Careers at GNO, Inc.

Greater New Orleans, Inc. is a non-profit corporation formed in January 2004 to spearhead economic development for the 10-parish Greater New Orleans region, which accounts for nearly one-third of Louisiana’s economy.

In collaboration with government, business and industry, private organizations, and civic leaders, GNO, Inc.’s professional economic development staff works to create jobs and economic opportunity in Southeast Louisiana, market the area to companies seeking to expand or relocate, and retain and grow existing businesses.

Current Openings

President & CEO

About Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.)

GNO, Inc. is the economic development organization for the ten-parish Greater New Orleans region. For over two decades, GNO, Inc. has served as the region’s foremost advocate for business attraction, retention, and expansion, and for creating the business and social conditions that underpin the economy and quality of life. GNO, Inc. has repeatedly been named a top economic development organization in the U.S.

GNO, Inc. defines economic development as “The conditions wherein businesses want to invest their capital, and people want to raise their families.” All GNO, Inc. activities are directed towards this vision for the region.

GNO, Inc. has a talented staff of 25, a supportive Board of 90, 250 investor members, and thousands of stakeholders. Working with these groups, GNO, Inc. leads transformative initiatives across key sectors, including manufacturing, energy, maritime, aerospace, defense, and technology. GNO, Inc. also leads key public policy initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels. The organization represents New Orleans, the region, and the state to all levels and channels of media.

The Opportunity

Building on an outstanding tenure of over 18 years under current leadership, GNO, Inc. is conducting a search for its next President & Chief Executive Officer. This is an exceptional opportunity for a bold, relationship-driven leader to build upon a best-in-class institutional foundation and guide one of America’s most cherished – yet challenged – regions through its next chapter of economic and social transformation.

The incoming CEO will inherit an organization with deep community trust, proven programs, strong financial footing, and an influential network of public and private stakeholders. They will be charged with implementing GNO, Inc.’s “5×5 Plan” to catalyze population growth in Greater New Orleans.

Position Overview

The North Star for the President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) is its mission – “A thriving economy, and an excellent quality of life, for everyone.” Every day, the President & CEO must build and lead an organization positioned to deliver on this mission. With this in mind, key elements of the job are:

• Team – Building and maintaining an outstanding team.
• Brand – Serving as the primary spokesperson for GNO, Inc. and the region.
• Relationships – Cultivating trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders and partners.
• Relevance – Driving GNO, Inc. to make a tangible difference for people and companies.
• Results – Ensuring that GNO, Inc. delivers real results (new companies, new laws, better jobs, media coverage, etc.) for the city, region, and state.

Personal Success Elements

A number of personal traits are fundamental to the job of President & CEO of GNO, Inc.:

• Energy – Hard work, every day: it is a lifestyle, not a job.
• Bias for Action – An instinct to act rather than wait.
• Optimism – Honest optimism: a positive, but grounded, vision of the future.
• Knowledge – Broad understanding of economic development, key industries, and other relevant topics (real estate, finance, etc.)
• IQ – Ability to analyze complex situations and problem-solve for action.
• EQ – Ability to relate and work closely with diverse constituencies, both internally and externally.
• Passion – A love for New Orleans, the region, and the state.

Job Elements

• Communications – Serving as the primary voice for GNO, Inc. and the region, sometimes serving as a spokesperson for the City of New Orleans or State of Louisiana, through traditional media (radio, newspaper, TV); email and social media; and other (e.g., podcasts). Communications include both proactive, informational messaging and responses to requests or emergencies.
• Stakeholder Relationships – Building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders (board members, investors, elected officials, community members, etc.) to discuss issues and opportunities, as well as to maintain strong relationships. Frequent travel across the region and to Baton Rouge is required, as well as occasional domestic and international travel.
• Engagements / Presentations – Presenting to groups on specific topics (e.g., flood insurance), general economic conditions, or future plans.
• Public Policy – Working with GNO, Inc.’s Public Policy team, Board members, legislators, and others on local, state, and federal policy issues and opportunities.
• Business Development – Working with GNO, Inc.’s Business Development team, Louisiana Economic Development team, and consultants, to help to win business development projects. Specifics include assisting with the initial pitches and final closes.
• Financial Oversight and Fundraising – Preparing annual budgets of approximately $10M with GNO Inc.’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, and working with the Chief Operating Officer to meet GNO, Inc.’s budget goals, including developing and maintaining relationships with investors and funders and soliciting new investments and support.
• Admin & Organizational Support – Ensuring that GNO, Inc.’s operations function effectively and efficiently and continue to be proactive and responsive, and that GNO, Inc. remains a top workplace in the region for employment and employee development.
• Planning – Working with staff, board, and stakeholders in developing, refining, and assessing annual and long-term GNO, Inc. and regional plans.

Reporting & Governance

The President & CEO reports to the Board of Directors, through the Board Chair:

• The Board Chair serves a one-year term, which begins in January of each year.
• The President & CEO works most closely with the Executive Committee (15 members), which has delegated authority from the Board.
• Direct reports include the: Chief Operating Officer, Chief External Affairs Officer, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Business Development Officer, and Chief Financial Officer.
• The President & CEO also has relationship responsibilities with a range of stakeholders, including funders, elected officials, other civic leaders, and the media.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation is highly competitive both within the industry and the region.

• Performance incentives are included.

• A robust benefits package is also included.

To Apply

GNO Inc.’s next President & CEO must be located in, or willing to relocate to, the Greater New Orleans area.

GNO, Inc. is partnering with Yvette Jones and Brinkley Serkedakis of The Jones Group of New Orleans to identify the organization’s next President & CEO. Expressions of interest, including a resume and cover letter; nominations; and inquiries should be submitted via email to brinkley@thejonesgroupnola.com. No calls, please.

GNO, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.