Director of Community Development

Position Title:                    Director of Community Development                                                                      

Report To:                         Vice President of Community Development

Department/Division:       Community Development

Classification:                   Exempt

Position Summary:

Working in close collaboration with the Vice President of Community Development, the Director of Community Development will be tasked with developing and executing plans that align with the department's program of work. The aim is to support our strategic goals for community and economic development, which will require working with both internal and external stakeholders to identify needs, develop action plans, secure financing, and implement solutions.  Additionally, the Director will be responsible for composing and submitting grants and proposals, as well as serving as a project manager to ensure the successful execution of these funded projects.

Essential Functions:

• Convene internal and external partners to analyze community needs, develop action plans, and implement solutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, funders, community organizations, and individuals to assure that our initiatives are aligned with community needs.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities (private and federal) to fund community and economic development initiatives. This requires working independently and on a team.
• Conduct research to support strategic initiatives and funding.
• Stay current on industry trends and best practices in community development and economic growth.
• Develop and implement strategies to support the Chamber’s community and economic development.
• Assure compliance with local, state, federal, and grant-specific regulations such as 2 CFR Part 200 are met.
• Analyze data and trends to inform decision-making and identify areas for improvement.
• Project management duties as assigned: develop the project plan, coordinate project execution, communicates changes and progress, and manage project team activities.
• Coordinate work with other Chamber departments as required to meet project goals and objectives.
• Prepare progress reports and ensure timely submission.
• Manage, track, and report data and outcomes as required by project guidelines.
• Financial - manage budgets, prepare budget status reports, prepare invoices and purchase orders, and track and report departmental expenses.
• Coordinate contractor/vendor invoicing process to include reviewing documentation to assure applicable guidelines are met.
• Organize and maintain grant/project files and documentation.
• Attend meetings and events and make presentations on behalf of the department.
• Complete special projects as delegated by the VP of Community Development.
• Assist in developing the department’s Plan of Action and the division budget to meet the department’s objectives.
• Attend staff and departmental meetings, and safety and health training, as required, on time.
• Work when scheduled and comply with the company attendance policy.
• Participates in conferences and training as directed.
• Observe and practice all safety policies and procedures.
• Travel as required.
• Other related duties as assigned by the VP of Community Development.

Skills, knowledge, and abilities: (these are required to enable job holder to perform the essential functions of the job). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Demonstrate experience and ability to write grants, proposals, white papers, reports, and/or other forms of written communication in English.
• Ability to communicate clearly, orally, and in writing, and uses emotional intelligence to work through challenges and issues.
• Experience preparing and managing project budgets.
• Ability to be self-sufficient, independent, and resourceful.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and members face to face.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Possess communication skills to deal and negotiate with members of all backgrounds and personalities.
• Ability to work creatively and with flexibility in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high work standards.
• Exhibit a positive attitude and professional demeanor.
• Ability to use applied knowledge to formulate positive solutions to problem situations.
• Ability to effectively read, write and communicate in English.
• Possess advanced knowledge and usage of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google applications.
• Comfortable with extensive computer work, including the submission of online proposals, and quick learning of new software applications.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide, using fractions and decimals.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage priorities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. occasionally with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to see within normal range with or without corrective lenses.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time while using hands, fingers, and wrists repetitively on a keyboard.
• Ability to sit, stand and/or walk throughout the workday. 
• Adaptive to change with short notice.
• Ability to demonstrate organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Position requires meetings and activities outside of regular work hours; must be flexible.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with others to achieve common goals and outcomes.

Preferred but not required:

• Ability to create charts and graphics for reports and proposals using software such as Canva.
• Experience in grant preparation, submission. May include simple contract review and managing an RFP process.
• Ability to make presentations and speak in public.

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of professional experience required.
• Direct experience in proposal/grant writing, project management, grant administration, and/or leading community-based programs is a plus.

Work conditions:

This position includes both environmental conditions: Activities occur inside and outside.

Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.