To our members, partners, and supporters,

The Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) is starting a new chapter. After five years of dedicated service, Kelsey Foster will step down as Executive Director in early July.  Throughout her tenure, Kelsey has been a passionate advocate for Algiers. Ms. Foster has worked diligently for Algiers, supporting small business growth, building partnerships, and leading initiatives that have showcased our community’s potential and elevated the visibility of our beloved Algiers community. Her leadership has established AEDF as a trusted voice and essential resource for economic and community development on the West Bank. Other accomplishments during Kelsey’s tenure have included:

• • Algiers being recognized as the first LED Development Ready Community in New Orleans and on the West Bank.

• • 1,200% growth in membership over the past 5 years

• • Tripling of both staff size and organizational budget

• • 208 Small Businesses Connected with Resources in One on One Support Sessions since 2021

• • Publication of first-ever Algiers Small Business Survey

• • Over 8,000% increase in Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert attendance through addition of our food truck festival, art market, and inclusion of community culture bearers

• • Engaged over 100 chefs, farmers, restaurant owners, entrepreneurs, and more for the publication of the Algiers Food & Beverage Industry Study 

• • 37 free small business-focused community events held

• • 17 new business or development ribbon cuttings held since 2023

We celebrate the strong foundation Kelsey leaves behind. Among her many notable achievements is the successful launch of the Algiers Career and Educational Development (ACED) Program. This youth workforce initiative was inspired by Louisiana State Senator Gary Carter, Jr. With Senator Carter’s guidance and Ms. Foster’s dedication, AEDF turned that vision into an opportunity for Algiers High School students. It equipped them with the skills, exposure, and support needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Ms. Foster’s efforts made this vital program a reality for our young residents. The ACED program offers Algiers high school juniors and seniors a chance to explore careers, build professional skills, and prepare for today’s job market. This program has produced:

• • 96 high school aged graduates since 2021

• • 22 sessions held over five years to teach financial literacy, resume writing, professional communication and interview etiquette

• • Field trips to over a dozen local employers, educational institutions, and post-graduation opportunities across the West Bank

• • Over 300 scholarships provided to ACED graduates

Ms. Foster’s commitment to empowering young people and investing in Algiers’ future shaped this important work. Current AEDF Board Chair Robert Royal notes:

“Kelsey Foster has been a tireless advocate for Algiers and a true partner to our residents and small businesses. Her leadership at AEDF has helped bring new energy, opportunity, and connection to our community. We’re incredibly thankful for everything she’s poured into this work and into Algiers and wish her the best in her future endeavors.” 

The AEDF Board of Directors has developed a strong Transition Committee to lead the search for AEDF’s next Executive Director, which includes pursuit of an Interim Executive Director This will ensure a smooth transition and continued organizational progress. The process is already underway, and we are focused on finding a data-driven, dynamic leader who can build on our past success and steer AEDF into its next chapter.

We’re excited about what is ahead and invite you to stay connected as we welcome new leadership and keep working toward a thriving Algiers.  

The job posting and more information are available at www.algierseconomic.com. Please help us share this opportunity with those who believe in Algiers as much as we do. For media questions, please contact AEDF Transition Committee Chair Krystal Hardy Allen at info@kallenconsulting.org.

With appreciation and optimism,  
AEDF Board of Directors

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB SUMMARY
ALGIERS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

ABOUT:
Algiers Economic Development Foundation (AEDF) is a neighborhood economic development nonprofit focused on the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans. Home to 58,000 residents, Algiers is the only West Bank neighborhood of New Orleans. Covering 17 square miles, Algiers is home to a range of sub-neighborhoods, industries and businesses. AEDF takes pride in serving all our diverse businesses, residents, and stakeholders through our three program areas: economic development, small business support, and community development. 

JOB SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the AEDF Board of Directors, the Executive Director will drive the initiative to build momentum for economic development, specifically in the realm of business retention, expansion and attraction in the Algiers neighborhood of New Orleans.  He/She will work externally within the economic development community, governments, elected officials, site selectors/brokers, utilities providers and potential customers to build strong relationships and execute strategies that reliably stimulate business development opportunities.  

The Executive Director will manage and grow existing programs and projects, adopt a passion for AEDF’s mission, adhere to the highest standards and quality of his/her work, and possess excellent analytical skills, with exceptional oral and written communication skills.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:
Ideal candidates are self-directed with excellent people skills and a dedication to helping others succeed. As a community/business facing neighborhood organization, accountability, transparency and strong follow through are essential to develop community trust and expand our membership. Candidates should have the ability and experience working in diverse communities and be easily able to adapt to people’s communications style and unique needs. Similarly, ideal candidates are eager for feedback, both from staff/board members and residents/business owners, and excited about improving programming to better serve Algiers’ needs.

A small organization, AEDF’s team wears many different hats. Candidates should enjoy being generalists, and eager to assume new responsibilities, provide feedback on current systems, and think about building out new systems and processes for the programs they oversee. 

