Executive Director

What You'll Do

The NWA Council seeks an Executive Director to serve as the founding leader of NARWI. This individual will be responsible for launching and operationalizing the organization, convening and coordinating regional partners, developing and implementing a shared vision for regional success, and ensuring long-term impact and sustainability. The ED will initially be housed at the NWA Council during the organization's incubation phase.

Who You'll Work With

You will report to the President & CEO of the NWA Council, with a dotted line to the COO, during NARWI's incubation phase. You will also frequently collaborate with NWA Council staff.

The Executive Director's primary responsibilities fall into 5 major categories:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement strategic vision and operational plans for the regional intermediary, building NARWI from the ground up
• Lead cross-sector stakeholder engagement to build consensus around shared goals
• Represent the organization externally with employers, education leaders, and policymakers
• Advocate for policies that enhance pathway access, funding, and sustainability

2. Organizational Management

• Build organizational infrastructure including governance, policies, and operational systems
• Recruit and manage board or advisory members, and key staff positions
• Oversee program development, implementation, and quality assurance
• Ensure compliance with legal, financial, and regulatory requirements

3. Partnership Development

• Cultivate strategic relationships with regional leaders and organizations including employers, K-12 school districts, postsecondary institutions, and community partners
• Facilitate partnership agreements and coordinate collaborative initiatives
• Serve as primary liaison between education providers and regional employers
• Convene regular stakeholder meetings and collaborative planning sessions
• Diversify revenue by building philanthropic partnerships and securing appropriate government grants

4. Resource Development & Sustainability

• Secure funding from philanthropic, government, and private sector sources
• Develop and implement diversified revenue model for long-term sustainability
• Manage organizational budget and financial operations
• Track and report return on investment for all stakeholders

5. Program Coordination, Quality and Success

• Oversee design and launch of career pathway programs and work-based learning opportunities
• Establish data collection systems and performance metrics
• Monitor program outcomes and drive continuous improvement
• Ensure equitable access to opportunities across all regional populations

• 10+ years progressive experience in workforce development, education, or related fields; experience working in entrepreneurial, start-up contexts or new initiatives is a plus
• Track record of leading a diverse set of stakeholders around a shared vision and building enduring partnerships
• Experience securing philanthropic gifts and grants
• Demonstrated success in developing and managing complex education and/or workforce projects or programs
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder initiatives and relationships, particularly in education to workforce system or program contexts
• Familiarity with education and workforce systems, funding sources (e.g., WIOA), and economic development tools
• Fluency and comfort with analysis and interpretation of data; ability to engage meaningfully with data
• Well-rounded interpersonal skillset, with the presence and capacity to build relationships, work effectively in teams, and engage in productive problem-solving
• Ability to travel regionally as needed

The Executive Director of NARWI must live within commutable distance of Northwest Arkansas or relocate to the region. Generous relocation and onboarding support will be provided.

For more information on the region and its unique communities, visit Finding NWA.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $200K - $225K annually. Additionally, the NWA Council offers a comprehensive benefits package and generous relocation support.

The NWA Council is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.