Renaissance West Community Initiative - Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

The Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI) seeks a visionary, entrepreneurial, and community-driven professional to lead our work in Charlotte, NC. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will be a servant leader, skilled fundraiser, and experienced manager with a deep commitment to resident-centered neighborhood development. The ideal leader will have the ability to build and leverage strong relationships across the public, private, philanthropic, and nonprofit sectors to ensure the continued success of the Renaissance West community. Familiarity with the West Boulevard Corridor in Charlotte is essential, along with strong listening skills to understand local needs and the ability to connect the community with critical resources to achieve its priorities and goals. 

Organization Overview

Founded in 2013, Renaissance West Community Initiative (RWCI) was launched in response to a critical need to improve economic mobility and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty for residents living on West Boulevard near the Billy Graham Parkway. RWCI serves 1300+ residents in the Renaissance and Little Rock Apartment neighborhoods, including 800+ students at Renaissance West STEAM Academy and the Howard Levine Child Development Center.

RWCI’s mission is to restore opportunity through comprehensive neighborhood revitalization and to advance those served by concentrating resources on the West Boulevard Corridor, a geographic area that has historically experienced the severe impact of structural injustice and socio-economic disparities. RWCI combines housing stability, and an educational continuum from 6 weeks to college and career success, and coordinates the provision of wraparound services to focus on multiple critical factors to ensure children and families have the resources they need to be successful.

As a Purpose Built Communities® member since 2013, RWCI is part of a national network that envisions an America where every neighborhood serves as a pathway to prosperity and opportunity for the people who call it home. Purpose Built Communities® combines the best practice, policy, and research in housing, education, community wellness, and economic vitality to help neighbors and local leaders deliver high-quality, sustainable neighborhood transformation for all. This approach makes it possible for residents to experience improved health outcomes and increased upward mobility in their neighborhoods. RWCI relies on annual giving through the Renaissance West Annual Fund to support RWCI as the Community Quarterback, Renaissance West STEAM Academy, and the Howard Levine Child Development Center.

The Role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RWCI will be a visible local leader and a valued strategic partner, committed to advancing neighborhood empowerment in the Renaissance West community. The ideal leader will align staff, board members, and partners toward a shared vision while fostering authentic and accountable relationships with key stakeholders, including neighborhood associations, county commissioners, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, private organizations, and nonprofit partners. The CEO will be responsible for securing funding, managing and building partnerships, and ensuring the successful implementation of housing, education, and wellness initiatives that directly support Renaissance West residents. A successful leader in this role will demonstrate deep listening, community engagement, and strategic collaboration, ensuring that programs are well-resourced and responsive to the needs of the neighborhood.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will collaborate with both the board and staff to shape the foundation’s next strategic direction while leading and supporting its talented team.  Creates and implements long-term strategies that encompass both current needs and future growth, with an overall goal of ensuring the sustainability of RWCI’s work throughout the neighborhoods that it serves. The Executive Director will oversee a team of 13 and have an annual budget of ~$3 Million. 

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision

• Maintain alignment, involvement, and connection with the Purpose Built Communities® national model and network of support
• Develop and articulate a compelling vision for RWCI’s continued growth and impact, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values
• Lead the strategic planning process, setting clear goals and priorities to drive community revitalization and long-term sustainability
• Serve as the primary ambassador and advocate for RWCI, effectively communicating its mission, successes, and impact to diverse stakeholders and the public
• Inspire and empower a high-performing team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

Fundraising & External Partnerships

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing philanthropic, corporate, and public-sector support to sustain and expand RWCI’s programs and initiatives

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key funders, donors, and community partners to strengthen financial sustainability
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including grants and public-private partnerships, to support RWCI’s mission and growth
• Represent RWCI in local, regional, and national conversations on community development, leveraging the Purpose Built Communities network to advance best practices

Community & Stakeholder Engagement Partnerships

• Partner with the Board of Directors to ensure strong governance, strategic direction, and financial oversight
• Provide the Board with timely updates, reports, and insights to support informed decision-making
• Foster authentic engagement with the West Boulevard community, actively listening to residents and ensuring their voices shape RWCI’s programs and priorities
• Build relationships with government officials, nonprofit leaders, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and resources that support community revitalization

 Strategy & Operational Efficiencies

• Oversee comprehensive community development and intentional efforts to improve the lives of community residents and strengthen communities.
• Oversee the organization’s financial health, ensuring responsible budgeting, resource allocation, and financial sustainability
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Strengthen internal systems to enhance program delivery, impact measurement, and organizational performance
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, maintaining transparency and accountability in all operations
• Negotiating contracts, including the operating agreement for the CDC and other key partnerships.

Our Ideal Candidate Qualifications:

Candidates that exhibit the following qualities and experiences are ideal for this role:

• Passion for supporting and empowering the children, families, and vibrant community at West Boulevard Corridor. Familiarity with the RWCI community, and experience and existing relationships and networks based in Charlotte, highly desired
• 10+ years of progressive leadership and management skills, including excellent organization, project management, and time-management skills, with attention to detail and follow-through
• Proven fundraising experience with demonstrated success at donor cultivation and stewardship, and grants procurement and management of at least $2-3M in revenue generation
• Self-motivated and inspirational problem solver with demonstrated ability to coach, manage, and develop high-performing, diverse teams to achieve strategic objectives
• Demonstrated success cultivating and sustaining partnerships and collaborative relationships among diverse organizations and groups at the statewide or community level including the city council, the school board, the mayor’s office, etc.
• Demonstrated track record in providing leadership for the development and execution of strategic vision
• Demonstrated ability to establish priorities that align with a strategic plan and manage multiple agendas and partners effectively.
• Past success in engaging and managing strategic external and internal partnerships that work to transform economically disadvantaged communities
• Strong interpersonal and public communications skills, including effective public speaking experience and excellent writing ability

Position Specifications

Full-time (40 hours) in-office located at 3610 Nobles Ave, Charlotte, NC 28208, exempt position. Regular travel, up to 15%, including regular convenings with Purpose Built Communities®

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $175,000 - 210,000 per year. RWCI offers a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan with match, paid time off, and more.

To Apply:

This search is being led by an external search firm,  Daniel Talent Solutions, LLC. If you have any questions, please reach out to info@danielstalentsolutionsllc.com.

The deadline to apply is April, 11, 2025. We will review applications on a rolling basis shortly after they are received. Learn more about this role by viewing our Frequently Asked Questions document.

To learn more about RWCI, visit www.rwci.org.

Renaissance West Community Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.