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

Requirements

EducationOption 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