President

ConnCAT’s vision is to create a learning environment that inspires hope, innovation, creativity and

excellence while providing a path for individuals to revitalize the landscape of the urban community.

ConnCORP’s vision is to create a community where all citizens are thriving economically and socially.

JOB DESCRIPTION: President ConnCORP

Reports to the ConnCAT/ConnCORP Chief Executive Officer

OVERVIEW: ConnCAT is a non-profit organization founded in 2011 with a mission to leverage world-class

adult training programs and youth after-school and summer arts programs to revitalize the

cultural, economic and civic landscape of New Haven’s poorest communities. In furtherance of that

mission in 2017 the ConnCAT board of directors established ConnCORP as a community economic

development organization with two (2) clear mandates:

• ConnCORP will stimulate through economic growth, economic empowerment, and wealth

creation within New Haven’s most under-served communities. ConnCORP’s programming

activities will include; a) establishing and operating the Lab, a small business

incubator/accelerator, b) conducting entrepreneurship training programs for starting and

growing businesses to scale, c) conducting financial literacy, savings, financial planning and

real estate investing activities.

• ConnCORP’s internal investing activities will focus on a) growing and expanding its Orchid

hospitality and catering business and b) investing in affordable real estate within the

Dixwell/Newhallville neighborhoods, and the completion of ConnCORP’s signature real

estate project, “ConnCAT Place on Dixwell”, the $200 million redevelopment vision of

“Dixwell Plaza” into a cultural, residential, educational, entertainment and commercial

destination.

ConnCORP will generate positive net cash flows, through its investing and programming

activities in support of ConnCAT’s ongoing mission. Targeted positive operating return goals

have been established for ConnCORP.

ConnCORP, a non-profit community economic development organization is seeking an experienced,

dynamic, innovative, passionate, and visionary leader to serve as its President. The ConnCORP

President will be directly responsible for driving the sustainable growth and development of

ConnCORP’s four (4) primary business units and revenue streams:

1. Real estate development/Real estate investing/Real estate property management

2. The Lab at ConnCORP - Business incubator/accelerator

3. Hospitality, Food & Catering

4. Business Education/Entrepreneurship Training Learning Center

Required Candidate Attributes:

Leadership & Vision: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, set strategic direction,

and drive organizational growth. Visionary mindset to identify and capitalize on

opportunities that will promote ConnCORP and ConnCAT sustainability, while also driving

community economic development.

Organization Culture & Values: Demonstrate and model ConnCORP core values and guiding

principles. Uphold the highest ethical standards in all dealings, encourage creative solutions

to challenges, and foster a workplace where diverse perspectives are celebrated and

contribute to our success.

Relationship Building: Excellent interpersonal skills with the demonstrated ability to build

and maintain strong relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders. Proven track record in

collaboration, partnership development and community engagement. Passion for

community development and a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities

faced by economically challenged communities. Must have a deep commitment to social

impact and equity.

Entrepreneurial Vision and Mindset: Innovative, creative, and entrepreneurial mindset

with the ability to identify and seize new opportunities for sustainable growth. Must exhibit

strong mental agility and versatility. Accomplished problem solver.

Financial Acumen: Strong business acumen with a solid understanding of financial

management principles. Experience in developing and managing budgets, analyzing

financial data, and identifying revenue generation (and expenses savings) opportunities.

Substantial experience in real estate financing arrangements and financing instruments.

Project Management: Proficiency in managing complex projects from conception to

completion. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate

multiple stakeholders and timelines. Demonstrated competencies and skills in change

management.

Advocacy and Communications: Effective communicator with strong presentation and

public speaking skills. Ability to articulate the mission and impact of ConnCORP to various

audiences and to be an effective advocate for ConnCORP and ConnCAT, and its initiatives.

Totally and completely committed to the overall vision and mission of ConnCAT and to

providing ongoing financial support to ConnCAT.

Specific Business Portfolio Management Expertise: Individual with the business savvy,

business experience, business acumen and business expertise to develop and implement

strategies that will effectively leverage the ConnCORP portfolio of four (4) business units to

achieve the maximum benefit to ConnCORP and ConnCAT. While at the same time fulfilling

ConnCORP’s vision to be a catalyst for economic development, economic empowerment, and

economic transformation of the community.

Specifically, someone with the expertise to deploy strategies that recognizes the strengths,

weaknesses, opportunities, and threats inherent in each line of business, to optimally

manage these to yield the maximum return to ConnCORP, while meeting all other stated

goals and objectives.

Business Unit#1 – Real estate development/investing/property management activities will

focus on generating substantial positive net cash flows from all investing and property

management activities. Maximize revenue growth opportunities, while efficiently managing

expenses across all properties.

Business Unit #2 – The Lab (business curator/accelerator)-Generate at least breakeven

(perhaps positive net cash flows) from all business incubator/accelerator activities.

Note: Suggested strategy to support the revenue streams of this business would be to build

a solid and steady stream of grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropy, etc.

Business Unit #3 – Orchid Hospitality (Food & Catering)-Generate substantial positive net

cash flows from all hospitality, food and catering business activities. Maximize revenue

growth opportunities while efficiently managing expenses.

Business Unit #4 – The Lab Business/Entrepreneurship Learning Center-Generate

breakeven, perhaps positive net cash flows) from all business/entrepreneurship education

learning activities.

Note: Suggested strategy to support the revenues of this business unit would also be to build

a solid and steady stream of grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropy, etc. And to

minimize expenditure outlays, depending heavily upon volunteers, etc.

Specific Candidate Qualifications:

• Mature and Experienced Business Leader.

• Advanced Degree (MBA) in Finance, Marketing, Real Estate, Operations Management,

Entrepreneurship

• 5-10 years’ experience

• Experienced financial management skills/expertise

• Experience in urban economic development or business development.

• Exceptional Project Management Skills

• Results driven/Self-starter.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills

• Collaborative relationship builder