Executive Director

The Aspen Leadership Group is proud to partner with Lowcountry Local First in the search for an Executive Director.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead the organization toward favorable growth as well as design and direct strategies that support Lowcountry Local First's (LLF) mission. The Executive Director will utilize entrepreneurial drive, excellent communications skills, exceptional financial stewardship abilities, inclusive practices, and strategic and organizational skills to develop diverse leaders and expand the influence and impact of Lowcountry Local First's work. This is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to create the vision and blueprint for fulfilling the mission of cultivating an economy anchored in local ownership and to build upon the strong foundation and outstanding team that is in place. The Executive Director will lead an exceptionally talented, long-term staff, familiar with the local landscape and with a passion for exploring the intersection of local economies, the built environment, and the vibrancy that independent businesses bring to our community. The nonprofit is on strong financial footing with a healthy donor base and active Board of Directors to offer additional support.

Lowcountry Local First serves as both the backbone and voice of the local business community in the metro area of Charleston, South Carolina. Established 15 years ago, the organization has made great strides in cultivating a strong economy anchored in local-independent business ownership, integrating advocacy, public education, and technical support and being a voice for diversity and inclusion within the community. Lowcountry Local First is made up of more than 450 local businesses and community leaders working to transform and model a sustainable and equitable local economy. Lowcountry Local First cultivates an economy anchored in local ownership, because local-independent businesses are the cornerstone of the Charleston area’s culture, economy, and character.

Lowcountry Local First celebrates diversity and is committed to ongoing organizational improvements to create an inclusive environment for all employees. LLF cannot achieve a thriving local economy without racial justice and it believes that achieving true equality requires dismantling racism and repairing the centuries of harm inflicted on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. It aims to identify candidates committed to these values of equity and justice.

Lowcountry Local First educates the general public on why it is important to choose local and influence them to do so. It works with elected officials, decision-makers, and opinion leaders to foster a better environment for creating and sustaining local businesses and delivers resources, programming, networking, mentorship, and more to local businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Lowcountry Local First develops innovative models for sustainable and equitable local economies. Its work leverages understanding of over 12,000 employees across all sectors, and is informed by staff with expertise and on-the-ground experience in local economy building, innovative economic development, entrepreneur support, sustainable agriculture, and food systems. LLF is connected to local economy and sustainable business organizations throughout the country, granting it access to the best models, case studies, and thought leaders.

A bachelor's degree is required for this position as is at least seven years of nonprofit or social enterprise experience including proficiency in finance, budgeting, business/economic development, and fundraising. All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Cover letters should be responsive to the mission of Lowcountry Local First.