Position Specification Executive Director September 2014 2014 Korn Ferry. All Rights Reserved.
CONFIDENTIAL POSITION SPECIFICATION Position Company Location Reporting Relationship Website Executive Director Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Atlanta, Georgia Board of Directors, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership www.beltline.org COMPANY BACKGROUND/CULTURE The Atlanta BeltLine is the most comprehensive economic development effort ever undertaken in the City of Atlanta and among the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment and mobility projects currently underway in the United States. The Atlanta BeltLine is a sustainable redevelopment project that will provide a network of public parks, multi-use trails and transit along a historic 22-mile railroad corridor circling downtown and connecting many neighborhoods directly to each other. Other components of the project include public art, historic preservation, brownfield remediation, affordable workforce housing and economic development. The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership s sister organization, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI), is the entity tasked with planning and executing the implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine in partnership with other public and private organizations, including City of Atlanta departments. The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership (The Partnership) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization created in 2005 to serve as the private sector s link to the Atlanta BeltLine complementing the more public sector nature of ABI. The Partnership s mission is to ensure the Atlanta BeltLine thrives through political, economic, and social cycles by harnessing the power of the private sector and effectively partnering with the public sector. The organization achieves this mission through its commitment to: (1) raising funds from private and philanthropic sources to support the Atlanta BeltLine; (2) working with neighborhoods, community organizations, faith organizations, businesses and other groups to raise general awareness and broad-based support for the Atlanta BeltLine; and (3) serving as a catalyst to mobilize resources to achieve the positive social impacts of the Atlanta BeltLine vision. The Partnership is governed by a Board of Directors representing a diverse cross-section of Atlanta s corporate, non-profit, philanthropic, and community leaders. The Board currently has 22 members. To ensure ongoing strategic alignment with key partners, the PATH Foundation, the Trust for Public Land, and Trees Atlanta are each able to nominate a representative on The Partnership s Board. Furthermore, The Partnership Board appoints two of its members to serve on ABI s Board of Directors, strengthening the relationship between the two organizations. The Partnership plays a critical role in delivering the Atlanta BeltLine a project of national significance. The organization s core function is capital fundraising to support the implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine. The Atlanta BeltLine Strategic Implementation Plan, which was adopted at the end of 2013, estimates $275 million of philanthropic and other private funding could be required to complete the Atlanta BeltLine by 2030. Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Page 2 of 6
In addition to raising capital, The Partnership manages a robust portfolio of programs many of which are delivered via formalized partnerships with other organizations that maintain strong, broad-based civic and community support for the Atlanta BeltLine and enhance the ability of the investments in Atlanta BeltLine infrastructure to yield positive health, economic, and other social outcomes for residents in Atlanta BeltLine neighborhoods and beyond. Operating as a backbone organization led by a small but exceptionally competent core staff, The Partnership has accomplished its objectives via myriad partners, a network of specialized contractors, and hundreds of active volunteers. The Partnership has strong, dynamic relationships with its four key implementation partners: Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., the entity tasked with planning and executing the implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine; The PATH Foundation, a local nonprofit with a sterling reputation for building trails, building communities in a highly cost-effective way; The Atlanta arm of Trust for Public Land, the national conservation and open-space resource for landowners, government agencies and community groups, which commissioned the 2004 report that set the stage for the overall project, The BeltLine Emerald Necklace: Atlanta s New Public Realm; and helps with land acquisition. Trees Atlanta, a local nonprofit committed to addressing Atlanta s tree loss, protecting its forests, and creating new green space, which developed and is installing the Atlanta BeltLine Arboretum. Numerous program partners in areas of volunteerism, health, housing and workforce development, as well as other groups are playing a vital role in helping Atlanta and the metro area realize the Atlanta BeltLine s promise. The Atlanta BeltLine must build on Atlanta s long history of successful public/private partnerships. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Specifically, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: Strategic Direction. In conjunction with the Board of Directors, refines and implements the strategic plan for The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. Facilitates the development and successful implementation of the organization s vision, as well as strategic and operational plans and goals. Community Leadership. Serves as a leader, a visionary, and alliance builder within the City of Atlanta and Fulton County insofar as the Atlanta BeltLine Project impacts the community. Spokesperson. Serves as a principal spokesperson for The Partnership. Fundraising. Leads both capital and operating fundraising efforts with support from staff, consultants, and volunteer leadership. Ensures that fundraising efforts are aligned with Atlanta BeltLine implementation priorities and Partnership program priorities. Cultivates new sources of funding, both locally and nationally. Stewards donor investments and relationships. Board, Donor, and Stakeholder Relations. Builds and maintains strong relationships and open communications with the Board of Directors, donors, and the special relationships that exist with public, private, non-profit, community, and governmental stakeholders. Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Page 3 of 6
