Sustainable Communities Initiative Manager

Building on a foundation of 22 years of providing affordable housing and eliminating vacant problem properties in Orange and East Orange, New Jersey, HANDS is projecting a 21st century vision going beyond redevelopment to address community needs, education, social services and job creation. By actively engaging more stakeholders in shaping the Valley neighborhood and the city of Orange as a whole, the vision will be refined and an operational strategy to revitalize this special community developed. A new position is being created to lead the refinement and implementation.

Position
The Sustainable Communities Initiative Manager is responsible for leading and managing the creation and implementation of a comprehensive neighborhood quality of life plan for the Valley neighborhood of Orange, NJ. This includes all facets of implementing a strategy, reporting on the plan and leveraging financial and other resources. This plan will be built on years of citizen-driven input and planning documents already in place. This position reports to HANDS' Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities:

	Managing the SCI program and integrating existing and future program-related activities within the organization.
	Building and maintaining key relationships within government, private and nonprofit sectors.
	Managing community planning processes for the development of physical facilities and human services, and implementing recommendations resulting from those plans.
	Generating organizational and community commitment to new priorities and projects.
	Assessing existing programs operating within the Valley neighborhood and identifying service deficiencies and opportunities.
	Assessing the merits of exemplary programs in use elsewhere for adaptation to the Valley neighborhood.
	Providing project management to a range of programs ranging from real estate to social services.
	Working with consultants and nonprofit organizations to attract and integrate new or improved services.
	Collaborating with other organizations and staff engaged in SCI region-wide.
	Hiring and supervising the community organizer/outreach worker.
	Preparing reports, as required, for submission to LISC and other funding partners.

Qualifications
A college degree is required, preferably in a community development related field, combined with experience in a management position in a nonprofit, government or relevant corporate setting. A proven track record in designing and implementing social, housing, economic development and/or other related programs needed. Strong project management skills, fundraising and grant writing experience, demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams in diverse settings, entrepreneurial orientation, excellent writing, oral presentation and computer skills vital. Requires willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends. A successful candidate is likely a person who is: passionate about neighborhood revitalization, a detailed-oriented problem solver, comfortable with collaborative work, calm under pressure and self-motivated.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits

To Apply:  Send cover letter, resume, salary history to: kelli@handsinc.org
 
Sustainable Communities Initiative

The Sustainable Communities Initiative (SCI) has been adopted by LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), a funder of residential and commercial development that has invested $7.8 billion in underserved neighborhoods to create affordable housing, retail/business space and facilities for child care, schools, the arts and new playing fields by partnering with community organizations. As a result, much progress has been made. In response to this progress towards revitalization, LISC is supporting the next step in community development by shifting efforts to sustain and build places where human opportunity and social and economic vitality combine with a continuous process of growth, adaptation and improvement. This next phase concentrates on creating opportunities for residents of the community to raise their incomes, build assets and gain access to quality education, health care, jobs, services and recreational amenities. To this end, LISC supports the implementation of locally-driven quality-of-life plans in targeted neighborhoods. HANDS, a long-time recipient of LISC support, is one of three New Jersey community organizations selected for assistance in taking this next step.
 

	Enhance educational opportunities
	Create careers for young people
	Expand businesses, jobs, and tax revenues
	Increase recreation programs and events
	Beautify the neighborhood
	Lift community spirit
	Celebrate the history of our community
	Project a unique identity for the Valley neighborhood and beyond

	Engage the ValleyArts participants to create a strong community arts organization
	Direct and coordinate all ValleyArts programs, events and activities as outlined in the ValleyArts Business Plan in collaboration with partner organizations and the ValleyArts steering committee.
	Build an active organization of organizational partners and committed community volunteers.
	Oversee and coordinate beautification and arts and cultural events with volunteer committees.
	Fundraise to support the ValleyArts Business Plan.
	Develop and implement a public relations and marketing campaign that will raise visibility for ValleyArts throughout the region and establish its unique identity and brand.
	Establish a viable artist community in the Valley collaborating with the ValleyArts Artists’ Committee.

	Coordinate the development and use of at least 70 arts spaces within the Valley.
	Attract and nurture a core of committed people to lead the ValleyArts organization and it committees.
	Develop the advisory board of ValleyArts to guide its activities and establish it as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, nonprofit organization.
	Administer all grants including financial oversight and reporting

	Bachelors degree in management, arts administration, public administration or a related field
	Masters degree in relevant field a plus
	At least 10 years of pertinent work experience with increasing levels of responsibility
	Ability to work effectively with diverse communities, donors, artists, community groups and government agencies
	Excellent written and verbal communications skills with the ability to represent ValleyArts to community groups, constituents, donors, funders and volunteers
	Proven ability to build consensus and deliver results
	Proven track record of fundraising for the arts
	Strong budgeting and financial management skills including literacy in PC application (e.g., Excel).

	Implementing policy campaigns that link the issues of housing and community development to such concerns as poverty, inequality and environmental justice;
	Overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services that support the mission;
	Leading the fundraising efforts of the organization including supporting board member involvement in fundraising;
	Serving as the advocate and representative of the organization and participating with key association and organizations and speaking in public settings;
	Hiring and managing the staff including overseeing the staff performance review process;
	Providing regular, timely internal financial statements to the board that compare performance to budget and to the previous year or other benchmarks;
	Building positive relationships with policymakers, partner organizations, media, and grassroots activists.

	At least five years of significant leadership, management, supervision and team-building experience;
	Successful fundraising experience with private and public sources;
	Ability to work with a diverse board of directors and staff;
	Strong communications and public relations skills;
	Knowledge of affordable housing, community development, and urban issues highly desirable, but not required;
	Passion for grassroots advocacy and anti-poverty issues;
	Experience in working with media sources and knowledge of communications and technology;
	Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and priorities;
	Strong public speaking skills;
	Ability to communicate the findings of social science research projects;
	A sense of humor and patience, combined with a collaborative, consensus-building approach;
	Organized and able to multi-task;
	Graduate degree in policy, planning, public administration, political science, or journalism preferred but not required.