American Underground Executive Director en American Underground

Overview:

The American Underground (“AU”), a campus for entrepreneurs based in Durham, North Carolina, seeks a new executive to lead its development. We seek a dynamic leader who is passionate about the entrepreneurial community in the Triangle, American Underground’s work in diversity and inclusion, and wants to tell the world about the great things happening here.

Key Responsibilities: 

The Executive Director will lead American Underground's vision and strategy, driving innovative marketing and sales strategies that position AU as a premiere resource and coworking space for the entrepreneur community,  along with overseeing the day-to-day operations. This high-visibility role requires strong leadership, strategic vision, passion for entrepreneurship, and hands-on approach to driving results.  Key responsibilities include designing and executing strategic marketing and sales tactics, building strong community and sponsor relationships, overseeing a dedicated team of three full-time employees, ensuring operational excellence, and serving as the public face of American Underground. This position is an in-person role based in Durham, NC, with occasional travel, nights and weekends.

Essential Functions:

Management + Financial Performance -- 40%

• Supervise and guide three direct reports (Strategic Growth Mgr, Community Mgr, Operations Mgr) to achieve performance goals and successful management of their roles.
• Manage leasing goals for AU, with the Strategic Growth Manager, that ensure a vibrant and high energy space as well as strong financial outcomes for AU
• Responsible for fiscal management that generally anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintenance of the organization in a positive financial position
• Develop and guide AU team in achieving KPIs each quarter
• Develop annual budgets and report monthly on financial performance to Dir. Of Durham Real Estate, VP of Real Estate and Division Controller
• Responsible for hiring and retention of qualified, competent staff 
• Responsible for signing all notes, agreements, and other instruments made and entered into and on behalf of the organization (except leases)
   

Strategic Marketing and Sales Development -- 30%

• Develop and implement comprehensive marketing strategies aligned with AU's goals of retaining and attracting new members and sponsors – including but not limited to social media, newsletters, website development, event calendars, and physical marketing. 
• Develop and implement email and social media marketing strategies to promote AU member stories, coworking, offices, meeting room rentals, events, and programs. Oversee the creation and distribution of email and social media content. 
• Oversee the AU website, ensuring content is aligned with marketing objectives and brand guidelines. Develop and implement website improvements to enhance user experience and drive conversions.
• Develop and implement an internal communications strategy to keep the AU community informed and engaged. Oversee the creation and distribution of internal communications materials. 
• Analyze and evaluate marketing performance and make data driven changes to optimize campaigns.
   

Community Engagement/Startup Support -- 30%

• Responsible for keeping in close contact with the startup, Durham and Triangle community, to develop initiatives that further the growth of the startup ecosystem, representing CBC and AU
• Manage and lead efforts to attract and support investment from existing corporate partners--and identify new ones
• Collaborate with the staff to develop and execute internal events, fairs, annual meetings and signature events for the AU
• Identifying opportunities to collaborate in the community around diversity and inclusion
• Attend business and social events such as conferences, fundraisers, taskforce roundtables, and the like, to extend American Underground’s voice into the corporate community in a relevant way.
• Make effective presentations to small and large groups to share the American Underground story 
• Responsible for being the primary spokesperson for the American Underground with local and national media
• Conduct tours of AU as needed to both prospects and dignitaries 
    

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or degree in related field preferred.
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership style
• Proven track record in successfully operating a business, startup, or non-profit organization
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, and task facilitation
• Solid, hands-on budget management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, and decision-making
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate effectively with staff and stakeholders
• Demonstrated success in organizing large or complex projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Proven marketing experience, including development and execution of strategy and implementation across multiple platforms (e.g., social media, newsletters, digital campaigns, and events)
• Ability to write effectively and convincingly about the American Underground and its mission
• Ability to work independently with limited guidance
• Outgoing personality with a natural ability to build relationships and tell the story of the American Underground and its members
• Comfortable giving tours, meeting with community leaders, and representing the American Underground in public and professional settings

 Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, marketing, or degree in related field preferred.

• Experience with startups, entrepreneurship, or the coworking community
• Experience building or growing membership-based organizations
• Familiarity with community development, economic development, or innovation ecosystems
• Experience in partnership and sponsorship development
• Creative problem-solver comfortable in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Physical Demands:

• Ability to occasionally lift files, office materials, or packages up to 25 pounds.
• Clear vision, speech and hearing required for meetings, presentations, and reviewing financial documents.
• Ability to move about an office environment and attend meetings in various office locations.

Work Conditions: The work conditions and characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

• Examples:
• The role is typically performed in a professional office environment. 
• Occasional travel may be necessary to meet with stakeholders or visit company-owned properties.

Benefits: 

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Benefits package including:
• Comprehensive health insurance plan options
• Vision and Dental Insurance
• Company sponsored life insurance
• Numerous voluntary benefit options – legal plans, pet insurance, discounted home and auto and more!
• 401K with company match
• Generous paid time off
• 9 paid company holidays
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
• Dynamic and inclusive work environment with a supportive team culture.
• Exciting projects and growth opportunities within a leading organization.
• Opportunities to attend free local events, such as sporting events, concerts, shows, and more.

Pre-Employment Information:

• A pre-employment drug screening is required. 
• Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in E-Verify. 

• Capitol Broadcasting Company participates in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program. However, completing the WOTC questionnaire is completely voluntary. Your decision will have absolutely no impact on your hiring chances, and your application WILL be accepted regardless of whether you choose to provide this information or not.

EEO Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

CBC Statement:

Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, and WRAL Digital in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality, and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC; Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC; MoJud Lofts in Greensboro, NC; and The Thread in Rock Hill, SC.