Executive Director

Position Description

The Executive Director will provide strategic direction and guidance for all aspects of LISC's programs and investments in Kalamazoo. The Executive Director is responsible for raising capital and resources locally that are leveraged by National LISC's support, and stewarding relationships with government, philanthropy, community and civic partners. The position requires a strong commitment to the role of community-based non-profit organizations as agents of positive community change as well as an understanding of and appreciation for other key public and private partners who can offer additional resources to the work of community development in Kalamazoo.

Responsibilities

Fundraising

• Strategically cultivate and steward a portfolio of existing, including philanthropy, financial institutions, corporations, and government with a particular emphasis on growing investments to accelerate efforts to close the racial wealth, health and opportunity gap.
• Identify and cultivate new and existing relationships and provide innovative strategic opportunities with foundations, and private and public partners committed to Kalamazoo and the community development ecosystem.
• Spearhead and achieve a million-dollar fundraising goal to ensure operational sustainability and meet the outcomes for programmatic work, including hosting an annual event and developing a communication strategy that elevates annual milestones.
• Manage the leadership of the Local Advisory Board and its committees to support the strategic direction of Kalamazoo's program activities and projects and connect LISC to strategic opportunities.
• Implement the three-year strategic plan with oversight from the Market Excellence team.

Community Development Investment and Program Activity

• Oversee the growth of the Kalamazoo investment pipeline to support LISC's comprehensive approach to equitable development by managing LISC lending activity, deploying existing resources, developing new loan products, and creatively leveraging available resources to expand impact with capital partners.
• Manage large, complex public-private partnerships and programs, including a Home Repair program and a housing fund. Work with government entities to provide technical assistance, innovative programs and problem-solving.
• Provide the overall leadership, strategic direction, and guidance for all aspects of LISC's programs, including growing LISC's presence in Kalamazoo externally and through strategic, targeted programs and investments.
• Manage engagement of a wide variety of community partners to help bring holistic and integrated services to targeted neighborhoods with stakeholders, such as local government, state agencies, other private and quasi-public financial institutions and intermediaries, advocacy groups, and community-based organizations.

• Implement a strategy for expanding workforce and economic stability.
• Develop key partnerships with public and private partners, including local and national CDFIs, other LISC teams and LISC affiliates.

Public Policy and Advocacy

• Provide leadership on housing and other community development policy issues in Kalamazoo.
• Advocate on behalf of LISC and the policy networks at the local, state and federal levels to secure the tools necessary to advance a comprehensive community development strategy.

Leadership and Management

• Lead a professional staff of three to carry out LISC's strategy and operate its programs in a hybrid work environment. Provide professional development and training to the team.
• Manage the annual operating and program budgets, including reporting.
• Build and maintain positive work culture and relationships within national LISC.
• Participate and contribute in national LISC leadership structure and meetings.
• Bring visibility to local innovations and programs within the national LISC structure.
• Maximize the use of national LISC resources and expertise in Kalamazoo.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university, Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum 12 years' senior management level experience in community development, real estate, capital development and community revitalization.
• Experience in shaping affordable housing through development or lending.
• Demonstrated ability to attract and sustain philanthropic funding.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience speaking publicly in diverse forums.
• Demonstrated management experience, including staff development, financial management and program implementation.
• Demonstrated track record in providing leadership for the development and implementation of strategic vision.
• Ability to establish priorities that align with a strategic plan and manage agendas and programs effectively.
• Knowledge, understanding of, and experience in community development strategies, including working knowledge of real estate related resource and capital development strategies utilized in real estate and community revitalization efforts.
• Experience building relationships, networking and collaborating effectively with ethnically/culturally/socio-economically diverse populations and community organizations.
• Knowledge of policy in housing; community development funding including grants, bond financing and debt, tax credit, equity, and tax increment incentives; economic development, including small business and workforce; and wealth-building.
• Fluency using and understanding data to inform decision-making.

Compensation

LISC offers a competitive salary ($122,400 - $153,000) and excellent fringe benefits.