and implement member engagement plans to foster the organization’s continued growth.

The Executive Director will serve as the primary spokesperson and will oversee branding strategies and marketing programs.

Create and manage a communications plan to provide effective communications both internally and externally.

Collaborate with members, City and State government representatives, businesses, property owners, developers, institutions and cultural groups that are interested in developing and/or investing downtown.

Develop strong connections with elected officials. Become familiar with local and state government procedures and legislation.

Build relationships and partnerships with public and private entities including the City of Providence, the State of Rhode Island, downtown businesses, residents, colleges and universities, medical and cultural institutions and other key non-profit organizations.

The successful candidate must have achieved a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the work of the organization.  A graduate degree is preferred.

The Executive Director will have at least seven years of progressive experience that includes some combination of real estate development, urban planning, public place-making, interaction with public-private partnerships and working with civic and/or non-profit organizations.

The Director must also display strong business and management skills. The applicant must possess excellent business, financial and leadership skills, including a proven background in managing and supervising a team and the Board.

The Executive Director must build and leverage relationships within a diverse group of stakeholders to effectively advocate and facilitate growth. The candidate must demonstrate experience in government relations and issue-based advocacy, including success with building coalitions that further the priorities of the Foundation.

Our preferred candidate is an energetic leader who can build and strengthen relationships among all stakeholders. We are seeking a leader who possesses the following attributes:

A collaborator and skilled communicator who will develop effective internal and external relationships and engage board members, staff, donors, funders, partners and community stakeholders.

A record of growing and diversifying resources, through philanthropic support, capital campaigns, sponsorships, grants, and earned revenue.

A collaborative and effective leadership style, demonstrating skills for working with boards, staff, and the public for mutual success.

A passionate person who is capable of fostering alliances around critical projects.

A visionary with innovative ideas for enhancing growth and diversifying revenue sources.

A leader who exhibits perseverance and endurance to achieve desired results.

The ability and fortitude to diplomatically negotiate competing interests and advance the common good when those interests might not align.

A forward-looking thinker who can recognize the ways the city is changing… economically, culturally and demographically.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic leader who is truly committed to making a positive contribution to the community. Our Compensation and Benefits package is competitive for the field and will be commensurate with experience, qualifications and record of achievement. Minimum starting salary is $175,000/annually.

Candidates should submit a cover letter describing their interest in this position, a resume, three references and salary requirements to:

Theprovidencefoundationed@gmail.com