Chairperson of the Board (Central)

THE CAPITAL AREA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

Help Secure the Future of Workforce Development in Central North Carolina

Vision

A Capital Area where everyone can build a career with purpose: work that transforms lives, sustains families, and drives the economic growth of our employers and region.

Mission

The CAWD Foundation secures flexible funding that extends the reach of Capital Area Workforce Development, powering bold workforce solutions that keep pace with evolving employer and community needs.

The CAWD Foundation is seeking a founding Board Chair to help launch and lead a new philanthropic effort serving Wake, Johnston, Chatham, Lee, and Orange counties.

The Foundation supports the work of Capital Area Workforce Development (CAWD), one of North Carolina's largest and most innovative workforce development leaders, helping employers find talent while connecting individuals to training, career pathways, and economic opportunity.

Today, workforce development organizations across the country are facing increased uncertainty in federal funding. To ensure our region continues to invest in workforce innovation, opportunity, and economic competitiveness, the CAWD Foundation is building a sustainable source of private funding that can support transformational initiatives regardless of shifts in government funding.

We are looking for a highly respected leader who can help make that happen.

This Is Not a Traditional Board Chair Role

We are not seeking someone to manage operations, review financial statements, or attend endless committee meetings.

We are seeking a leader who can:

• Open doors that others cannot
• Make introductions that accelerate funding conversations
• Engage CEOs, bank presidents, foundation executives, philanthropists, and civic leaders
• Help attract transformational investments
• Build credibility and visibility for a new philanthropic organization

Quite simply, we need someone with a proven book of relationships.

Someone who already knows the leaders of major employers, financial institutions, family foundations, community foundations, and corporate giving organizations throughout North Carolina.

What Success Looks Like

The ideal Board Chair will:

• Help secure major gifts and grants from corporations, foundations, and philanthropists
• Open strategic relationships with banks, healthcare systems, technology companies, life sciences organizations, and major employers
• Recruit an influential board of directors
• Position the CAWD Foundation as the region's premier workforce philanthropy organization
• Help build a sustainable funding engine capable of supporting workforce priorities for years to come

This role is about influence, access, and leadership.

Causes We Support

The ideal candidate is often passionate about one or more of the issues our work impacts:

• Youth career exploration and workforce readiness
• Veteran transition and employment success
• Career pathways and credential attainment
• Job seekers facing barriers to employment
• Adult and dislocated worker retraining
• Formerly justice involved applicants
• Workforce skills development
• Addressing employer workforce challenges
• Economic mobility for individuals and families

Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in former:

• CEOs or Presidents
• Senior corporate executives
• Bank or financial services executives
• Healthcare or life sciences leaders
• Technology executives
• Economic development leaders
• Chamber of Commerce executives
• Foundation executives
• Retired elected officials
• Senior public sector leaders
• Highly respected civic leaders

The strongest candidates will bring:

• Deep relationships throughout the Triangle and North Carolina
• Credibility with business and philanthropic leaders
• Demonstrated success mobilizing resources and partnerships
• Passion for workforce development and economic opportunity
• A desire to leave a lasting legacy in the region

Time Commitment

• Approximately 5-10 hours per month
• Quarterly Board meetings
• Strategic fundraising and relationship-building activities
• Increased engagement during the Foundation's launch phase

Compensation

Volunteer Position

The reward is the opportunity to build something significant, improve lives, strengthen our regional economy, and leave a lasting legacy.