President & CEO

The Moran Company is pleased to partner with Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise to recruit the organization’s next President & CEO.

Organizational Overview

Chattanooga, Tennessee is a welcoming city of about 185,000 people that spans 144 square miles. It offers a vibrant mix of natural beauty, outdoor recreation and urban amenities. The revitalized downtown is brimming with shops, restaurants, and growing businesses. The City is an ideal home for those who love outdoor recreation and access to urban attractions. Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise (CNE) is a big reason why Chattanooga has experienced a transformation over the past few decades. CNE is a leading force in neighborhood revitalization and community empowerment, dedicated to fostering a more vibrant and equitable future for Chattanooga. For 38 years, CNE has transformed neighborhoods through comprehensive initiatives, focusing on affordable housing, resident empowerment, and wealth building. The organization has made a lasting impact on Chattanooga by developing affordable homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, empowering residents, and promoting financial well-being.

As a comprehensive nonprofit organization, CNE’s multifaceted approach addresses the diverse needs of Chattanooga’s neighborhoods. The organization invests in developing affordable and mixed-income housing on vacant or blighted lots. They empower residents to become community leaders – advocating for positive change. CNE’s programs promote wealth-building through homeownership, financial literacy, and small-dollar loans. By offering affordable rental options, financial counseling, and home improvement resources, CNE helps families achieve stability and financial security.

As a convener, advocate, and innovator, CNE remains committed to sustainable neighborhood development and equitable housing opportunities. They strive to create vibrant communities where residents thrive and prosper. If you are inspired to lead an organization dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and families in Chattanooga, you are encouraged to consider this exciting opportunity.

Position Summary

CNE is looking for a visionary leader to oversee the strategic direction and operational success of CNE and its two subsidiaries, providing overall leadership, setting long-term goals, and ensuring alignment across all entities. This includes fostering collaboration while maintaining the distinct identities and strengths of each subsidiary. The CEO will lead multiple strategic and capacity-building projects in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. The CEO is hired by the Board of Directors and reports to the Board’s Executive Committee, with direct supervision provided by the Board President. Five staff report directly to the President and CEO.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

Fundraising and Growing Revenue from Lines of Business

• Fundraising: The CEO will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with the City of Chattanooga and other public sector entities to identify grant opportunities and public/private partnerships. Additionally, the CEO will work to maintain strong connections with various foundations to secure grants and funding opportunities, while also engaging with high-net-worth individuals and potential donors, fostering lasting relationships that lead to major gifts.
• Growing Revenue from Lines of Business: The CEO will identify and implement revenue-generating opportunities, ensuring a sustainable and diversified income base. This includes expanding current business lines to further strengthen financial viability while exploring new innovative opportunities that align with the organization’s mission.

Visionary Leadership 

The CEO will provide leadership as the organization completes its current strategic plan while working to provide CNE with a bold vision for the years to come. CNE’s current plan focuses on strengthening housing security and stability, promoting healthy and engaged neighborhoods, fostering financial well-being and resiliency, and growing organizational capacity and impact. Each strategic priority includes measurable activities that are managed by CNE staff. The CEO also has responsibility for overseeing CNE lines of business that include CNE Lending, real estate development, and CNE Homes.

Lead the Growth of CNE Lending, a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) 

CNE recently hired a VP of Lending and Operations who is working to grow and expand the organization’s CDFI loan portfolio and services. The CEO will be responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and support to this growing line of business. 

Real Estate Development

The CEO will provide strategic direction to the CNE team as the organization continues to identify real estate development projects that align with CNE’s mission. This work includes expanding financing tools, implementing innovative financing solutions, and developing public/private partnerships. The CEO will also ensure that CNE’s real estate projects are sustainable, impactful, and align with community needs.

Lead the Growth of CNE Homes

CNE is in the process of launching a new initiative, “CNE Homes.” The CEO will provide oversight and strategic management of this manufactured home subsidiary in order to drive the program’s growth and financial success. Currently, in the “proof of concept” phase, CNE Homes has the potential to increase the supply of affordable housing in Chattanooga while generating a growing source of revenue for CNE.

The Ideal Candidate

CNE is seeking candidates with a compelling combination of experience and skills that will meet the challenges and opportunities inherent in this position. The ideal candidate is:

• A Strategic Visionary: Possesses exceptional strategic thinking skills, the ability to assess and mitigate risk, and a proven track record of developing and implementing successful organizational initiatives.
• An Effective Communicator: Possesses exceptional written and oral communication skills, including active listening and the ability to represent the organization in various settings. Adept at advocating for policies that benefit underserved communities.
• A Collaborative Leader: Experienced in collaborating with senior staff, board members, and external stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. Demonstrates strong interpersonal skills, the ability to build consensus, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
• An Experienced Leader: With at least 10 years of senior-level leadership experience in an organization with a budget of at least $2 million, demonstrating a proven track record in strategic planning, financial management, and project execution.
• An Effective Manager: Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and develop staff through coaching, mentoring, and feedback.
• A Community-Focused Champion: Extensive experience building relationships and working effectively with diverse community partners, including local government agencies, resident groups, community-based organizations, businesses, and funders. Demonstrates a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing Chattanooga’s neighborhoods.
• A Financial Steward: Strong business acumen, including a proven track record of securing funding from diverse sources (philanthropic, corporate, and public) and ensuring the organization’s long-term financial health and sustainability.
• A Real Estate Development Expert: Demonstrated experience in real estate development, with a focus on affordable housing, mixed-use projects, or neighborhood revitalization initiatives.
• An Entrepreneurial Thinker: Proven ability to identify and seize opportunities for growth and innovation, with a demonstrated track record of success in launching and managing business ventures.
• A Culturally Competent Leader: Demonstrates emotional intelligence, cultural humility, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Compensation

The annual salary range for this position is $175,000 – $200,000. Benefits include:

• 20 days of paid time off (increasing with tenure) and 12 paid holidays
• Employer-paid medical and dental plan (75% subsidized for employee, 70% for spouse/dependents)
• 403(b) retirement plan with 5% employer contribution
• Short and long-term disability and life insurance plans

Statement of Non-Discrimination

CNE is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Application Process

The search for the CNE President and CEO is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Mike English, The Moran Company; mike (at) morancompany.com.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Mike English, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.

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