Director of Community Sustainability

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Communities Unlimited is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with rural communities across the South to strengthen local economies, expand opportunity, and improve quality of life.

Through a combination of technical assistance, financing, leadership development, and community planning, CU supports communities as they build solutions rooted in local knowledge and regional collaboration.

Since 1975, Communities Unlimited has worked alongside rural residents to build capacity and strengthen local leadership throughout Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Nearly half of the persistent poverty counties in the United States are located within CU’s service area, shaping the organization’s commitment to advancing equitable access to resources and opportunity.

CU operates as a Rural Development Hub, integrating financing and technical expertise to address interconnected community challenges.

As a certified Community Development Financial Institution, CU provides capital for water and wastewater systems, home improvement projects, and small business growth.

CU also serves as the Southern regional partner for the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and is a founding member of Partners for Rural Transformation, a national collaboration focused on improving economic mobility in communities experiencing persistent poverty.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Community Sustainability program brings CU’s services together at the community level. The team works directly with local leaders to conduct community assessments, develop leadership capacity, and design practical strategies that address infrastructure, entrepreneurship, housing, broadband, and food access. This work currently supports nearly 100 communities, with additional communities preparing to engage. The Director of Community Sustainability serves on CU’s Senior Leadership Team and plays a key role in shaping organizational strategy and program growth.

• The Director of Community Sustainability provides vision, leadership, and operational oversight for CU’s Community Sustainability program.
• Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role ensures the effective delivery of Community Engagement Strategies that align with CU’s mission and strategic plan.
• The Director leads the identification and selection of communities for long-term engagement and supports the development of local leadership teams that represent diverse community perspectives.
• The role coordinates internal and external partnerships to align technical assistance, financing, and community development resources that support locally driven solutions.
• The Director oversees a multi-state team of 15 professionals and is responsible for program performance, impact measurement, and continuous improvement of community engagement tools and strategies.
• The position manages program planning and implementation, including oversight of a program budget of approximately $2.4 million.
• The Director also strengthens partnerships with public agencies, philanthropic organizations, and local stakeholders to expand opportunities for rural communities and secure resources that sustain CU’s work.
• Successful candidates bring a strong understanding of rural community development, experience leading collaborative teams, and a demonstrated ability to build partnerships that move projects from planning to implementation.
• The Director maintains regular engagement with communities and partners throughout CU’s service area and contributes to organizational leadership through participation in strategic decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience: Applicant must meet one of the following options.

• OPTION A: Bachelor degree and a minimum of 10 years of experience in community sustainability, community development, economic development or a related field.

• OPTION B: Associate degree and a minimum of 12 years of experience in community sustainability, community development, economic development or a related field.

• OPTION C: A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 14 years of experience in community sustainability, community development, economic development or a related field

Experience managing five or more people with a collaborative, clear, open-minded, and transparent leadership style.

Computer literacy and effective keyboarding skills (Windows/Microsoft) are required. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) is required. Experience with video conferencing tools (e.g. ZOOM, Google Meets, TEAMs) and Microsoft 365 (SharePoint, TEAMs) are a plus.

Must maintain a valid driver's license, have reliable transportation, an acceptable driving record, and at least the state minimum personal liability auto insurance coverage

Must be located in or willing to relocate to CU’s seven state service area: Arkansas, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee or Texas.

Location in or around Fayetteville, AR may be given a preference. Must be eligible to work in the United States of America.

Communities Unlimited, Inc. is an EOE Disability/Veteran employer, provider and lender.