Intermediary. Serves as a liaison between multiple philanthropic, corporate, non-profit, and community stakeholders and ABI. Understands the vantage points of key partners and stakeholders and aids in building and maintaining relationships that strengthen the Atlanta BeltLine. Facilitates resolution when disagreements may arise between partners, advocating for what is best for achieving the long-term vision for the Atlanta BeltLine. External Relationships. Works closely with a wide-range of constituencies in both the public and private sector, to build and support coalitions consistent with The Partnership s overall mission and priorities. Best Practices. Identifies local and national best practices that can enhance Atlanta BeltLine program components, broaden the base of affiliated organizations, and raise the Atlanta BeltLine s national profile. Work with ABI and other partners to appropriately integrate them into the Atlanta BeltLine. Administration. Attracts, develops, and retains a strong staff; manages a highly effective and efficient organization as measured by achievement of priority goals. Develops and effectively manages annual budgets that are aligned to the strategic goals of The Partnership. Ensures financial soundness, transparency and a balanced budget annually. PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership operates and measures its progress against annual work plans that are aligned with its strategic plan. The Executive Director with the support of The Partnership s staff and consultants and working closely with the Board of Directors and other stakeholders will be expected to lead the development, approval and implementation of this plan at both the strategic and specific goal levels. The current performance objectives include the following general areas: Fundraising raise private and philanthropic capital to support implementation of the Atlanta BeltLine and leverage additional public funding. Grow revenue sources including individual donations, philanthropic grants, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise revenue that support The Partnership s programs and operating costs. Education and Advocacy expand the reach of existing programs including tours, speakers bureau, information booth, and digital communications to educate residents about the Atlanta BeltLine. Proactively use multiple media and communication formats to convey timely information to the public. Operational Excellence promote the utilization of best operational practices throughout the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership. Partner Collaboration continue to strengthen partner relationships to leverage external resources that will support Atlanta BeltLine implementation and The Partnership s programs. Quality of life outcomes catalyze programs and collaborations that advance the creation of economically and culturally vibrant, walkable, sustainable, healthy, mixed-income communities that are connected physically, civically, and socially and lead to a high quality of life for Atlanta's residents. Volunteerism grow our base of engaged volunteers to create strong advocates for the Atlanta BeltLine and support Atlanta BeltLine implementation through service projects. Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Page 4 of 6
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate should have experience and a demonstrated record in areas related to the following: Seven to ten years of experience in organizational leadership and governance including a detailed understanding of financial and business process procedures and controls. Direct involvement in securing substantial philanthropic and other private funding in support of public/private partnership projects. Program management and execution related to complex projects, preferably experience with collective impact initiatives requiring extensive collaboration between multiple partners across public and private sectors. Long range strategic planning related to multi-year complex projects. Communications and collaboration with partners, donors, communities, general public, employees, governmental agencies, the media and advisory boards. The ideal candidate should also be: A strong builder of collaborative relationships, capable of engaging and effectively working with partners, donors, communities and other stakeholders to help drive positive health, economic, and social outcomes in Atlanta BeltLine neighborhoods. A superb communicator with a natural inclination to become a leading advocate for the Atlanta BeltLine. LEADERSHIP CHARACTERISTICS Getting Work Done Through Others Manages people well; gets the most and best out of the people he/she has; sets and communicates guiding goals; measures accomplishments, holds people accountable, and gives useful feedback; delegates and develops; keeps people informed; provides coaching for today and for the future. Being Organizationally Savvy Maneuvers well to get things done; maze bright; knows where to go to get what he/she needs; politically aware and agile; knows the right thing to do; presents views and arguments well. Communicating Effectively Writes and presents effectively; adjusts to fit the audience and the message; gets a message across strongly. Relating Skills Warm, friendly, and interpersonally agile; easy to approach and talk to; relates well to all kinds of people; makes a pleasant first impression and builds solid relationships. Managing Diverse Relationships Relates well to a wide variety of diverse styles, types, and classes; open to differences; effective up, down, sideways, inside, and outside; builds diverse networks; quick to find common ground; treats differences fairly and equitably; treats everyone as a preferred customer. Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Page 5 of 6
Inspiring Others Is skilled at getting individuals, teams, and an entire organization to perform at a higher level and to embrace change; negotiates skillfully to achieve a fair outcome or promote a common cause; communicates a compelling vision and is committed to what needs to be done; inspires others; builds motivated, high-performing teams; understands what motivates different people. Acting with Honor and Character Is a person of high character; is consistent and acts in line with a clear and visible set of values and beliefs; deals and talks straight; walks his/her talk; is direct and truthful but at the same time can keep confidences. EDUCATION Undergraduate degree required. MBA or other graduate degree preferred. COMPENSATION The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership will offer an attractive compensation package. KORN FERRY CONTACTS Alan Neely Senior Client Partner (Retired) P. O. Box 5747 Atlanta, Georgia 31107 404-285-3980 (mobile) alanneely1@gmail.com Robert L. Baxter Office Managing Director/Senior Client Partner 1201 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 2500 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-222-4010 (direct) 404-713-7864 (mobile) robert.baxter@kornferry.com Rachel Ramsey Project Coordinator 1201 W. Peachtree Street, Suite 2500 Atlanta, Georgia 30309 404-222-4043 (direct) rachel.ramsey@kornferry.com Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Page 6 of 6