Chief Strategy Officer

Communities Unlimited; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

HSA contributions

Flexible Spending Accounts

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401k match

Paid holidays, vacation, & sick leave

Job summary

Communities Unlimited is seeking a Chief Strategy Officer to translate its mission into prioritized programs and partnerships across seven states. The CSO reports to the CEO, guiding enterprise-wide strategic planning, program integration, impact measurement, and resource development to sustain rural community growth.

Travel across AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN, TX is required. The role demands senior leadership experience, alliance-building, and a track record of securing diverse funding to support

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in public admin, environmental science, planning, business, nonprofit management, or closely related field; 12+ years leadership in rural programs.
• Bachelor’s degree and 15+ years leadership in rural programs required.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to Program Directors and cross-functional hubs, aligning CU’s services for maximum impact.
• Drive organizational strategy by identifying community needs and developing measurable indicators.
• Lead enterprise-wide fundraising and diversified revenue strategies with funders, government, and partners.
• Develop and pursue major funding opportunities and grant proposals aligned with priorities.
• Build and maintain strategic external partnerships and represent CU nationally and regionally.
• Identify opportunities for policy advancement and systems change to elevate CU’s mission.
• Contribute to enterprise decisions on strategy, sustainability, capacity, risk, and growth as a member of the ELT.
• Ensure compliance with policies, grants, contracts, laws, and Board reporting requirements.

Skills

Executive leadership

Strategic planning

Fundraising & partnerships

Rural development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s or higher in public administration/environmental science/planning/business/nonprofit

Bachelor’s + 15+ years leadership in rural programs

Job description

The Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) is a senior executive responsible for translating Communities Unlimited’s mission and strategic plan into coordinated organizational priorities, program strategies, partnerships, funding opportunities, and measurable results across its seven-state footprint. In partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team, the CSO provides enterprise leadership for strategic planning, program integration, impact measurement, organizational growth, and resource development, ensuring CU’s programs operate as an integrated portfolio focused on the needs of rural communities. The CSO serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO, evaluates emerging opportunities and community needs, promotes shared accountability and cross-program collaboration, and leads diversified resource development efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships and long-term financial sustainability.

Candidate must reside in the 7-state service area: AL, AR, LA, MS, OK, TN & TX. Preference given to those residing in the Fayetteville AR area.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company-paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Employer 401k Match
• Paid holiday, vacation and sick time.

Requirements

• Education
  • Option A: Master’s degree in public administration, environmental science, planning, business, nonprofit management, or a closely related field required, and 12+ years of progressive management experience in rural infrastructure programs, community development, or federal/state program implementation.
  • Option B: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental science, planning, business, nonprofit management, or a closely related field required, and 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in rural infrastructure programs, community development, or federal/state program implementation.
• Executive Leadership & Collaboration: Significant senior leadership experience in complex, mission-driven organizations, with demonstrated success leading collaborative teams, managing change, fostering accountability, and building consensus.
• Strategic & Organizational Expertise: Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, establish performance measures, use data to drive decisions, manage resources and risk, and navigate complex organizational and operational challenges.
• Rural Development, Fundraising & External Relations: Deep understanding of rural community and economic development, with demonstrated success securing diverse funding, managing grants and compliance, building strategic partnerships, and communicating effectively with boards, funders, government leaders, and community stakeholders.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage.
• Must be authorized to work in the USA.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel throughout Communities Unlimited's seven-state service area is required to engage with staff, communities, partners, funders, and other stakeholders. Periodic regional and national travel is required for conferences, partner meetings, funder engagement, and representation of Communities Unlimited.

Summary of Essential Job Duties

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight to Program Directors and Community Impact Hubs, fostering cross-program collaboration and integrating CU’s services and resources to maximize community impact.
• Drive organizational strategy and program effectiveness by identifying emerging community needs, developing measurable performance indicators, and advising the CEO and Program Directors on opportunities, partnerships, and growth strategies.
• Lead enterprise-wide resource development to support CU’s financial sustainability, including cultivating relationships with funders, government agencies, corporations, financial institutions, and strategic partners.
• Develop and pursue major funding opportunities by leading collaborative funding initiatives, diversified revenue strategies, earned-revenue opportunities, and competitive grant proposals aligned with organizational priorities.
• Build and maintain strategic external partnerships and represent Communities Unlimited in national, regional, and community networks, elevating the organization’s mission and rural community priorities.
• Advance CU’s influence and visibility by identifying opportunities for systems changes, strategic investments, policy advancement, and speaking engagements that highlight CU’s integrated approach to rural community development.
• Provide executive and organizational leadership as a member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to enterprise-wide decisions related to strategy, financial sustainability, organizational capacity, talent, risk, operations, and growth.
• Ensure organizational compliance and accountability by overseeing adherence to policies, grant and contract requirements, applicable laws and regulations, and Board reporting responsibilities, while supporting strategic initiatives assigned by the CEO.

EOE