Core Leadership Roles

The success of Buffalo Horizons relies on a small but dedicated team of leaders who champion the mission, drive progress, and serve as the voice for their respective focus areas. Each role is designed to ensure clarity, accountability, and collaboration.

1. Executive Director (or Chairperson)

Role: Visionary leader and primary representative of Buffalo Horizons.

Responsibilities:

Oversee the overall direction and operations of Buffalo Horizons.
Set priorities and ensure alignment across all focus areas.
Act as the primary liaison with local officials, partners, and stakeholders.
Represent Buffalo Horizons at events, meetings, and community forums.
Guide fundraising efforts and secure resources for long-term sustainability.

Skills/Traits: Strong leadership, strategic thinker, community-driven, excellent communicator.

2. Business & Economic Development Lead

Role: Advocate and driver for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic initiatives.

Responsibilities:

Develop programs to support local businesses (e.g., mentorship, workshops, funding access).
Oversee business revitalization projects, including reimagining underused spaces or assets.
Host quarterly Business Roundtables to engage business owners and gather actionable feedback.
Partner with state and regional economic groups to attract new opportunities to Buffalo.

Skills/Traits: Business experience, problem-solving mindset, strong community connections.

3. Youth, Family & Workforce Engagement Lead

Role: Champion for youth, families, and workforce development.

Responsibilities:

Develop and oversee programs that connect youth with local opportunities (e.g., apprenticeships, skills programs).
Coordinate family-focused events to build engagement and pride within the community.
Collaborate with schools, employers, and families to strengthen workforce pathways for young people.
Advocate for initiatives that improve quality of life for families and working professionals.

Skills/Traits: Passion for education, experience with community programs, family-oriented, collaborative.

4. Community & Infrastructure Development Lead

Role: Driver of projects that enhance infrastructure, tourism, and community spaces.

Responsibilities:

Work with local and state officials to identify and advocate for key infrastructure projects (e.g., broadband, roads, parks).
Oversee tourism growth efforts, including campaigns, events, and partnerships.
Develop strategies for revitalizing public spaces and underutilized community assets.
Coordinate with businesses to ensure tourism initiatives benefit the local economy.

Skills/Traits: Project management experience, strategic thinker, understanding of infrastructure needs.

5. Outreach & Engagement Coordinator

Role: Connector between Buffalo Horizons and the broader community.

Responsibilities:

Serve as the lead for community outreach, ensuring residents and stakeholders are informed and engaged.
Plan and promote events like town halls, listening sessions, and community celebrations.
Manage Buffalo Horizons’ communications, including newsletters, social media, and website updates.
Gather feedback from residents and businesses to ensure initiatives remain community-driven.

Skills/Traits: Strong communicator, detail-oriented, community-focused, skilled in outreach.

Optional: Supporting Roles

While the leadership team drives initiatives, volunteers and part-time support can play a key role in executing programs, events, and outreach. These roles can include:

Event Volunteers: Assist in planning and hosting community events.
Program Coordinators: Support specific initiatives, such as youth programs or business workshops.
Grant Writers & Fundraising Assistants: Help identify funding sources to sustain Buffalo Horizons’ work.

Why This Structure Works

Streamlined Leadership: Clear roles ensure focus and accountability without overwhelming a small team.
Community Collaboration: Leaders work together to ensure all focus areas align for maximum impact.
Adaptable: This structure can evolve as Buffalo Horizons grows, with new roles or support added as needed.
Impact-Driven: Leaders remain hands-on and connected to the community, driving real, measurable progress.

Next Steps for Leadership

Identify passionate, committed individuals who can champion each role.
Host a leadership kickoff meeting to align on vision, priorities, and short-term goals.
Define clear deliverables and a timeline for each focus area to ensure progress is visible and measurable.