The One Sumter Economic Development Foundation was launched in 2014 as an ambitious capital campaign to support the work of the community’s existing economic development efforts.  Birthed as a partnership between the Sumter County Development Authority and the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce with a goal of raising $2 Million from local business and industry partners, One Sumter exceeded those expectations in pledged donations within the first 12 months.  A dynamic example of both the public and private sectors coming together to support goals of mutual benefit, One Sumter boasts over 100 investors and is well into its second campaign—GROW 2024—with an additional $1.7 Million raised during the COVID pandemic. Founded to enhance and support economic development activity in Sumter County, One Sumter invests in four key priority areas:  1) Economic & Community Development, 2) Education & Workforce Development, 3) Leadership Development & Regional Sustainability, and 4) Entrepreneurship &Talent Development. One Sumter has been dedicated to serving as a catalyst for change and growth across Sumter County over the last eight years.

The Foundation seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead the strategic direction and vision for One Sumter, its donors and community partners.  The ideal candidate must be flexible and have the ability to accommodate multiple tasks.  Excellent writing and communications skills are essential, as well as the ability to build collaborative partnerships to address community growth needs.  The selected individual will be required to work some evenings and weekends.  

The Executive Director should be self-motivated and directed, while being able to respond to the needs of both the Board of Directors and diverse community partners.  The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in community and economic development, planning initiatives, fundraising, donor and media relations, community outreach, managing a budget, and the ability to maintain general administrative and finance responsibilities.

The Executive Director maintains positive and progressive working relationships with corporate entities, non-profit organizations, and public leaders in Sumter County and across the region who serve as integral partners for implementation and success of GROW 2024.  The Executive Director is also expected to serve as the primary liaison to One Sumter’s donors, managing donor relationships and being responsive to their needs, while also serving in a leadership role for any ongoing and future development and fundraising activities. 

The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the Foundation Board of Directors.  The Foundation Directors work in partnership with the Board of Directors of the Sumter County Chamber of Commerce and Sumter County Development Authority to implement a county-wide economic development vision and strategy.

The Foundation Board will entertain non-traditional candidates, such as retired executives with demonstrated leadership experience, independent consultants, and/or any potential candidate(s) who seeks a flexible working environment, such as a remote, home-based office scenario or other arrangement.

Essential Duties: Essential duties of the Executive Director include, but are not limited to, the following:

• One Sumter Economic Development Foundation

• Provide leadership internally and externally, including heightened visibility and influence  of the organization

• Implement identified portions of the One Sumter Strategic Plan (GROW 2024) per the oversight and guidance of the Foundation Board of Directors and in accordance with available funding streams.

• Primary responsibilities and areas of oversight include: 

• Community and Economic Development, 

• Community Engagement and Network Development, 

• Leadership Development and Strategic Visioning, 

• Education, Workforce Development and Talent Attraction/Retention, 

• Donor Management and Donor Relations, 

• Public Relations, Marketing, & Communications. 

• Establish work groups with content expertise according to the interrelated components of GROW 2024, with the purpose of building community support and guidance to determine best methods for implementation.

• Host annual and quarterly events and Foundation board meetings according to the goals of GROW 2024. 

• Provide support and assistance to all community partners and public entities to further the goals of One Sumter, as desired or needed

• Promote One Sumter, the community, its projects and priorities both regionally and statewide, in terms of advocacy and enhancing regional sustainability.

• Work with state agencies and legislative delegation, as needed, to ensure One Sumter’s  and the community’s success.

• Foundation Board of Directors

• Serve at the pleasure of and with the direction of the Board of Directors.

• Anticipate Foundation goals and objectives and provide guidance to the Board regarding the best steps for program implementation and success.

• Serve in a leadership capacity representing the Foundation Board of Directors at community events and among community, regional and statewide partners.

• Coordinate meeting logistics, facilitate note taking, minutes, strategic planning and project development of the Foundation.

• Capital Funding and Donor Relations

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive donor management strategy.

• Establish consistent donor communications strategy.

• Expand and enhance annual donor appreciation event.

• Develop and maintain ongoing fundraising strategy.

• Maintain capital funding aspects as needed related to existing donors and committed pledged funding.

• Assist Foundation Board of Directors and volunteer committees in the pursuit of new/additional capital donations.

• Budgeting and Financial Services

• Provide support services and assistance to the Board of Directors as related to financial management.

• Tasks include:

• Pursue grant opportunities as available to support the work of the Foundation, in addition to pledged donors of the Foundation.

• Develop and maintain an annual working budget for Foundation operations.

• Oversee financial audit and accountability process on three-year basis. 

• Provide, manage and/or oversee the following tasks:

• Provide day-to-day bookkeeping responsibilities and billing of donors on behalf of the Foundation, with support from Foundation’s CPA.

• Maintain Accounts Payable and Receivable for the Foundation, with support from the Foundation’s CPA.

• Develop and maintain an annual budget for GROW 2024 goals, according to available funding streams.

• Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications

• Provide, manage and/or oversee the following tasks:

• Maintain a current and accurate website and online presence (social media platforms) related to One Sumter, its leadership, accomplishments and ongoing projects

• Communicate to donors and other external stakeholders with monthly e-newsletter and other communication mediums as needed and appropriate

• Adhere to Sumter County’s brand strategy; coordinate with external partners as necessary

• Represent One Sumter, its interests and the Board of Directors at all meetings and events, locally and beyond

• Communicate goals and accomplishments of One Sumter to donors, corporate and public leaders, and the community at large.

• Develop and implement marketing items as appropriate through all available media venues including but not limited to print, social, radio and television. 

Desired Skills and Expertise

• Experience organizing and managing small to large scale projects and events

• Proven experience working in a self-directed, multi-tasking environment

• Proven time management skills and ability to work under pressure

• Ability to work independently, with little supervision and as part of a team

• Great communication skills across multiple platforms

• Staff and/or volunteer management experience

• Fundraising and sponsorship experience

• Strategic planning, project management, and program implementation experience

Specifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s Degree or related experience preferred 

• At least 3-5 years of professional experience

• Experience directly interacting with internal and external partners and stakeholders while maintaining a positive attitude

• Ability to motivate and influence others

• Self-motivation and accountability for every aspect of project management to exceed Board of Directors and donor expectations is essential

• Knowledge of and experience with all types of communications media and social media platforms

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Acute attention to detail

• Positive attitude focusing on teamwork and collaboration

• Excellent customer relations and donor management skills

• Strong organization and time management skills

• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional manner

Compensation: The compensation package will be competitive based on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. 

Submitting an Application: For additional information regarding the One Sumter Economic Development Foundation, Inc., visit www.onesumter.org.  To apply for the position, please send a cover letter and resume to Chairman Alex Saratsiotis at [email protected] or mail to 205 E. Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709.   Applications and/or proposals for service will be accepted through Monday, February 28, 2022, or until the position is filled.