Initiative Director – Working Cities Initiative

Lowell Working Cities Initiative

Job Posting: Initiative Director

Posting: July 18, 2016

Deadline: August 12, 2016

Job Title: Working Cities Initiative Director

Reports to: : Both Co-Chairs of the Working Cities Executive Board (The City of Lowell and the Coalition for a Better Acre) with the Executive Director of the Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) having responsibility for “day-to-day” supervision and direction.

Salary: $60,000 – $ 65,000 depending upon experience and qualifications.

Summary

The City of Lowell’s Working Cities Initiative represents a collaborative effort among its 13 community partners to direct community resources to the residents of the Acre neighborhood in a more effective and efficient manner. This collaborative effort will enable Acre residents to improve their educational, economic and inclusionary situation to become self-sufficient. Reporting to the Co-Chairs and under the direct supervision of the CBA Executive Director, the Initiative Director will work with the Executive Board to implement this project. The WCC Executive Board has embraced system change and collaborative leadership as the principal pillars to improve the quality of life in the Acre neighborhood. Our “long view” goals for the neighborhood include increased education and employment and the reduction of cultural barriers for a more self-sufficient community.

This is a three-year grant funded position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Initiative Director reports directly to the Co-Chairs and Executive Board in the performance of their duties. In addition, the Initiative Director provides support to the School Readiness, Economic Development, and Language and Inclusion working groups and maintains ongoing contact with the Advisory Board, Institutional Leaders, and Donors. In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the Initiative Director will perform these essential duties:

o Oversee and manage the Working Cities Initiative program to include the following:

o Develop a strategic plan with neighborhood stakeholders and a first year action plan defining City, CBA and stakeholder responsibilities in implementing the strategic plan goals.

o Assist in the preparation of financial documents and budgets for the Working Cities Initiative program.

o Work closely with the Co-Chairs and the Executive Board to implement the outlined work program, with active input from the Advisory Board.

o Establish meetings for the Working Groups and reach out to the Institutional leaders and Donors to support the program.

o Provide training support for the board members, as well as the Working Cities Initiative staff.

o Schedule ongoing workshops and community meetings to ensure communication with the Acre residents.

o Manage street team staff and interns. o Implement first year work plan and create work plans for the future years.

o Oversee evaluation process and submit required reports to the funding sources.

o Provide progress reports to the Co-Chairs, Executive Board, Advisory Board and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston o Encourage the active involvement of Acre residents in the implementation of the program.

o Identify and assist in securing additional funds to support the program initiatives outlined in the annual work plans.

o Develop new relationships with Acre businesses and other nonprofit partners.

o Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 Bachelor’s Degree and direct relevant experience required; Master’s Degree preferred.

 Bilingual candidate preferred with intercultural background.

 Past success in managing community projects in an urban environment.

 Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, including excellent writing skills.

 Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment and interact with people with different backgrounds: youth and seniors, public housing tenants, racial and ethnic minorities, public officials, etc..

 Proven ability to work efficiently and flexibly with a good sense of humor.

 Ability to work with public, nonprofit, business and community representatives with an interest in developing the Acre neighborhood.

 Self-disciplined, well-organized and able to follow through quickly.

 Creative and able to identify and initiate opportunities for system change.

 Proficient technology skills, including Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint.

 Proficient social media skills, including Facebook, Twitter and Snapchat.

Interested applicants may apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to WORKING CITIES INITIATIVE, c/o Ms. Pamela Miller, Office Manager, Coalition for a Better Acre, 517 Moody Street, Floor 3, Lowell, MA 01854-4014. Telephone inquiries: 978 452-7523.

Online submissions may be sent to: pamela.miller@cbacre.org .

The Working Cities Initiative is committed to non-discrimination and equal opportunity in employment.