Executive Director, Foundation for Homan Square

Description

Title: Executive Director, Foundation for Homan Square

Employee Status: Full Time - Exempt

Salary: Grade 8

Starting range of $124,000 - $155,000

Reports to: Executive Director, Chicago Metro Region

Matrix Reporting: Foundation for Homan Square Board of Directors

Department: Place Based Initiatives

Location: Chicago

Hybrid Remote: In office: T/W/TH and other days as required

Requirements

The Organization

IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.

IFF manages the Foundation for Homan Square, a non-profit, community-based organization formed in 1995 to oversee the Homan Square redevelopment plan. FHS serves as an umbrella organization managing initiatives and properties on the Homan Campus, including the Homan Square Community Center, The Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center, and the Nichols Tower, as well as over 300 units of affordable housing.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset rich and as experts in their own stories.

Basic Job Function

The Executive Director (ED) of the Foundation for Homan Square is the primary leader responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial management of the organization. In partnership with the FHS Board of Directors, staff and community stakeholders the ED will drive the mission, vision and goals of FHS. This position requires a dynamic leader with expertise in strategic planning, community engagement, fundraising, and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams, particularly those working on complex real estate development projects.

The ED will advance community engagement and foster collaborations in the Homan Square community, as well as the broader North Lawndale and East Garfield Park communities, in alignment with FHS’s mission and its strategic plan.

The ED will coordinate all activities related to FHS as one of IFF’s Placed Based Initiatives, including asset management to maintain strong residential and commercial tenant relationships and supporting IFF’s Community Development Solutions team in executing real estate development projects that align with FHS’ strategic plan.

As the identified leader of FHS, the ED will manage the FHS Board; advisory committees; community relations, and public relations efforts, including interactions with elected officials and government stakeholders. The ED will be responsible for shaping and stewarding the long-term vision for Homan Square, while maintaining a comprehensive understanding of FHS’s current and future commercial and housing assets as well as its business operations.

IFF seeks candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.

The successful candidate will have executive level experience in nonprofit management, a deep understanding of community development, and a demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others. The ED must be a forward thinking, collaborative leader dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive organizational culture and improving the community’s quality of life.

Core Responsibilities: 

1. Leadership and Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of FHS’s strategic goals and workplan objectives, ensuring alignment with community needs and the FHS mission.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and IFF Core Team on the execution of strategic plans and implement workplans.
• Coordinate and staff the FHS Board of Directors and Community Advisory Committees including setting schedules, developing and sending materials, and coordinating other IFF staff when needed.
• Work with IFF’s Asset Management, Community Development Solutions, Finance Department and External Affairs departments to develop a strategic planning framework that fosters a shared vision for future community development in Homan Square.
• Provide strategic guidance and collaboration to IFF Community Development Solutions and Asset Management staff to inform the development and implementation of real estate projects, management of real estate assets, and strong customer service with residential and commercial tenants. Ensure alignment with FHS’s long term strategic plans for facility usage and development.  
• Develop and coordinate the Homan Square Leadership Council to provide a liaison and reporting/advising relationship between the executive leadership of Homan Square campus providers and FHS Board and Community Advisory Committee, IFF leadership, and other staff members. Organize meetings and other activities to develop and nurture client engagement and ensure strategic support of FHS’ management goals and future development. Responsible for working closely with nonprofit tenants of the campus to maximize coordination of services and ensure nonprofit leaders can inform and contribute to the ongoing development of the campus and community.

2. External Relationships and Advocacy

• Public Engagement.  Serve as Primary spokesperson for FHS to the press, government, funders, the public, and others as needed. 
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, local government officials, funders and other stakeholders to advance FHS initiatives.
• Community Engagement.  Responsible for initiating, convening, coordinating and implementing all community residents and customer engagement activities including community empowerment and engagement and customer marketing and recruitment for community development projects. Plan and implement community building and organizing campaigns with residents and organizations and to connect the campus to the greater North Lawndale community.
• Represents FHS within the greater North Lawndale/East Garfield Park communities, and citywide, to advance community development goals and strategies on the west side and within the Homan Square target community, including membership on community Boards and other organizations.
• Community Development Advocacy.  Monitor neighborhood and broader community development trends, advocating for policies and projects that advance FHS’s mission and vision
• Communications Planning.  Works with IFF External Affairs staff to develop and implement ongoing communications and resource development plans needed to support the campus and IFF’s work in the community.

3. Operations and Management 

• Program Management.  Oversee the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services that align with FHS’s mission, community needs, and strategic plans.   
• Staff and Vendor Oversight.  Manage, monitor, and support staff and vendors, ensuring all are held accountable for performance and organizational outcomes.   
• Work with IFF staff to maintain a knowledge and understanding of both current and future FHS commercial and residential operations and assets including tenant relationships, housing concerns, financial and budgetary matters and future expansion and development. Attend and participate in appropriate meetings, phone conferences, email updates and briefings related to maintaining a high level understanding of FHS business matters and IFF’s strategic goals.
• Facility Management Oversight.  Serve as thought partner to Facility management personnel on building capital improvements, maintenance plans and safety.
• Legal and Risk Management.  Work with legal counsel to mitigate risk, handle any legal issues, and protect FHS’s interests.

4. Financial Oversight

• Fundraising Strategy and Execution.  In collaboration with the IFF team, participate in the development and execution of fundraising strategies, including donor prospecting and cultivation.  Maintain relationships with key donors and partners and increase revenue to support FHS’s initiatives. Fundraising plans should address both annual operating and long-term capital requirements 
• Budget and Financial Management.  Oversee the financial health of the FHS by developing and managing budgets in partnership with the FHS CFO.  Monitor cash flow and expenses, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately and budget projections are realistic and attainable.   
• Reporting.  In partnership with FHS CFO, provide the Board with regular financial reports and updates on organizational performance.  

5. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.

6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing.  Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge. 

7. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.

8. Perform other projects as assigned.

Performance Measures: 

1. Successful completion of strategic activities and projects according to goals set forth in annual work plan. Responsiveness to new activities and projects that emerge or are assigned, and the ability to advance these successfully.

2. High level of satisfaction of FHS Board, Community Advisory Committee members, campus partners and target area residents with respect to coordination of meetings, events, activities and communications.

3. High level of satisfaction of IFF Community Development Solutions, Asset Management, and other internal IFF teams with respect to coordination and performance of agreed upon supports.

4. Written and oral presentations are clear, well organized, comprehensive and persuasive. Appropriate supporting material and visual aids are well utilized and enhance the presentation.

5. Fundraising opportunities are developed and funding goals are met. 

6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing.  Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge. 

7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement. 

8. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.

9. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment.  Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.

Position Qualifications:

Education:  Master’s Degree preferred, preferably in nonprofit management, community development, urban planning or studies or business.

Previous Experience: At least 7 years of executive leadership experience and involvement with  community engagement or organizing, community development, and, leadership development.

Special Knowledge & Skills: 

• Knowledge of the greater North Lawndale community, its nonprofit organizations and elected officials is preferred.
• Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills. 
• Some fundraising experience is preferred
• Familiarity with organizational change management

Additional Requirements:  Occasional travel outside of Chicago; occasional early start or extended hours and evenings or weekend work. 

Standard Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• Short and long term disability

Work-Life Balance Benefits:

Hybrid workplace

Summer Fridays 

Employee Development Benefits:

• Professional development stipend
• Mentorship program

Miscellaneous:

• Wellness programs
• Employee assistance
• Referral Bonuses

IFF does not offer the following:

• relocation package
• 100% remote 
• provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.

Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. 

Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.  

IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve.  IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.