Description

President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Capital Area Finance Authority (CAFA)

THE OPPORTUNITY

The President and CEO plays a vital role in advancing CAFA's mission by turning the Authority's vision for the nine-parish Baton Rouge region into tangible investment, funding commercial and residential development, public infrastructure, and pathways to homeownership that build community and drive the region's forward progress.

The President and CEO is responsible for executing the policies and projects of the Board of Trustees and managing the daily operations of CAFA. This leadership role includes overseeing CAFA’s programs and grants, coordinating activities with various city, parish, and state agencies, and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, lenders, and external entities. The CEO is instrumental in developing new business initiatives aligned with CAFA’s expanded geographic and public purpose authority, while ensuring adherence to the organization’s policies, statutory requirements, and strategic objectives.

The ideal executive brings proven leadership in a comparable role, fluency in tax credits, bond sales, affordable housing, and tax policy, and sound judgment on loan risk and grant-making. This individual is an exceptional communicator who is equally credible before the Board, lenders, counsel, and government officials, with a command of public policy and program development and a leadership style that grows both teams and the organization.

ABOUT CAFA

CAFA symbolizes energetic vision, advancement, opportunity and a shared connection among the nine parishes surrounding Baton Rouge. The Authority works toward advancing these ideals by offering funding to those with a vision to better our community through commercial development, residential development, and public infrastructure, and to those looking to better their lives through homeownership. 

CAFA strives to be the positive catalyst for building community and ultimately contributing to the region's growth and forward progress.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Organizational Leadership

• Execute Board policies and directives to ensure organizational effectiveness.
• Manage day-to-day operations of CAFA, including personnel matters such as hiring, supervision, and staff direction.
• Provide advice and guidance to the Board on matters of policy, procedure, and practice.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of CAFA’s annual budget for Board approval.
• Develop and implement CAFA’s grants and programs in alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversee the strategic planning process.
• Review the budget and ensure that it is balanced, as well as conduct the Board presentation. 

2. Stakeholder Relations 

• Act as a liaison between the Board, stakeholders, lenders, and regional entities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with city, parish, and state agencies, as well as the governor’s office and state legislature.
• Look for opportunities to engage the community and educate others on CAFA’s role.
• Represent CAFA on various committees and at official events as required.
• Foster partnerships and identify opportunities for new business initiatives to expand CAFA’s impact.

3. Board Engagement 

• Keep the Board informed on all relevant statutory and fiduciary matters.
• Attend and report at monthly Board meetings, addressing matters of strategic importance and operational updates.
• Collaborate with legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

4. Program Coordination

• Ensure effective implementation and management of CAFA’s programs and grants.
• Coordinate CAFA’s programs with other city, parish, and state agencies to maximize impact.
• Monitor program outcomes and identify areas for improvement to enhance service delivery.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven leadership experience in a similar executive role.
• Exceptional problem-solving ability with the ability to connect with staff members.
• Experience building stakeholder relationships.
• Strong ties to the local community preferred but not required.
• Understanding of tax credits, bond sales, and affordable housing development.
• Familiarity with tax policy.
• Experience analyzing loan program risks and grant making.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong understanding of public policy, grant management, and program development.
• Experience working with government entities, stakeholders, and legal counsel.
  Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse team and foster organizational growth.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, or a related field (Master’s preferred).