Executive Director, Foundation for Homan Square
IFF
Title: Executive Director, Foundation for Homan Square
Employee Status: Full-time Exempt
Salary: Grade 08
Salary Range: $125,000 - $160,000
Reports to: Executive Director of Chicago
Department: Foundation of Homan Square
Location: Chicago
Hybrid Remote: In office: T/W | Remote: M/Th/F
Department Function: IFF manages the Foundation for Homan Square. The Foundation for Homan Square is a non-profit organization formed in 1995 to oversee the Homan Square redevelopment plan. The Foundation serves as an umbrella organization managing initiatives and properties on the Homan Campus, including the Homan Square Community Center, The Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center, and the Nichols Tower.
The Organization
IFF is a mission-driven lender, real estate consultant, and developer that helps communities thrive. Key to our success has been a deep sense of purpose, a broad perspective, and a relentless focus on achieving positive results. Across the Midwest we help clients from every sector, including human service agencies, health centers, schools, affordable housing developers, and healthy food grocery operators. Staff contribute extensive business experience and an unrivaled connection to the mission of IFF to the clients we serve.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Partnering to create thriving communities is at the heart of everything we do. We leverage knowledge, capital, and resources to advance equitable and transformational outcomes in under-resourced communities, guided by our commitment to be an inclusive, anti-racist and anti-oppressive institution that honors communities as asset-rich and as experts in their own stories.
Basic Job Function
The Executive Director (ED), Foundation for Homan Square (FHS) advances community engagement and stakeholder collaborations in the greater North Lawndale and East Garfield Park communities and the Homan Square campus in alignment with IFF’s mission and its strategic plan. The ED is responsible for coordinating all of IFF’s activities for FHS as part of its Placed Based Initiatives, including asset management to support effective residential and commercial tenant relationships and the ED also supports IFF’s Development Group in implementing real estate development projects to further FHS’ strategic plan. The ED is the identified leader of FHS and is responsible for managing FHS Board; advisory committees; community relations; and public relations including with elected officials and government. The ED is responsible for developing and leading a vision for Homan Square. The ED shall maintain an understanding and knowledge of FHS current and future commercial and housing assets and business operations.
IFF is looking for candidates with a commitment to the work we do who can demonstrate their creativity, diligence, enthusiasm, growth-mindset, thoughtfulness, and passion to make meaningful change in the areas of economic and racial justice.
Core Responsibilities:
1. Represents the FHS within the greater North Lawndale communities, and citywide as needed to advance community development goals and strategies in the west side and the Homan Square campus.
2. Works with the President, Social Impact Accelerator, the Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and other members of the IFF - FHS team to advance a strategic planning framework to develop a new shared vision for future community development in and around the Homan Square campus.
3. Coordinate and staff the FHS Board of Director and Community Advisory Committees including setting schedules, developing and sending materials, and coordinating other IFF staff when needed.
4. Provides strategic guidance to IFF Real Estate Services and Asset Management staff to inform the development and implementation of real estate projects, management of real estate assets, and strong customer service with residential and commercial tenants.
5. Works with IFF staff to maintain a knowledge and understanding of both current and future Foundation for Homan Square commercial and residential operations and assets including tenant relationships, housing concerns, financial and budgetary matters and future expansion and development. Attends and participates in appropriate meetings, phone conferences, email updates and briefings related to maintaining a high level understanding of Foundation for Homan Square business matters and IFF’s strategic goals.
6. Plans and organizes community building and community engagement activities on the campus and to connect the campus to the greater North Lawndale community.
7. Responsible for working closely with nonprofit tenants of the campus to maximize coordination of serves and ensure nonprofit leaders are able to inform and contribute to the ongoing development of the campus and community.
8. Responsible for the development and coordination of the Homan Square Leadership Council to provide a liaison and reporting/advising relationship between the executive leadership of HS campus providers and the IFF leadership, Board and other staff members. Organizes meetings and other activities to develop and nurture client engagement and ensure strategic support of IFF’s management goals and future development.
9. Works with IFF communications staff to develop and implement ongoing communications plan needed to support the campus and IFF’s work in the community.
10. Maintains required job knowledge and skills and core professional competencies. Attends and participates in required educational programs and staff meetings.
11. Performs other duties as assigned.
Performance Measures
1. High level of satisfaction of Board and Community Advisory Committee members and campus partners with respect to coordination of meetings, events, activities and communications.
2. Successful completion of strategic activities and projects according to goals set forth in annual work plan. Responsiveness to new activities and projects that emerge or are assigned, and the ability to advance these successfully.
3. High level of campus partner satisfaction with respect to coordination of events, activities and communications.
4. Internal and external meetings are facilitated in an organized way and are meaningful to the participants. Outcomes of these meetings are documented and receive follow through.
5. Written and oral presentations are clear, well organized, comprehensive and persuasive. Appropriate supporting material and visual aids are well utilized and enhance the presentation.
6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
8. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
9. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.
10. Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Promotes an environment of empathy and respect, ensures the inclusion of all team members, and will actively engage in EDI events and learning opportunities.
11. Perform other projects as assigned.
Performance Measures:
1. High level of satisfaction of Board and Community Advisory Committee members and campus partners with respect to coordination of meetings, events, activities and communications.
2. Successful completion of strategic activities and projects according to goals set forth in annual work plan. Responsiveness to new activities and projects that emerge or are assigned, and the ability to advance these successfully.
3. High level of campus partner satisfaction with respect to coordination of events, activities and communications.
4. Internal and external meetings are facilitated in an organized way and are meaningful to the participants. Outcomes of these meetings are documented and receive follow through.
5. Written and oral presentations are clear, well organized, comprehensive and persuasive. Appropriate supporting material and visual aids are well utilized and enhance the presentation.
6. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
7. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
8. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
9. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.
10. Cultivates a culture of openness in information sharing. Encourages open communication, cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge.
11. Models personal accountability that promotes ownership and engagement.
12. Builds and maintains effective working relationships with colleagues, peers and team members.
13. Values and supports differences in others, contributing to an inclusive work environment. Demonstrates the ability and willingness to communicate effectively with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a collaborative, collegial, and caring community.
14. High level of satisfaction with both internal colleagues and external contacts.
Position Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred, preferably in urban planning or studies, business or communications.
Previous Experience:
At least five years of experience in community engagement, community development, and, leadership development.
Knowledge of the greater North Lawndale community, its nonprofit organizations and elected officials preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal and customer service skills.
Ability to manage multiple, diverse tasks and prioritize among them. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal skills. Ability to develop presentation and collateral materials for meeting and community outreach purposes.
Additional Requirements: Regular travel to IFF’s headquarters; occasional early start or extended hours and evening or weekend work.
Standard Benefits:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid time off
401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
Life Insurance
Short and long term disability
Work-Life Balance Benefits:
Hybrid workplace
Summer Fridays
Employee Development Benefits:
Professional development stipend
Mentorship program
Miscellaneous:
Wellness programs
Employee assistance
Referral Bonuses
IFF does not offer the following:
- relocation package
- 100% remote
- provide sponsorship to applicants who require or will require a work permit.
Check off only some boxes in the requirements listed above. Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. So, if you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.
Application Instructions: Please visit the Careers section of our website to apply online.
IFF values equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its mission to strengthen nonprofits and the communities they serve. IFF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.