AEDF provides flexibility and agency to its employees to create a positive and tailored work environment. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• • Design, implement, monitor and evaluate programs that encourage economic development in Orleans Parish’s only Westbank community (Algiers)

• • Enhancing AEDF’s brand awareness

• • Communicate the elements of the organization’s economic development and redevelopment strategy to diverse stakeholder groups, while building consensus as a facilitator of this strategy; 

• • Utilizes diverse methods to increase the organization’s financial sustainability

• • Increase the economic relevance of Algiers to help attract significant economic opportunity

• • Positions AEDF as a key lever, convener, and trusted resource of the Algiers business community

• • Ensures that AEDF provides meaningful, relevant, and high quality programming and services that drive membership growth & retention

• • Ensures optimum balance in serving local  businesses and our broader Algiers community

• • Makes data-driven decisions to drive the success & sustainability of AEDF

• • Reports directly to the AEDF Board of Directors, particularly the Board Chair

• • Regularly provides accurate and timely reports and key information to the AEDF Board of Directors (including ED reports, financials, etc.) to drive well-informed governance decision-making

• • Participates in periodic performance evaluation to celebrate his/her successes as well as pinpoint areas for growth and actionable goals for improvement

• • Assumes responsibility for & leads AEDF’s fundraising strategy & planning; donor cultivation & stewardship; grant acquisition & management; corporate sponsorships; and other diverse fundraising activities. This includes but is not limited to use of a development plan and donor database with pipeline tracking and reporting, as well as quarterly reporting of fundraising progress to the board.

• • Serves as the top representative of the AEDF brand, inclusive of attracting positive media exposure/PR. Write, plan, organize, and coordinate media engagement strategies, including press releases, business spotlights, and public relations activities that elevate AEDF’s brand and the visibility of member businesses and community partners.

• • Recruit and retain a moderate staff to drive day to day organizational responsibilities/obligations

• • Sound judgement and innovative thinker that can create effective solutions in high pressure situations

• • Develop, maintain and foster key internal and external relationships

• • Coordinate economic development activities, including outreach, referrals, tracking and reporting, compose material to be presented to legislative entities for the purpose of informing and obtaining funding and other assistance for programs

• • Act as a liaison to City/Parish departments, regional agencies, state/federal agencies, and local organizations on matters relating to economic development issues

• • Write, plan, organize and coordinate the dissemination of information to the general public, communications media, public and private sector officials, industry and businesses and participate in activities associated with the release of this information to the public

• • Well-organized, disciplined, persistent and persuasive individual: identify and focus on key issues, prioritize efforts and ensure follow up with timely, quality results

• • Serve as a resource to the local community development and neighborhood organizations in arranging media events, press conferences, tours, etc.

• • Plan, arrange and coordinate related workshops, information sessions and special conferences which can include program specific reports, newsletters, studies and other informational documentation.

• • Create and manage an organizational budget.

• • Raise funds through corporate sponsorship, grant writing, and other revenue-generating activities such as fundraisers and Annual Meeting to maintain quality of programming.

• • Prepare financial reports, manage budgets, ensure compliance with regulations, and communicate financial information to the board and stakeholders as appropriate and required.

• • Implement a youth workforce development program, coordinating speakers, field trips, and program administration.

• • Develop and implement policies and programs targeted at Business Retention, Expansion (BRE), Attraction, and Recruitment.

• • Plan and execute the Annual Algiers Holiday Bonfire & Concert and Annual Meeting.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • At least 5-7 years’ economic development, urban planning, managerial experience in a related government and/or private industry capacity

• • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Organizational Development, Economics, Planning, or related discipline

• • Proficient oral and written communication skills; Proficient computer-related skills and in-depth Microsoft Office experience

• • Holder of valid Louisiana Driver’s License and clean driving record, 

• • Possess or ability to retain a Passport

• • This is an in-person position based at our office in Algiers, with some evening and weekend hours required.

• • Resident of New Orleans required- Native Algerines or Algiers residents are especially encouraged to apply!

PREFERRED ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
If you have any of the following additional qualifications, we encourage you to describe them in your cover letter.

• • Understanding of local entrepreneurial support ecosystem and government small business assistance programs

• • Experience in nonprofit management and administration

• • Familiarity with small business operations

• • Previous supervisory experience

• • Grant writing and/or fundraising experience

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to info@algierseconomic.com by July 15, 2025.

COMPENSATION:

This is a full-time, salaried position with an annual starting salary of $70,000 – $75,000 in alignment with regional market research for this role for our organizational size and current annual budget. Benefits include a monthly stipend for health insurance, 15 days of PTO, and 7 days paid sick leave

LOCATION:

New Orleans, LA

TRAVEL:

As Business Requires

Seniority Level:

Executive

Industry

Economic Development

Non-Profit Organization Management

Employment Type

Full-time

Job Functions

Business Development

Community Engagement

Management

Finance

Fundraising