Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
About ConnecToledo:
Led by a network of corporate and civic leaders from the community, ConnecToledo is a 501(c)3 organization committed to the redevelopment of downtown Toledo. This is accomplished by connecting public and private investment to facilitate the implementation of the Downtown Toledo Master Plan and other community priorities.
Partnering with the Downtown Toledo Improvement District through a contract for services, ConnecToledo maintains programs for marketing/communications, business advocacy, residential attraction, business attraction including pre-development activity, and an ambassador program focused on hospitality, cleaning, and safety.
Role Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking CEO to lead ConnecToledo and the community into the future. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, an excellent communicator, and a proven networker. As the CEO, you will collaborate with various stakeholders, drive key initiatives, and create an inclusive environment that encourages entrepreneurship and community engagement. This position is local to Northwest Ohio and cannot be performed remotely.
A Typical Day Might Include:
- Collaboration: Coordinate with other NW Ohio development organizations and national/international organizations on various initiatives.
- Local Prioritization: Define and facilitate projects in Downtown Toledo while also connecting with NW Ohio.
- Relationship Building: Engage in strong partnerships between public and private entities.
- Metrics and Communication: Establish success metrics for specific projects and develop dashboards for tracking progress.
- Strategic Initiatives: Connect the regional strategic plan and develop initiatives that align with the vision of ConnecToledo and are coordinated with Anchor Institutions plans and activities. Key elements that this leader will be responsible for:
- Foster a thriving innovation ecosystem that supports research and development, commercialization of technology, encourages entrepreneurship around technology in the region’s key sectors, and attracts investment in cutting-edge industries.
- Community Engagement: Create routines for engaging a broader group of board members, community members, developers, and investors in strategic initiatives.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Foster an environment that encourages startups and provides a framework for their growth.
- Inclusivity: Ensure underrepresented groups in the community have a voice.
- Effective Communication: Develop internal and external communication structures.
- Accountability: Delegate details and responsibilities of day-to-day operations.
- Strategic Planning: Create a vision for the company and develop a 3–5-year strategic plan to support it.
Qualifications You’ll Need:
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- Years of experience: 15
- Experienced professional with a proven track record of success.
- Strong strategic thinker who can analyze complex situations, identify opportunities, and develop innovative solutions that drive business growth.
- Good communicator who can convey ideas clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams, present to stakeholders, and engage with external partners.
- Bias toward action, demonstrating the ability to make decisions and execute plans efficiently.
- Effective delegator who can empower their team members, assign tasks appropriately, and ensure successful project execution.
- Strong background in civic engagement.
- Collaborative team player who can work seamlessly with colleagues across departments.
- Expertise in cultivating high-performing teams that promote a productive work atmosphere.
- Ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including public, private, non-profit, and media entities.
- Understanding of the local landscape with the ability to balance an outside perspective with local knowledge.
- Visionary thinker who will contribute fresh ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation.
Compensation:
Salary Range: $225,000 – $250,000 total compensation for the year depending on location, education, experience, and any certifications that are directly related to the position.
The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additionally, ConnecToledo will offer life insurance, long and short-term disability coverage, a retirement plan, paid time off (PTO), and paid holidays.
Application Process:
All resumes should be sent as an attachment to [email protected]. The application process will include an assessment through the Predictive Index tool to evaluate the cognitive abilities, personality traits and behavioral tendencies for all candidates.
ConnecToledo is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.