Executive Vice President

About the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The Florida Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business and the driving force in securing Florida’s future. The Chamber unites business for good and is working to grow Florida from the 15th largest economy in the world to the 10th largest economy by 2030.

A 501(c)3 organization operating as an integral part of the Chamber with a dedicated team of approximately 20, the Florida Chamber of Commerce Foundation serves as the visioning, research, and collaboration arm of the Chamber. The Foundation provides future-focused direction for the Chamber and the state through research, solutions development, major statewide events, and thought leadership. Key Foundation initiatives include:

• The Florida 2030 Blueprint, which is leading Florida to a diverse and sustainable economy through global competitiveness, prosperity and high-paying jobs, and vibrant and resilient communities;

• The Six Pillars framework for Florida’s future economy and related branded initiatives, including the Six Pillars Caucus System;

• Data tools including the Florida Scorecard and the Florida Gap Map; and

• 6 – 8 major statewide events annually.

To learn more about the Foundation, please visit www.flchamber.com/foundation.

The Executive Vice President Opportunity 

This position is a unique opportunity for a bold and visionary leader to build support and momentum around Florida’s future. The Executive Vice President is accountable for the success of the Foundation, providing critical leadership to raise awareness and funds for its work, collaborating with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and guiding a highly effective team to deliver on the mission. By joining the Foundation at this time, the EVP will work to achieve the remaining objectives in the Florida 2030 Blueprint and launch research and development for the Florida 2040 Blueprint. This is a high-visibility opportunity to play an essential role, serving at the intersection of private and public sectors, in shaping goals and objectives that will support Florida to grow and thrive. 

The Chamber Foundation seeks a passionate, driven, and dynamic leader with strong relationship-building and fundraising experience, excellent systems- and strategic-thinking skills, and a track record of successful team leadership. Reporting to the CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Executive Vice President will bring a high degree of accountability for their own work as well as the work of the team, recognizing the importance of the Foundation’s work to the success of the state. The EVP will be responsible for leading fundraising strategy and relationships to generate support for the Foundation’s work. They will oversee all operations tied to the implementation of the annual board-approved strategic plan, including long-term research initiatives as well as targeted industry and solutions projects.   

This is the perfect role for a leader who believes in free enterprise and in harnessing the collective impact of job creators, and who brings experience building movements that drive results.

Essential Responsibilities: 

• Inspire, galvanize, and partner with the Board of Trustees to guide the strategic direction and success of the Foundation and empower them as champions for its mission and work; expand the Board through effective recruitment and retention activities

• Drive messaging around the Foundation’s mission and leverage data from the Scorecard and partners around the Six Pillars, purposefully conveying the gap, the fight, and the needed change

• Act as the primary external brand ambassador and storyteller for the Foundation’s mission, promoting free enterprise and its role in the future of Florida while representing the Foundation in speaking engagements and other public-facing activities; communicate the Foundation’s economic metrics and policy research to elected officials and media

• Leverage your network, build upon existing Foundation relationships, and form new relationships to further the Foundation’s mission and ensure a strong base of financial contributions, working toward a goal of $20M in the next 5 years

• Inspire and lead the Board of Trustees to leverage their investment and networks; ensure that the Foundation team develops and executes communications and engagement plans that connect Foundation Trustees, Community Development Partners, and sponsors and ensure retention of Trustees, partners, and members

• Ensure strong relationship management and growth with the Foundation’s Trustees and community development partners, engaging their talent and support toward the goals of the Foundation

• Provide leadership for the Foundation’s major events strategy

• Serve as an integral driver within the Florida Chamber team as the organization works strategically to meet the growing needs of Florida’s businesses, aggressively advocates for job creation and industry diversification, and provides services and infrastructure essential to supporting economic growth within Florida

• Collaborate with other organizations and groups within Florida to build partnerships that support successful outcomes from the Florida 2030 Blueprint

• Strategically align Foundation event agendas and outcomes with the Florida 2030 Blueprint

• Coach, lead, and inspire the Foundation team to meet and exceed financial goals, providing strong and effective leadership to three direct reports

• Ensure strong management practices across the organization, including financial and human resources management

Success Criteria

The EVP’s success will be measured on:

• Raising $20M in the next 5 years, including conceiving, planning, executing, and managing successful fundraising initiatives

• Selling the Florida 2030 Blueprint

• Creating an external face and brand for the Foundation and building buy-in

• Leading by example, inspiring and driving the team to achieve financial goals

• Supporting the continued development of the Six Pillars 20-Year Strategic Plan and related initiatives, including the Six Pillars Communities, Six Pillars Caucus System, and the Florida Scorecard

• Networking and developing relationships with key stakeholders in Florida

• Acting as the charismatic face for the Foundation, conducting speaking engagements and similar public-facing activities

Candidate Profile

The Executive Vice President will demonstrate many, though perhaps not all, of the following professional experiences, attributes, and competencies:

• 10+ years of leadership in foundation, non-profit, sales, or business development experience

• Proven success raising funds through networking and relationship-building, ideally including experience with grant writing

• Strong strategic thinking and vision-setting skills, matched with the ability to drive initiatives from ideation through to successful execution

• Substantial experience building teams that include expert-level leaders, developing staff, and motivating teams toward high levels of performance while ensuring a positive team culture and strong morale

• Prior success serving as the external face for an organization, including delivering speeches and providing thought leadership, with excellent verbal and written communications skills

• Prior experience leading and building relationships within a non-partisan organization

• Ability to translate complex research and data into compelling messages for a wide variety of audiences

• Effective organizational management skills, including contract management and budget development and management, as well as the ability to balance multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and manage resources and results within a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Location

The Executive Vice President will be based in the Foundation's Tallahassee office. Travel will be required throughout Florida.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $175,000. 

Total compensation includes a robust benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, 401(k) with employer contribution, PTO (holidays, vacation, sick time, and 5 hours/month to volunteer at the non-profit of your choice), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance, tuition reimbursement, and free parking.

Contact

DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement, which is being led by Cassie Scarano and Kirstin Griffiths. Please submit a compelling cover letter and resume by filling out our Talent Profile. All inquiries are strictly confidential.

DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email NPSIsearchoperations@dsgco.com. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against any applicant or candidate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other class protected by federal or state law. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

To apply, visit: https://apptrkr.com/7141259