Open Position

NeighborhoodsNOW Program Officer

Greater Kansas City LISC is seeking a Program Officer to assist in the implementation of the NeighborhoodsNOW Program.  NeighborhoodsNOW is an intensified investment program in six neighborhoods in metropolitan Kansas City, where multi-dimensional community-building tools are used to improve the quality of life of individuals living in those communities.  

The Program Officer will also have responsibility for servicing part of Greater Kansas City LISC’s financing portfolio, composed principally of grants and loans made to community-based organizations for programs and projects in various communities throughout the city. 

This position is also responsible for developing partnerships in crime and safety throughout the metropolitan region, and for creating and implementing the Community Safety Initiative model in NeighborhoodsNOW communities.  

The position will report to the Executive Director of Greater Kansas City LISC.

Responsibilities:

• Implement NeighborhoodsNOW in two or more of the selected neighborhoods, as assigned.
• Recommend grants and loans for projects in those neighborhoods.
• Negotiate, structure, underwrite, close and service loans as they develop.
• Oversee and/or prepare grant and loan documents for participants and projects in the program including government grants.
• Work with neighborhood residents and stakeholders to create and implement Quality of Life Plans to meet their economic, safety, housing and educational needs. 
• Create and/or find programs, projects, and resources that will accelerate progress on the Quality of Life Plans in the neighborhoods for which this position is responsible.
• Coordinate consultants, providers and other agencies (including public agencies) that deliver services to the neighborhoods in conjunction with NeighborhoodsNOW.
• Establish partnerships, collaborations and strategic alliances to bring financial resources, policies and programs to achieve community improvement objectives.
• Work with and provide information to individuals and organizations that are engaged to document and evaluate the program
• Provide timely reports on each of the neighborhoods for which this position is directly responsible, as required.
• Design and implement the Community Safety Initiative in all six NeighborhoodsNOW communities in coordination with other program officers, residents, police departments, and other stakeholders.

 Qualifications:

• Self-directed, independent worker who takes initiative and is able to utilize the systems and processes that support the inherent duties of this position.

• Flexibility and poise in dealing with a very diverse range of individuals and organizations, including but not limited to community development organizations, public agencies, private developers, funders and lenders.
• Creative ability to develop programs and/or projects and leverage resources as opportunities emerge within the selected neighborhoods.
• A strategic sense of community development and the manner in which an intermediary may intervene in the redevelopment of specific neighborhoods.
• Ability to lead a program or project; gain support and consensus; and be persuasive and compelling in advocating for community development tools and resources.
• Familiarity with and a mature sensitivity to the complex environment of community development and the varying types of organizations that are engaged therein.
• Strong ability to work simultaneously on multiple tasks and projects.
• General expertise in community development, including real estate development, human capital development, economic development and community programming.
• Specific technical experience in real estate lending, public finance and financial transactions.
• Detailed and timely attention to reporting requirements and deadlines.
• Strong ability to work in a team environment with cross-functionality between neighborhoods and programs.
• Excellent communication skills, presentation skills, computer skills and strong writing skills.
• Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience.

LISC offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits. 

To apply, please email a resume and brief cover letter with salary requirements,

to Julie Porter, Executive Director at jporter@lisc.org

Or by mail to:

Julie Porter, Executive Director

Greater Kansas City LISC

600 Broadway, Suite 280

Kansas City, MO 64105

Job posted:  July 20, 2011

Application deadline:  August 15, 2011

No phone calls please. 

LISC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.