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Executive Director

Hybrid; Memphis, Tennessee, United States

LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC works with residents and partners to close gaps in health, wealth, and opportunity so that people and places can thrive. We do this by acting as a conduit for grants, loans and equity--and by providing technical assistance and capacity building--to locally rooted organizations that carry out the work in communities.

 

Position Description

The Executive Director will provide strategic direction and guidance for all aspects of LISC’s programs and investments in Memphis. The Executive Director is responsible for raising capital and resources locally that are leveraged by National LISC’s support, and stewarding relationships with government, philanthropy, community and civic partners. The position requires a strong commitment to the role of community‐based non‐profit organizations as agents of positive community change as well as an understanding of and appreciation for other key public and private partners who can offer additional resources to the work of community development in Memphis.

 

Responsibilities

Fundraising

  • Strategically cultivate and steward a portfolio of existing, including
    philanthropy, financial institutions, corporations, and government with a particular emphasis on
    growing investment in a measurable scalable way to accelerate efforts to improve communities.
  • Identify and cultivate new and existing relationships and provide innovative strategic opportunities with foundations, and private and public partners committed to Memphis and the community development ecosystem.
  • Spearhead and achieve the annual fundraising goals to ensure operational sustainability and meet the outcomes for programmatic work, including hosting an annual event and developing a communication strategy that elevates annual milestones.
  • Manage the leadership of the Local Advisory Committee and its committees to support the strategic direction of Memphis’ program activities and projects and connect LISC to strategic opportunities.
  • Implement the three-year strategic plan with oversight from the Market Excellence team.

 

Community Development Investment and Program Activity

  • Oversee the growth of the Memphis investment pipeline to support LISC’s comprehensive approach development by managing LISC lending activity, deploying existing resources, developing new loan products, and creatively leveraging available resources to expand impact with capital partners.
  • Manage large, complex public-private partnerships and programs, including a Home Repair program loan program and grant program. Work with government entities to provide technical assistance, innovative programs and problem-solving.
  • Provide the overall leadership, strategic direction, and guidance for all aspects of LISC’s programs, including growing LISC’s presence in Memphis externally and through strategic, targeted programs and investments.
  • Manage engagement of a wide variety of community partners to help bring holistic and integrated services to targeted neighborhoods with stakeholders, such as local government, state agencies, other private and quasi‐public financial institutions and intermediaries, advocacy groups, and community‐based organizations.
  • Implement a strategy for expanding workforce and economic stability.
  • Develop key partnerships with public and private partners, including local and national CDFIs, other LISC teams and LISC affiliates.

 

Public Policy and Advocacy

  • Provide leadership on housing and other community development policy issues in Memphis.
  • Advocate on behalf of LISC and the policy networks at the local, state and federal levels to secure the tools necessary to advance a comprehensive community development strategy.

 

Leadership and Management

  • Lead a professional staff of nine to carry out LISC’s strategy and operate its programs in a hybrid work environment. Provide professional development and training to the team.
  • Manage the annual operating and program budgets, including reporting.
  • Build and maintain positive work culture and relationships within national LISC.
  • Participate and contribute in national LISC leadership structure and meetings.
  • Bring visibility to local innovations and programs within the national LISC structure.
  • Maximize the use of national LISC resources and expertise in Memphis.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

 

 Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree (or the equivalent) from an accredited college or university, Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum twelve 12 years’ senior management level experience in community development, real estate, capital development and community revitalization.
  • Experience in shaping affordable housing through development or lending.
  • Demonstrated ability to attract and sustain philanthropic funding.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills, including experience speaking publicly in diverse forums.
  • Demonstrated management experience, including staff development, financial management and program implementation.
  • Demonstrated track record in providing leadership for the development and implementation of strategic vision.
  • Ability to establish priorities that align with a strategic plan and manage agendas and programs effectively.
  • Knowledge, understanding of, and experience in community development strategies, including working knowledge of real estate related resource and capital development strategies utilized in real estate and community revitalization efforts.
  • Experience building relationships, networking and collaborating effectively with ethnically/culturally/socio‐economically diverse populations and community organizations.
  • Knowledge of policy in housing; community development funding including grants, bond financing and debt, tax credit, equity, and tax increment incentives; economic development, including small business and workforce; and wealth‐building.
  • Fluency using and understanding data to inform decision‐making.

 

COMPENSATION

LISC offers a competitive salary ($141,036-$179,821) and excellent fringe benefits.

*Actual salaries may be based on several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's skill set, experience, education, work location and other qualifications.

Our benefits include: 

Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health plans for you and your family's well-being; Disability Insurance: Long-term and short-term coverage for peace of mind; Retirement Savings: Secure your future with our 401(k) and 403(b) plans; Generous Holidays: Enjoy ample time off to recharge and celebrate; Vacation, PTO, and Sick Days: Take advantage of flexible time-off policies to maintain work-life balance; Tuition Assistance: Pursue your educational goals with support from our tuition assistance program; Referral Program: Earn rewards for referring qualified candidates to join our team; Professional Development Opportunities: Grow and advance in your career with access to ongoing training and development programs tailored to your goals.

LISC is an equal opportunity employer. LISC does not discriminate in employment on account of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military status or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

We will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.

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