Exec. Director, Ravenswood Community Council - Chicago

Our Mission: To promote a vibrant, locally‐focused economy through community
involvement; to connect our schools and learning centers with neighborhood
stakeholders, and invest in initiatives that support our broader vision.
Since 1958, Ravenswood Community Council has served the diverse interests of
local residents and businesses. Originally founded to fight crime and blight, RCC
was one of the first urban conservation commissions in Chicago. Over five
decades, RCC has led efforts to preserve affordable housing, eliminate troubled
buildings, developed the “Shop 47″ campaign, assisted in the redevelopment of
the Ravenswood industrial corridor and helped respond to urban deforestation
through the Greening of Ravenswood. We believe creativity, sustainable living,
and vitality position Ravenswood as a destination neighborhood. RCC connects
residents and businesses through a proactive and inclusive approach to
community issues.

Information for applicants:
Application Deadline: January 2, 2014
Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample and successful grant sample (if
applicable). No phone calls ‐ emailed status inquiries accepted.
Please visit www.ravenswoodchicago.org for more information about working
with the Ravenswood Community Council.
All submissions should be directed to Danielle at RCCEDSearch@gmail.com

Executive Director Position
Description:
The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and manages the day‐to‐day
operations in accordance with plans, policies, and standards established by the Board of
Directors. The Executive Director is also the organization’s liaison with government agencies,
community groups, and businesses.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
Program Management
Supervises program, activities and initiatives as prioritized by the Board of Directors, including,
but not limited to: Membership Services, Fundraising and Grant acquisition, Business
promotion, attraction, expansion and retention
Develops and participates in projects which advance the member businesses; monitors and
reports to the Board of Directors on all membership programs; is responsible for production
and distribution of all promotional materials
Creates effective print materials, including letters, newsletters, program brochures and press
releases

Financial Management
With oversight of the Board’s Treasurer, and in accordance with board‐established financial
policies, is responsible for general financial oversight including paying and receiving, reporting,
budgeting, and vouchering.
Fundraising
• Works directly with Board in implementing and guiding fundraising objectives for
Council
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with funding sources
• Ensure quality, fundable proposals are submitted to governmental entities, foundations
and corporations to further expand organizational budget and abilities toward achieving
its mission.
• Write letters of inquiry and proposals for the purpose of securing funding.
• Prepare and submit all proposal applications. Track grant income, compile grant status
reports and final reports with assistance from staff
• Stay informed of funding, policy, and programmatic trends
• Communicate accomplishments of existing programs to funders through reports
• Identify and solicit new funders
Reporting to Board of Directors
• Works regularly with the Board, the Board President and Executive Committee on
matters of program, policy and financial management
• Attends Board meetings and records Board materials and minutes
• Provides Directors with accurate data regarding Council programs and operations
Community Representation
• Works with the representatives of Chicago city government and elected City, State and
Federal officials as well as representatives of the Chicago Police Department
• Represents the Council members and the business community as a whole
Personnel Management
• With the Board of Directors, is responsible for human resource matters, including
recruitment, hiring, training, evaluation, promotion, suspensions, and dismissals.
Qualifications
• Bachelors degree required, Masters preferred
• Minimum 5 years relevant experience with a community organization or chamber of
commerce
• Proven record of grant acquisition and fundraising
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Demonstrable high level of leadership, self‐motivation, ability to work in low‐structure
environment, and ability to handle multiple priorities
Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel; Quickbooks desirable

Benefits
Salaried Position: $45K‐$60K – Commensurate with experience. 2 weeks Paid vacation/sick
leave, Ten paid holidays