Special Advisor to CEO

Overview

EDA Overview

Join the NJEDA and help lead New Jersey to sustainable economic growth, fostering equitable opportunities and vibrant communities. We offer hybrid work, a supportive culture, and robust benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and extensive wellness programs. Make a tangible impact and shape New Jersey's future with innovative economic development at NJEDA.

About the Role

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) seeks an exceptional Special Advisor (SA) to the CEO to lead an exciting organizational evolution that will position this vital agency for even greater impact. With a strong foundation of 400 talented professionals and deep expertise in economic development, the NJEDA is ready to optimize its structure and strengthen its culture to deliver exceptional service to New Jersey's businesses, investors, and communities.

Reporting directly to the CEO, and in coordination with the Deputy CEO, the SA will assess organizational strengths and opportunities to design and implement enhancements that leverage the NJEDA's considerable assets and capabilities while building an even more cohesive, effective, and mission-driven team.

The Opportunity

The NJEDA brings substantial expertise and a proven track record in economic development. Now, with new leadership committed to organizational excellence, we have a unique opportunity to:

• Refine our organizational structure to maximize the talents of our accomplished team
• Streamline leadership architecture to enhance clarity, agility, and decision-making
• Strengthen our already strong technical capabilities with improved internal collaboration and culture
• Position the NJEDA as a best-in-class model for effective economic development agencies
• Align resources and maximize public investments to achieve NJEDA's mission

This role offers the rare chance to shape the future of an organization that plays a critical role in New Jersey's economic prosperity, working with dedicated professionals who are committed to serving the state.

$140,400 - $175,500

Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a manager's approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.

Organizational Assessment & Strategic Enhancement

• Evaluate current organizational structure, identifying strengths to build upon and opportunities for improvement
• Analyze team dynamics and cultural assets, while uncovering areas where we can become even more effective
• Assess how well our design aligns with our mission of exceptional stakeholder service
• Develop strategic recommendations that leverage our existing capabilities while addressing gaps

Organizational Optimization & Implementation

• Design an evolved organizational architecture that clarifies roles, empowers decision-making, and accelerates our impact
• Create an implementation roadmap that builds on our strengths while introducing necessary improvements
• Lead an inclusive change management process that engages team members as partners in evolution
• Make thoughtful, mission-focused recommendations regarding organizational structure, including role clarifications and potential new positions that enhance our capabilities

Culture Strengthening & Team Engagement

• Build genuine partnerships across all levels of the organization, learning from the expertise of our talented team
• Foster open dialogue about how we can work together even more effectively
• Identify and empower internal leaders who will champion our organizational evolution
• Navigate state government dynamics while maintaining momentum for positive change
• Develop groundwork/plan for the successful introduction/rollout of the new org structure to internal staff and external stakeholders.

Strategic Partnership with CEO and Deputy CEO

• Serve as trusted thought partner to the CEO and Deputy CEO on organizational effectiveness and team development
• Provide ongoing counsel to maximize team potential and…