What: SFF seeks a full-time Program Officer to work with community partners and leaders, public officials, residents, funders and other stakeholders to create, implement and document community-led strategic efforts and further SFF’s inclusive housing investment goals.
Specifically, the Program Officer has responsibility for developing and implementing a new programmatic strategy focused on housing for North Lawndale. This work involves formulating community-specific housing priorities, investment strategies and policy alternatives that drive social change and promote neighborhood transformation while preserving the unique cultural heritage of North Lawndale. The strategy will center on assessing and identifying a range of high quality affordable housing needs and development opportunities.
Responsibilities include:
- Provide strategic guidance, hands-on support and technical assistance to community partners (grantees) resulting in action plans, clear implementation steps/responsibilities, and measureable outcomes.
- Develop deep relationships, partnerships and alliances with municipal officials, community leaders, residents, foundations, consultants and other stakeholders to develop plans, support their implementation and inform policy that best supports community efforts.
- Provide support and direct technical assistance as needed to community partners in the areas of strategic planning, board development, financial management, fiscal management, human resources, program and operational development and other aspects of capacity building as needed.
- Assist in the coordination and development of scope of services and selection process for consultants to community partners and collective impact hubs and supervise their work.
- Regularly update SFF team on planning and implementation progress and align/broker connections where possible.
- Work with SFF team to develop and monitor reporting systems on the project/program status of each grantee for internal and external use.
- Track national and local trends, research and best practices that impact housing development and stability to inform SFF’s strategic direction as well advance the knowledge and practices of community partners.
- Prepare and monitor annual program plans and budgets and communicate status of work and outcomes achieved to trustees, community partners and other stakeholders on a regular basis.
- Solicit and review proposals and letters of inquiry, arrange and manage site visits, prepare proposals for board review, and present written and verbal recommendations to the trustees; monitor program evaluation procedures for housing initiatives; assist in the preparation of grant agreement and decline letters and work to communicate clearly with successful grantees as well as organizations that do not receive support from the Foundation.
- Work with community partners to facilitate communication and information sharing and support the development of affinity groups or other appropriate collaborative structures to guide the Foundation’s programmatic efforts where possible.
- Work in conjunction with the Executive Director and the Healthy & Safe Communities Program Lead to ensure the effective and efficient operations of the foundation, including the strategic refinement of the grant making process and limited aspects of financial management.
- Represent SFF at community and local events on a regular basis.
- Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.
- Passionate belief in the Steans Family Foundation mission to respectfully collaborate with vulnerable communities and improve the quality of life for its residents.
- Familiarity with Chicago area. Working knowledge of the economic, political, and social environments of Chicago, especially vulnerable neighborhoods, community based organizations, and community development efforts.
- The successful candidate should have a commitment to community-based development, experience in developing affordable housing and/or other community-based real estate development, knowledge of financing real estate projects, and an ability to share this knowledge by providing technical assistance to local groups.
- Proven ability to achieve measurable, meaningful results.
- Creative ability to develop project and program ideas as needed and capitalize on emerging opportunities and leverage resources to support them.
- Project management and excellent written/oral communication skills for both formal and informal settings.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex transactions at various stages and coordinate with multiple internal and external parties to meet approval and closing deadlines.
- Ability and predisposition to contribute to intellectual give and take.
- Ability to initiate, foster and leverage contacts and networks to achieve strong, positive outcomes.
- High level of personal and professional integrity.
- Superior attention to detail and excellent follow-through.
- Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in urban planning, business or public administration, law, planning, policy or similar field a plus.
- At least 5 years of relevant experience in lending, finance, community development or related field, with demonstrated experience in affordable housing and real estate development, including project financing, market analysis, deal structuring, and financial analysis.
Application Process: Please send cover letter and resume by March 15, 2019 via email with "Program Officer” in the subject line to: Sheelah Muhammad, smuhammad@fic-sff.com