Program Officer, Equitable Neighborhoods: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Philadelphia

POSITION DESCRIPTION

LISC Philadelphia seeks an individual with a commitment to strengthening communities to join its staff as Program Officer-Equitable Neighborhoods (PO). This is a full-time position focused on equitable community development with primary responsibility for our Equitable Neighborhoods portfolio, which includes place-based initiatives, capacity building, community engagement, and safety.

Candidates do not need to be experts in all areas but should have familiarity with them to be able to co-design and implement relevant projects and training curricula. Responsibilities include supporting the work of community-based partner organizations; strengthening collaborations among community-based organizations and with cross-sector partners; and identifying and leveraging investment opportunities. This position will support work in many Philadelphia neighborhoods and comprehensive, place-based work in the Southwest, Eastern North and Kensington neighborhoods.

The PO will report to the Deputy Director, supervise at least one Assistant Program Officer (APO), and work closely with other local and national colleagues. The PO will also support other programmatic activities, including affordable housing, economic development, and lending, as well as administrative and organization support, such as communications and resource development.  The Program Officer should also be committed to results-oriented implementation that continuously draws from applied learning and evaluation.

SPECIFIC JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and implement solutions to community/economic development issues utilizing LISC’s suite of programs, financing products and other tools. Coordinate projects and activities with Economic Development, Housing and Lending Program Officers and National LISC Program staff as appropriate.
• Strengthen community-based organizations’ resource, organizational, programmatic, networking and political capacities by providing funding, strategic guidance, planning and project management, technical assistance, and training.
• Develop solid and respectful working relationships with community-based partner organizations and grantees. Maintain an in-depth knowledge of their organizational conditions, programs and projects.
• Work with other staff in developing strategic collaborations with and among community-based organizations, anchor institutions, and other corporate, civic and public sector organizations to leverage LISC’s capabilities.
• Plan, convene and facilitate meetings, trainings and workshops.
• Prepare and manage program budgets, in consultation with the Deputy Director and staff.
• Manage grants and contracts between LISC and community-based organizations and consultants, through the lifecycle of the contract, including negotiation, drafting, execution, monitoring compliance, evaluating performance, and maintaining contractual records.
• Assist the Resource Development team in identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals, applications, reports, presentations and tours.
• Assume responsibility for special projects and other assignments, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or the equivalent combination of work experience and education preferred; graduate level education is a plus.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years’ experience in community/economic development or related field. Program or project management experience in or with community-based organizations is strongly preferred.
• Keen interest in and commitment to the community development mission of LISC.
• Highly motivated, solution-oriented individual who is self-directed, and able to successfully balance multiple priorities and time-bound projects/programs.
• Demonstrated commitment to an inclusive, racial-equitable, community-based, resident-driven model of community development and decision-making.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural sensitivity and familiarity with the racial and ethnic diversity represented in the communities that we serve in the city of Philadelphia, including but not limited to North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia, and Southwest Philadelphia.
• Ability to navigate the economic and political environments of Philadelphia and interact with a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including but not limited to, residents, community development organizations, public agencies, private developers, funders and lenders.
• Highly skilled in teambuilding and results-based facilitation techniques.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Experience and knowledge in government contracts management and compliance a plus.
• While LISC is still working remotely, candidates must be local to the Philadelphia area.

Compensation

LISC offers a competitive salary and excellent fringe benefits.