RTTN - Executive Director

Employment Status: Full time

The Organization

Research Triangle Tech Noir (RTTN) is a newly formed nonprofit corporation with pending tax-exempt (501(c)3) status committed to unlocking opportunities and driving more equitable outcomes for the Black tech community in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region. The organization connects, convenes and supports Black professionals in technology industries (e.g., Information/Cloud Technology, Life Sciences, Ag-Tech, and Biotech) and technology functions across industries.

RTTN will support Black professionals at all levels from the collegiate pipeline to early career to senior leaders; founders of startup companies; investors; advisors and board members through programming. Initial programming goals for RTTN include:

  • Convening members of the Black tech community in the Research Triangle region

  • Identifying and facilitating opportunities for career advancement, increased access to capital and access to other critical growth resources needed for the advancement of Blacks in technology.

  • Inspiring and developing Black tech entrepreneurs in the Research Triangle Region

  • Connecting members of the Black tech community to opportunities with Research Triangle Region companies, investors, advisors and other supporters

  • Attracting and retaining members of the Black tech community in the region

The Opportunity

The RTTN board of directors seeks an entrepreneurial, energetic, and savvy Executive Director to lead the organization in its work to create lasting and equitable economic, career and educational success for the Black Tech community in the Research Triangle Park Region.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Board Collaboration & Support

  • Partner with the board to develop RTTN’s value proposition, including organizational strategy, revenue generation strategy and the metrics of success related to plan implementation.

  • Lead board collaboration and development, engaging the board in dialogue and discussion around key decisions and policies.

  • Maintain ongoing, consistent communication with the board and embrace the board’s oversight responsibilities.

  • Leverage the expertise and relationships of the board to bring partners, funding and members to RTTN.

  • Strategic Leadership

  • Develop RTTN’s strategy to create the right conditions to unlock opportunities for Blacks in technology in the Research Triangle Region.

  • Identify partnerships and create a vision for programming that will support the strategy and build the ecosystem to support more equitable outcomes of success for Blacks in technology in the region.

  • Evaluate and adjust strategies as the organization evolves.

  • Develop a multi-faceted revenue generation strategy that includes membership, corporate sponsorship and private grants.

  • External Relations and Fundraising

  • Lead the implementation of the organization’s revenue generation strategy.

  • Serve as the face of RTTN, telling data-driven stories of the organization’s value proposition and getting investors and partners to buy into the vision and understand the ROI for their support.

  • Develop and maintain authentic relationships with a variety of stakeholders across sectors (governments, foundations, academic institutions and corporations) while keeping the focus on Blacks in technology.

  • Form partnerships with mission-aligned organizations to include funding partners and organizations that support this ecosystem.

  • Financial, Operational and People Management

  • Keep the organization fiscally responsible and audit ready.

  • Build and lead a small support team.

  • Manage and track internal metrics to measure impact and progress toward the vision and communicate the results.

Programming

  • Create compelling programming that supports the various stakeholders and develops the ecosystem needed to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan.

  • Manage and track metrics to measure the success of programs and guide decisions as they evolve.

  • Develop and implement a membership plan to attract, acquire and retain members.

Essential Requirements

  • Eight or more years of nonprofit management experience preferred; experience working with a board of directors preferred

  • Excellent communication skills, written and oral, with a demonstrated ability to communicate and connect with a range of audiences

  • Passion for STEM and technology career paths, industries and professions; passion for supporting the vision of RTTN

  • Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and creating an ecosystem for more equitable outcomes of success for Blacks in technology

  • Demonstrated success in cultivating donor relationships in multiple sectors

  • An understanding of the Research Triangle region and the various actors and stakeholders connected to RTTN’s work and vision (strongly preferred)

  • Ability to navigate a culturally and politically divided environment

  • Solid budget management skills, including oversight of budget preparation, analysis, decision- making, and reporting

  • Strong organizational management abilities including planning, delegating, and team development

  • Bachelor’s degree required; MPA or MBA a plus

COMPENSATION

Salary of $150,000 with benefits.

TO APPLY

We are committed to cultivating a workplace in which diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected. Please submit a cover letter and resume to patti@elinvar.com. Applications will be considered as they are received and accepted until the position is filled. You are encouraged to apply promptly.