Program Officer, Philadelphia LISC

Posted by on November 18, 2013

Philadelphia LISC is looking to hire a second Program Officer.  Attached here and below is the job description — please share with your networks.  The application deadline is December 13th. Thank you.

Program Officer Position

Background

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), widely recognized as the nation’s premier community development intermediary, has a 32-year history of investing in community-based organizations focused on rebuilding urban neighborhoods and rural communities. LISC mobilizes corporate, government, and philanthropic support to provide local community development organizations with (1) loans, grants, and equity investments; (2) local, statewide, and national policy support; and (3) technical and management assistance.  LISC works throughout the nation to assist its various partners to implement our comprehensive, place-based community revitalization strategy that we call Building Sustainable Communities (BSC).  The BSC framework has five core activities:  developing, preserving and investing in housing and other real estate; increasing family income and wealth; stimulating local and regional economic activity; improving access to quality education; fostering livable, safe and healthy environments. For more information about LISC, visit http://www.lisc.org.

Philadelphia LISC has incorporated the BSC framework into local Sustainable Communities Initiatives (SCI) in Eastern North and West Philadelphia.  In addition, Philadelphia LISC works with community-based organizations throughout the city to develop affordable housing, commercial ventures, and community facilities, as well as to support commercial corridor, family income and community safety programs.

Description

Philadelphia LISC seeks a Program Officer to oversee its Sustainable Communities Initiative in West Philadelphia (SCI West), and coordinate Financial Opportunity Center (FOC), Commercial Corridor, and lending programs.  The individual hired to fill this position will be expected to provide financial and technical assistance to neighborhood partner organizations; develop new programs and projects in SCI-West; strengthen partnerships among community-based organizations, anchor institutions, and other corporate, civic and public sector organizations; build and maintain consensus among different constituencies; and advocate for policy and system innovations.  In addition, the individual will be responsible for managing and expanding following strategic priorities across Philadelphia:  Financial Opportunities Center, Commercial Corridor and lending programs. The position reports to the Deputy Director; and may have supervisory duties over interns.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Manage the implementation of comprehensive community plans and activities in SCI West, including detailed work plans that are consistent with the overall strategy and supported by key stakeholders.
• Work with Deputy Director to develop and implement strategies to accomplish lending goals.  Underwrite and close real estate transactions for LISC loans and investments.
• Implement and expand commercial corridor revitalization efforts in key neighborhood districts. Work with community organizations to connect businesses to technical assistance and financing, share best practices and facilitate business owners’ participation.
• Coordinate and oversee performance of Financial Opportunities Centers, including developing and maintaining detailed knowledge of the various organizations and stakeholders involved in FOCs. Provide technical assistance related to the utilization of program tracking software, and the identification of best practices related to FOCs.
• Develop a solid and respectful working relationship with the neighborhood partner organizations and grantees. Maintain an in-depth knowledge of their organizational conditions, programs and projects.
• Identify and sustain good working relationships with local governmental agencies that are positioned to assist and support LISC’s work.
• Provide technical assistance to neighborhood partner organizations and other program participants to ensure effective implementation of SCI-West, lending, FOC and commercial corridor programs.
• Prepare and oversee grants and contracts and manage program budgets, in consultation with the Deputy Director.
• Prepare, monitor, and track performance and outcomes of grant recipients and borrowers.
• Create and maintain a reporting system that provides measurement data to track program success and challenges.
• Assume responsibility for special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to an inclusive, community-based, resident-driven model of community planning and decision-making.
• Team oriented with an aptitude to learn from others.
• Self-directed worker who takes initiative and is able to coordinate and balance the different responsibilities of this position.
• Flexibility in dealing with a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including but not limited to residents, community development organizations, public agencies, private developers, funders and lenders.
• Capacity to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and projects, while still meeting program priorities.
• Detailed and timely attention to reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Hands on experience in real estate development or real estate lending in a community development field preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree required.  Graduate level education in urban studies, policy or related fields highly preferred.
• Seven years experience in real estate development or lending, urban planning, workforce development, community development, and/or other relevant field work in diverse urban environments.

Please submit detailed cover letter with salary requirements, resume, and writing sample by December 13, 2013 to Dana Hanchin, Deputy Director at dhanchin@lisc.org.

LISC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION