ConnCAT's vision is to create a learning environment that inspires hope, innovation, creativity and
excellence while providing a path for individuals to revitalize the landscape of the urban community.
ConnCORP's vision is to create a community where all citizens are thriving economically and socially.
JOB DESCRIPTION: President ConnCORP
Reports to the ConnCAT/ConnCORP Chief Executive Officer
OVERVIEW: ConnCAT is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 with a mission to leverage world-class
adult training programs and youth after-school and summer arts programs to revitalize the
cultural, economic and civic landscape of New Haven's poorest communities. In furtherance of that
mission in 2017 the ConnCAT board of directors established ConnCORP as a community economic
development organization with two (2) clear mandates:
ConnCORP will stimulate through economic growth, economic empowerment, and wealth
creation within New Haven's most under-served communities. ConnCORP's programming
activities will include; a) establishing and operating the Lab, a small business
incubator/accelerator, b) conducting entrepreneurship training programs for starting and
growing businesses to scale, c) conducting financial literacy, savings, financial planning and
real estate investing activities.
ConnCORP's internal investing activities will focus on a) growing and expanding its Orchid
hospitality and catering business and b) investing in affordable real estate within the
Dixwell/Newhallville neighborhoods, and the completion of ConnCORP's signature real
estate project, "ConnCAT Place on Dixwell", the $200 million redevelopment vision of
"Dixwell Plaza" into a cultural, residential, educational, entertainment and commercial
destination.
ConnCORP will generate positive net cash flows, through its investing and programming
activities in support of ConnCAT's ongoing mission. Targeted positive operating return goals
have been established for ConnCORP.
ConnCORP, a non-profit community economic development organization is seeking an experienced,
dynamic, innovative, passionate, and visionary leader to serve as its President. The ConnCORP
President will be directly responsible for driving the sustainable growth and development of
ConnCORP's four (4) primary business units and revenue streams:
1. Real estate development/Real estate investing/Real estate property management
2. The Lab at ConnCORP - Business incubator/accelerator
3. Hospitality, Food & Catering
4. Business Education/Entrepreneurship Training Learning Center
Required Candidate Attributes:
Leadership & Vision: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, set strategic direction,
and drive organizational growth. Visionary mindset to identify and capitalize on
opportunities that will promote ConnCORP and ConnCAT sustainability, while also driving
community economic development.
Organization Culture & Values: Demonstrate and model ConnCORP core values and guiding
principles. Uphold the highest ethical standards in all dealings, encourage creative solutions
to challenges, and foster a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and
contribute to our success.
Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to build
and maintain strong relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders. Proven track record in
collaboration, partnership development and community engagement. Passion for
community development and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities
faced by economically challenged communities. Must have a deep commitment to social
impact and equity.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Mindset: Innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset
with the ability to identify and seize new opportunities for sustainable growth. Must exhibit
strong mental agility and versatility. Accomplished problem solver.
Financial Acumen: Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of financial
management principles. Experience in developing and managing budgets, analyzing
financial data, and identifying revenue generation (and expenses savings) opportunities.
Substantial experience in real estate financing arrangements and financing instruments.
Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex projects from conception to
completion. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate
multiple stakeholders and timelines. Demonstrated competencies and skills in change
management.
Advocacy and Communications: Effective communicator with strong presentation and
public speaking skills. Ability to articulate the mission and impact of ConnCORP to various
audiences and to be an effective advocate for ConnCORP and ConnCAT, and its initiatives.
Totally and completely committed to the overall vision and mission of ConnCAT and to
providing ongoing financial support to ConnCAT.
Specific Business Portfolio Management Expertise: Individual with the business savvy,
business experience, business acumen and business expertise to develop and implement
strategies that will effectively leverage the ConnCORP portfolio of four (4) business units to
achieve the maximum benefit to ConnCORP and ConnCAT. While at the same time fulfilling
ConnCORP's vision to be a catalyst for economic development, economic empowerment, and
economic transformation of the community.
Specifically, someone with the expertise to deploy strategies that recognizes the strengths,
weaknesses, opportunities, and threats inherent in each line of business, to optimally
manage these to yield the maximum return to ConnCORP, while meeting all other stated
goals and objectives.
Business Unit#1 - Real estate development/investing/property management activities will
focus on generating substantial positive net cash flows from all investing and property
management activities. Maximize revenue growth opportunities, while efficiently managing
expenses across all properties.
Business Unit #2 - The Lab (business curator/accelerator)-Generate at least breakeven
(perhaps positive net cash flows) from all business incubator/accelerator activities.
Note: Suggested strategy to support the revenue streams of this business would be to build
a solid and steady stream of grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropy, etc.
Business Unit #3 - Orchid Hospitality (Food & Catering)-Generate substantial positive net
cash flows from all hospitality, food and catering business activities. Maximize revenue
growth opportunities while efficiently managing expenses.
Business Unit #4 - The Lab Business/Entrepreneurship Learning Center-Generate
breakeven, perhaps positive net cash flows) from all business/entrepreneurship education
learning activities.
Note: Suggested strategy to support the revenues of this business unit would also be to build
a solid and steady stream of grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropy, etc. And to
minimize expenditure outlays, depending heavily upon volunteers, etc.
Specific Candidate Qualifications: • Mature and Experienced Business Leader. • Advanced Degree (MBA) in Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, Operations Management,
Entrepreneurship • 5-10 years' experience • Experienced financial management skills/expertise • Experience in urban economic development or business development. • Exceptional Project Management Skills • Results driven/Self-starter. • Demonstrated problem-solving skills • Collaborative relationship builder