Senior Associate, Programs
Orton Family Foundation
December 18, 2014
Professional Area:
Community Development and Redevelopment
Experience:
7-10 years
Contact person:
Carol Bertrand
Phone:
802-495-0864
Fax:
802-497-1746
Email:
cbertrand@orton.org
Location:
Shelburne, VT
The Orton Family Foundation helps people in small cities and towns recognize and honor their shared love of place in a way that guides local decisions to build economically resilient and socially vibrant communities. We do this by offering programs and tools that engage broad and diverse groups of residents in collaborative discussions and decision making driven by what they love most about their town – its “heart and soul”. This deliberative work prepares citizens to steward change that upholds their shared community values, which serves as the foundation for future decisions.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Programs, the Senior Associate will help the Foundation to refine and implement its signature Community Heart & Soul program on behalf of small cities and towns and assist in the expanded use of the program through partnerships, presentations, and training workshops. The Foundation is an operating foundation; as such, this position will be extensively involved at the community level researching and implementing Foundation programs with local people.
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of demonstrated success as a project manager balancing every day workload with big picture thinking. Experience with local government processes is required. The candidate must be a tech-savvy and people-oriented professional who can set and achieve Mission and strategic goals. Primarily a community-focused position, this individual must have strong commitment to accountability and communication with fellow Foundation staff members who develop and implement mission driven program and communication activities. Must have a deep commitment to and passion for the life, culture, heritage and future of rural small towns and cities across the USA.
Responsibilities
Program Development and Implementation
- Introduce and Implement the Community Heart & Soul model in the field with partner communities
- Assist in refining Heart & Soul steps, tools, and materials by assessing current materials and innovating with new information from the field
- Collaborate with partners to co-design and deliver Heart & Soul projects, ensuring work plans are followed and needs of partners are met
- Train and present the Heart & Soul philosophy, principles and process to identified and interested partners, communities and practitioners
- Research and adapt innovative technologies and methods for effective civic engagement, values-based planning, and community decision making designed for small towns and cities
- Develop and advise on new program initiatives
- Write content for resources and tools used to support model best practices
- Manage grant applications and grant agreements with community partners
- Maintain solid communication between the Foundation and its local Community partners
- Seek out opportunities to apply project work for local and national awareness
- Assist with Foundation-sponsored events including, workshops, trainings, convenings, and conferences
Knowledge, Skills, and Attributes
- High energy, positive “can-do” spirit
- Passion and vision about engaging diverse groups to make a positive difference for people in small towns and cities
- Handles stress with grace
- Flexible team player, sense of humor, accessible, and friendly
- Comfortable with travel at approximately 25% of time
- Familiarity with and interest in refining place-based decision-making tools
- Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated ability to develop, build, and manage relationships.
- Practiced at interdisciplinary thinking
- Experience with web-based communication tools (surveys, polling, visualization tools, etc.)
- Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks
- Ability to be flexible and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment and to work under deadline pressure
- Ability to be self-directed, work well in teams
- Strong analytical skills and intellectual curiosity
- Tolerance for ambiguity and possessing an entrepreneurial spirit
Qualifications
- Demonstrated working knowledge of and commitment to the Heart & Soul Program, or similar programs, and affinity for the Foundation’s mission
- Bachelor degree in Planning or related field, advanced degree useful, and a minimum of eight years professional work experience with at least three years in local government land use planning, zoning, and development review experience
- Strong computer skills, including MS Office products, Internet, and database applications
- Valid driver’s license
Compensation starts at $55 – $60k annually and is commensurate with experience and proven skills. The Foundation provides an excellent and comprehensive benefit package.
How to Apply
Please send your cover letter and resume no later than Friday, January 30, 2015 to: Human Resources, Orton Family Foundation, 120 Graham Way, Suite 126, Shelburne, VT 05482 or email to cbertrand@orton.org.