• Strategic Initiatives and Civic Projects: The Alliance manages a portfolio of initiatives addressing key city priorities, including expanding broadband access, closing the digital divide, addressing homelessness, and advancing environmental and quality-of-life efforts.
• Economic Development: The Alliance advances inclusive economic growth in Newark by strengthening the city’s business environment and supporting job creation. Through partnerships with employers, developers, and public sector leaders, the organization promotes business attraction and retention, supports small business development, and helps connect residents to emerging economic opportunities.
• Downtown Management and Activation: Through the Newark Downtown District, the Alliance oversees efforts to maintain a clean, green, safe, and vibrant downtown environment. This includes public space improvements, community engagement, and large-scale events and activations such as Halsey Fest, Newark Fan Fest, and Festivals United.
• City Branding, Marketing, and Attraction: The organization leads efforts to position Newark as a compelling destination for visitors, residents, and businesses. This includes promoting the city’s assets, supporting local businesses, and advancing initiatives that attract new investment and increase overall visibility.
• In addition, the Alliance facilitates the Newark Anchor Collaborative, a network of executive leaders from major institutions such as Audible, Prudential, Rutgers University, and United Airlines. This group works to align institutional resources in support of economic mobility and shared citywide goals.

• Develop and execute a clear, actionable strategic plan in partnership with the Board and key stakeholders
• Define organizational priorities across economic development, civic initiatives, and community impact
• Align resources, partnerships, and programs to deliver measurable outcomes for Newark residents and businesses

• Build and maintain a strong, transparent relationship with the Board of Directors
• Support the continued evolution of governance structures following the recent consolidation
• Provide regular updates on strategy, performance, and organizational priorities

• Serve as the organization’s primary spokesperson and ambassador
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, anchor institutions, community leaders, and private sector partners
• Navigate a complex political and stakeholder environment at the local and state levels
• Convene stakeholders to align on shared priorities and advance collaborative initiatives

• Lead efforts to expand and diversify funding, including philanthropy, institutional partnerships, and public funding
• Build relationships with major foundations and national funders
• Articulate a compelling vision to attract significant investment and support long-term sustainability

• Oversee execution of the Alliance’s core areas of work, including downtown management, city branding and attraction, economic development, and strategic initiatives
• Ensure alignment and integration across functions following the organizational consolidation
• Advance key initiatives such as the Newark Anchor Collaborative, broadband expansion, and addressing homelessness

• Lead, develop, and retain a high-performing team
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and sustainable organizational culture
• Provide clarity of roles, priorities, and accountability across the organization
• Ensure the organization can operate effectively at scale while maintaining focus and cohesion

• Ensure sound financial management, budgeting, and long-term sustainability
• Align financial resources with strategic priorities and programmatic impact
• Oversee organizational operations, systems, and processes

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will operate effectively at the intersection of business, government, and community, bringing a track record of leading dynamic organizations or initiatives, building partnerships across diverse stakeholders, and driving long-term impact. This individual will be a credible and compelling communicator, able to articulate a clear vision for Newark’s future and mobilize others around shared goals. They will be comfortable navigating a dynamic and complex political environment, while maintaining a strong commitment to inclusive economic growth and improved outcomes for Newark residents. The successful candidate will demonstrate an inspiring leadership style of clarity, accountability, and team development, with the ability to leverage an experienced staff and align efforts across a broad and evolving portfolio of work.

• Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit, civic, economic development, foundation, or similarly complex organization
• Demonstrated experience leading organizations or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans and drive measurable outcomes
• Experience with fundraising and resource development, including engaging major donors, foundations, or institutional partners
• Strong understanding of economic development, urban systems, community development, or related fields; experience in a city or regional context preferred
• Experience designing, leading, or supporting place-based initiatives that bring together public, private, and community stakeholders to drive inclusive economic growth and neighborhood-level impact
• Demonstrated ability to navigate political and governmental environments and build relationships with elected officials and public sector leaders
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors
• Strong operational and financial management skills, including oversight of budgets and organizational performance
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and manage teams in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to serve as a credible public spokesperson
• Experience building partnerships and coalitions to advance shared goals
• Familiarity with Newark, New Jersey, or a comparable urban environment strongly preferred

Education 

Bachelor's degree required, advanced degree preferred. 

Compensation 

Newark Alliance anticipates a base salary in the range of $325,000 to $350,000. The organization offers a highly competitive benefits package.