The Women's Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South) is a regional affiliate of the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the nation's premier third-party certifier of women-owned business enterprises. WBEC South provides certification, capacity building, networking, and business resources to women-owned firms in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, and the Florida Panhandle.
About the Role
The new President & CEO will provide operational leadership for this 30-year-old 501(c)3 nonprofit organization currently serving over 1100 certified firms across its five-state region. The organization serves as a connector between women-owned businesses and corporate and government organizations seeking to develop meaningful partnerships and outcomes.
The Opportunity
WBEC South generates revenue from fees, memberships, events, sponsorships, donations, and grants. The charge for the new President & CEO is to enhance what is working well while envisioning future growth potential and sustainability. While it is understood that no candidate will offer all of the desired skills, qualities, and characteristics, the following offers a detailed, aspirational view of the characteristics, expectations, and responsibilities of the President & CEO.
Key Responsibilities of the President & CEO
Strategic Leadership • Maintain and grow WBEC South's credibility and visibility with key stakeholders across the region. • Work with the Board of Directors to develop the Strategic Plan for operation and administrative growth. • Lead the WBEC South team in identifying and implementing strategic initiatives that expand the organization's capacity to serve current and future constituents. • Serve as the thought leader and subject matter expert on women in business, and supplier inclusion. • Ensure compliance with WBENC Standards of Affiliation and genera I service agreements. • Represent WBEC South on the national RPO Leadership Council. • Actively steward new and existing relationships that support WBEC South's mission, programs, and events.
Fundraising & Revenue Generation • Ensure successful fundraising efforts from corporations, foundations, and individual donors. • Effectively communicate the organization's mission and impact to potential funders and donors. • Generate new sources of revenue by expanding the existing donor base and earned revenue streams. • Expand and cultivate fundraising opportunities through new and ongoing strategic partnerships.
Human Leadership • Create the conditions necessary to make WBEC South attractive to top talent. • Lead, coach, and nurture a high-performing team. • Cultivate a vibrant, inclusive culture of active collaboration, respect, empathy, and accountability. • Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion resulting in a deep sense of belonging for all team members. • Ensure a culture of professional growth and continuous learning for WBEC South employees. • Engage the staff, Board, and volunteers to ensure shared ownership of the mission, values, and goals.
Operational Leadership • Oversee the fiscal stability and integrity of the organization. • Ensure that short and long-term strategic goals are in line with the strategic plan. • Ensure the financial health of WBEC South through regular, thoughtful analysis of reports and fiscal trends. • Maintain strong partnership relationships within the region and across the WBENC network. • Ensure the utilization of WBE suppliers where possible and regularly track WBEC South's spend with WBEs.
Ideal Characteristics of Our Next President & CEO • An exceptional people leader and culture builder • Visionary, decisive yet flexible leadership • Ability to make quick, and sometimes difficult decisions • Excels at developing, articulating, and executing strategy in support of the organization's success. • Ability to pivot based on rapidly evolving landscapes. • Strong business acumen with the skillset and knowledge to drive value creation. • Ability to establish priorities, goals, and timelines to achieve quantifiable and qualitative outcomes. • Leadership that "raises the bar" and drives the organization toward measurable success. • High level of emotional intelligence and ability to develop a positive culture of collaboration and productivity. • Clear and compelling communication skills to internal and external audiences. • A strong personal and professional network that can be leveraged across the region. • A sincere and infectious commitment to the mission and potential of WBEC South.
Compensation & Benefits
WBEC South offers a competitive compensation + benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and an array of optional health insurances, 401K contribution and match, accrued personal time off, paid holidays, and a performance-based bonus structure.