Neighborhood Development Officer (Program Officer), Local Initiatives Support Corporation - Duluth, MN

Neighborhood Development Officer (Program Officer) Duluth LISC Office

The Neighborhood Development Officer (Program Officer) will be responsible for leading Duluth LISC’s efforts to seed revitalization in key neighborhood commercial districts and help to implement signature projects that are a part of LISC’s At Home in Duluth Building Sustainable Communities (BSC) strategy. 

Specific responsibilities will include underwriting requests for grants and loans primarily related to commercial, residential and other economic development projects, as well as providing technical assistance to nonprofit community development corporations and other entities on project and program structuring and subsidy sources. The position will work hand-in- hand with the LISC Executive Director to set the vision for Duluth LISC, including identifying priorities, mobilizing the most appropriate support to meet local needs and ensuring that LISC provides substantial added value, which will result in improved lives and neighborhoods. This is an opportunity to take a broad leadership role in the community development sector.

For more information about LISC visit www.lisc.org.

Now in its 17th year, Duluth LISC has invested more $76.3 million to local initiatives including support for renovating the historic NorShor Theatre into a community performing arts center; creating affordable housing for fifty families at the former Lincoln Park School; and providing job training and support for job seekers and small businesses in partnership with Duluth At Work. At this time, we invite applicants for a Neighborhood Development Officer who will have the primary responsibility of managing a wide array of community development activities and moving projects forward to facilitate and implement LISC’s BSC strategy. Program Officers are local technical assistant providers who have a wide variety of skill sets throughout LISC’s network including: program management and implementation; real estate development and finance; organizational capacity building; and have the ability to provide technical assistance in other areas as needs arise. 
For the right candidate, this Duluth LISC Program Officer position offers an excellent working environment and exposure to a broad range of community development activities. 

For more information on Duluth LISC visit www.duluthlisc.org.

LISC provides financial and technical assistance to nonprofit community development corporations (CDCs) and others working to improve housing and economic conditions in neighborhoods and communities where the majority of the residents are lower-income. Duluth LISC is committed to implementation of LISC’s BSC strategy which seeks to revitalize neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for families who live there. We do this through our strong focus on providing technical assistance, convening assistance, advocacy and financial support in four At Home in Duluth neighborhoods: the Hillsides, Lincoln Park, Morgan Park, and West Duluth, as well as the entire St. Louis River Corridor. In addition, Duluth LISC supports the development of affordable housing opportunities throughout the Greater Duluth area.

LISC is founded on the belief that locally directed physical, economic and social change is a uniquely powerful tool for revitalizing communities. Moreover, such redevelopment efforts generate positive consequences that go well beyond visible improvements, including the development of productive alliances among residents, local government, and the business and philanthropic community. We believe that by working holistically and mobilizing financial and technical resources both people and places will prosper.

The Neighborhood Development Officer will report to the Executive Director in Duluth and will work closely with the Duluth LISC Local Advisory Board (LAB), as well as the At Home in Duluth Collaborative.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Manage the implementation of organizational and financial programs comprising Duluth LISC’s At Home in Duluth neighborhoods, St. Louis River Corridor and Greater Duluth affordable housing initiatives through collaborative work with neighborhood-based non- profit partners, as well as public and private partners. This will include the following programs: Commercial corridor improvement, McKnight Foundation Seed grant fund, storefront enhancement, working capital loan fund, and other LISC resources.
   
2. Provide technical and financial assistance to CDCs and other partners undertaking economic development and housing projects in distressed neighborhoods. LISC financing includes: recoverable grants, pre-development loans, bridge financing, mezzanine and mini-perm financing, loan guarantees and equity funds; all intended to leverage both public and private resources.
   
3. Underwrite and prepare written qualitative and quantitative analyses of proposed LISC investments in commercial, mixed use and housing projects and make appropriate recommendations to the Executive Director, Duluth LISC Committees and national LISC.
   
4. Serve as a liaison to the various public and private lenders engaged in neighborhood economic development and revitalization initiatives. Also, establish a close working relationship with private developers, investors, and brokers who are interested in investing in Duluth’s neighborhoods.

7. Assist the Executive Director in the development of new program initiatives, and developing collaborative funding and lending arrangements with other financial and philanthropic institutions.
   
8. Work with the At Home in Duluth collaborative, the City and other key partners to build consensus for coordinated action in distressed neighborhoods.
   
9. Document the outputs and outcomes of our work in a manner that can be shared with funders,theLAB,andaspartofLISC’scommunicationsandmarketingstrategy. Monitor and prepare reports on the existing loan and grant portfolio and help develop strategies and proposals needed to fund and carry-out Duluth LISC’s mission and goals.
   

QUALIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

1. Bachelor’s Degree, and at least five years experience in real estate development and finance. Master’s degree preferred.
   
2. Extensive knowledge of commercial development and finance, preferably with affordable projects aimed at revitalizing lower income communities. Experience in residential and commercial underwriting, including setting up lines-of-credit, construction financing, and mortgage financing. Familiarity with multifamily housing development and asset management, especially projects using the Low Income Housing Tax Credit.
   
3. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
   
4. Strong computer skills: Microsoft Word and Excel and basic knowledge of social media.
   

QUALIFICATIONS - DESIRED

1. Experience working with nonprofit community-based organizations either directly or as a lender, public agency staff, consultant or technical advisor.
   
2. Familiarity with the economic, political and social environment of Duluth, especially with disinvested communities and the organizations which are active in them.
   
3. Previous experience in program development and technical assistance delivery, including analysis of non-profit CDC organizational and project/program financials.
   
4. Knowledge of small business planning and finance, including franchising and state and federal funding resources including the New Markets Tax Credit.
   5. Experience in working with computer spreadsheets and project proformas to analyze financial transactions and conditions.

Personal Characteristics

1. A demonstrated interest in and commitment to the revitalization of low and moderate income neighborhoods and communities.
   
2. The interpersonal skills necessary to work constructively with a wide variety of people and organizations; the ability to inspire trust, organize people into a team and motivate them to work intently and efficiently together.
   

4. Must be positive, solution-oriented professional with an entrepreneurial spirit.
   
5. Comfort with group processes and intangibles; a good sense of humor; patience; integrity.
   
6. The ability to be a team player and to promote broad consensus about strategies, plans and specific actions among diverse interests.
   

Salary: LISC offers a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
Please send cover letter describing what in your professional background demonstrates the competencies sought and what interests you most about working for Duluth LISC, along with your resume (preferably by email) to:

Pam Kramer, Executive Director, Duluth Local Initiatives Support Corporation
202 West Superior St. Suite 401 Duluth., MN 55802
pkramer@lisc.org
LISC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY & INCLUSION