CNU invites applications for President and CEO

Congress for the New Urbanism invites applications for the position of President and CEO

ORGANIZATION

The Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) is the leading national organization promoting the design and implementation of walkable, mixed-use neighborhood development, sustainable communities and healthier living conditions. CNU's mission is to change the practices and standards of urban design and development to support healthy regions and diverse, complete neighborhoods. For over twenty years, CNU members have used the principles in CNU's Charter to promote the hallmarks of New Urbanism, including:

• Livable streets arranged in compact, mixed use, walkable blocks.
• Neighborhoods with a range of housing choices to serve people of diverse ages, ethnicities and income levels.
• Schools, stores and other nearby destinations reachable by walking, bicycling or transit service.
• An affirming, human-scaled public realm where appropriately designed buildings define and enliven streets and other public spaces.
• Communities and regions that are sustainable and resilient in a time of resource depletion, climate change and environmental, social and economic stress.

CNU’s 3,000 practicing members and hundreds of built projects have succeeded in demonstrating the value of urbanism as an alternative to sprawl and disinvested downtowns. Through its many initiatives, CNU members and staff continue to remove the regulatory obstacles to urbanism, change the way cities and regions grow and reform public policies and marketplace rules for the benefit of all. Based in Chicago, a complete description of the organization, its activities and initiatives, and of its signature annual Congresses can be found at www.cnu.org.

The incumbent President/CEO, John Norquist (former Mayor of Milwaukee WI) is scheduled to step down in mid-2014. CNU seeks qualified candidates for this position, with the hope of announcing his successor at CNU 22 in Buffalo in June 2104. A description follows. 

Position Description

• The President/CEO is chosen by and serves at the pleasure of the Board.
• Provides executive leadership of the organization.
• Guided by the principles enunciated in the CNU Charter, s/he will help the board create, periodically amend, and lead the effort to implement the strategic plan.
• Hire and organize/guide staff to advance the goals of CNU and the new urban movement. Prepare and administer an annual budget.
• Organize and lead significant fundraising efforts both through grants and donations, to advance the principles and goals of CNU, with Board assistance.
• Build alliances and partnerships with like-minded organizations.
• Advance education and understanding about new urbanism through organization of the annual congress, occasional summits, training workshops and educational webinars. 
• Direct the communication of CNU’s message to the press and public through the website, social media and publications such as the Charter Awards and Charter Book.
• Facilitate creation and maintenance of member chapters.
• The CEO and staff will assist the work of committees, initiatives, task forces and other working groups appointed by the CNU Chair.

Qualifications

The CEO is responsible for “leading the orchestra” toward a successful and continuously adapting and improving set of outcomes in an increasingly volatile and competitive national setting. Therefore, the successful candidate will exhibit exemplary performance capabilities sufficient to be regularly scored by the following 8 categories:

• Leadership,
• Strategic planning,
• Constituent and customer focus,
• Fundraising including developing long-range financial assets
• Knowledge creation and management,
• Workforce engagement and satisfaction,
• Operations, and
• Results

The successful candidate will have many of the following characteristics:

• Strong experience with the practice of New Urbanism
• Significant experience in leading or managing an organization devoted to urban and regional well-being, such as a public interest research and demonstration organization, a foundation or a local government, or a New Urbanist practice or business
• Demonstrated ability to develop and motivate a workforce and to effectively utilize member, Board and partner resources strategically
• Advanced degree or equivalent in relevant subject matter e.g. urban and regional planning, urban design, real estate economics, communications/journalism/media
• Excellent communications skills with an energetic presence and sociable personality
• Willingness to travel as necessary
• Ability to help acquire and manage the use of necessary financial resources for organizational growth and well-being
• An aptitude for strategic partnering and
• A demonstrated ability to participate in reforming regulations and changing standards
• Ability to keep a sense of balance and humor under pressure and
• The willingness to locate in Chicago, or a sound, compelling plan to move the headquarters to a city that is amenable to the board.

Applications

Applications are due January 10, 2014. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Please apply by email to CNU Board Chair Ellen Dunham-Jones at boardchair@cnu.org. Applications should include 1.) a letter of interest that describes relevant experience and motivation for applying 2.) a resume and 3.) contact information for 3 references

All applications will be kept strictly confidential. CNU is an equal opportunity employer.