Strategic Growth & Partnerships Leader

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

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