President and CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

President & CEO Opportunity at Delaware Prosperity Partnership

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), a 501c3 non-profit entity representing both the public and private sector to advance the state's economic prosperity and success is searching for its next President & CEO (CEO). DPP collaborates with governmental and corporate partners to provide an integrated approach to attracting, retaining and expanding a diversity of business and industries to the state of Delaware, with an emphasis in growing startup ecosystems in emerging innovation-driven sectors like biopharmaceuticals, advanced materials, FinTech, and clean energy systems.

To ensure its continued success, DPP is seeking a strategic, relationship-oriented CEO that will lead the organization in its ongoing efforts to attract high-quality jobs and ensure economic growth. This is a unique opportunity to partner with all entities engaged in economic development in one of the most business-friendly states in the region.

This visionary leader should be an effective communicator who is naturally oriented towards building trusting and collaborative relationships. The CEO should be innovative and creative in their approach to strategically ensuring Delaware businesses achieve long-term economic growth and resilience in the state of Delaware.

The Position

The President and CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership will provide visionary and strategic leadership to advance Delaware's economy by driving innovation, creating high-value job opportunities, and attracting capital investment to the state. The CEO will serve as DPP's primary spokesperson and lead the development and execution of long- and short-term strategies, working closely with the Board of Directors, the Office of the Governor and key public/private stakeholders to ensure Delaware's inclusive and sustainable growth.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Champions Innovation: Challenges conventional thinking and established economic development practices by encouraging the organization to explore fresh approaches and innovative, data-driven ideas that create career opportunities for Delawareans. Supports well-informed risk-taking and new concepts, fostering diverse perspectives to strengthen and sustain a culture of innovation.

Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of strategic plans to position Delaware as a leader in innovation-driven economic development in emerging sectors like biopharmaceuticals, advanced materials, FinTech, AgTech, and clean energy systems.

Expand Delaware's Innovation Ecosystem: Build programs to support startup ecosystems and entrepreneurial processes and encourage venture capital investment in Delaware.

Business Attraction and Expansion: Direct efforts to attract new businesses and support the retention and expansion of existing industries, leveraging state resources and partnerships.

Capital Investment and Job Creation: Drive initiatives to achieve multi-year capital investment goals and facilitate job creation, with an emphasis on innovation-driven careers and high-wage opportunities.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain strong, cooperative relationships with the Office of the Governor, regional, state, and county officials, higher education institutions (e.g., University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Delaware Technical Community College), corporate leaders, and business and community organizations.

Operational and Financial Management: Manage overall operations, oversee budgetary and financial activities, and ensure the organization's financial health, including securing funding through private sector and state resources.

Workforce and Talent Development: In coordination with state and local partners, support workforce development programs and training initiatives to ensure a skilled talent pipeline aligns with industry needs.

Team Leadership and Organizational Execution: Lead and oversee a high-performing team, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and consistent results, while establishing clear expectations and accountability within a collaborative, team-oriented culture.

Qualifications and Attributes

*If you don't have all the qualifications listed, don't worry! We understand everyone's career path is unique, and we still encourage you to apply if you feel this role aligns with your career trajectory.

Education: A bachelor's degree in business administration, economics, finance, public administration, or a related field; a master's degree is preferred. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) certification is a plus.

Experience: At least 10 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in economic development, business management, government relations, or innovation-driven organization with a proven track record of success. Additionally, experience with starting and scaling new businesses is a plus.

Skills and Traits: Strong business acumen and project management skills.

High-level strategic thinking and planning abilities, with an emphasis on innovation and change management.

Proven ability to mentor, coach, and develop high-performing professionals, fostering a culture of teamwork, ownership, and continuous improvement across the organization.

Expertise in early-stage business development and capital acquisition.

Excellent communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills.

Ability to translate vision into action by setting clear expectations, establishing performance metrics, and holding teams accountable to achieving defined benchmarks.

Adept at leading the governing body and managing effective relations with stakeholders.

Demonstrated success in leading collaborative efforts and building cross-sector partnerships.

Strong ability to use time, talent, and resources efficiently to achieve measurable results.