Community Development Director

Reports to: Director of Programs
(Permanently), CEO/President (Interim)

Classification: Full Time Associates
(Exempt)

Supervisory Function:  None

Job Description:

As a part of the team, the Community Development Director will
be responsible for planning, managing, and executing the community
development program area.  The key responsibilities include
developing and managing program plans, priorities, evaluations, and
budgets and conducting grantee and program reviews.   The
director is expected to provide leadership in the field, work with
donors to support effective grantmaking, and contribute to asset
development.

Responsibility:

Program Leadership

• Facilitate identifying needs, available resources, and
  effective strategies to execute program plans.
• Ensure grant-making guidelines provide clear guidance to grant
  seekers.
• Conduct or commission research on issues or concerns of
  importance to the Foundation─ through written materials,
  interviews, community meetings, networks, or other useful
  vehicles.
• Initiate actions to stay current and learn about community
  issues, needs, and organizations within the area(s) of focus.
• Assess and provide grant recommendations.
• Facilitate alliance-building and collaboration among key public
  agencies, nonprofit service providers, community-based
  organizations, foundations, and the private sector to influence
  change.  
• Fund Development

Program and Grant Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the annual grant-making program
  budget.
• Screen grant applications and work with grant seekers to
  provide clear guidance on program priorities and expectations from
  proposals.
• Conduct due diligence on accepted proposals and provide the
  rationale for funding or declining.
• Monitor grants from proposal approval through the close of
  grant records to ensure compliance with grant terms.  Review
  contingency, progress, and final reports, and respond to grant
  recipient’s request for changes, with assistance from
  administrative and finance staff.  
• Advise grants manager regarding grant contingency and payment
  schedules.
• Handle applicant queries regarding grant-making decisions.
• Design and monitor program evaluation procedures for program
  priorities.
• Identify and develop grant-making opportunities to utilize
  restricted funds.

Community Engagement

• Participate in activities to enhance team members’ knowledge
  and those in the field.
• Provide leadership and engagement with community partners.
• Recruit and facilitate advisory and other committees for grant
  and research processes.
• Serve as a public representative and content expert for the
  Foundation in the community development field of interest.

Other

• Manage other special projects and programs as assigned.
• Work as a multidisciplinary and interdepartmental team member
  to ensure effective and efficient operations of the
  Foundation.
• Seek appropriate opportunities to partner with grant recipients
  and other funders to increase Foundation and community
  visibility.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required with at least ten years of
  experience working in preferable areas of community development,
  human capacity development, or economic development. 
• Experience as a Grantmaker preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in community development,
  organizing, civic engagement, community revitalization, human
  services, and public and nonprofit sectors.
• General familiarity with Arkansas, Louisiana, and
  Mississippi.  Knowledge and experience working with rural
  communities.
• Graduate degree preferred.

Competitive salary and benefits: 401(k) retirement savings and
planning, medical, dental, vision, life AD&D, vacation,
medical, and paid holidays. Benefits include cell phone and gym
reimbursement, education assistance, and professional
development.

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest
and resume to [email protected].
All materials should be addressed to Meshelle Rawls, Director of
Administration. Candidates invited to move forward in the hiring
process should be prepared to submit a writing sample and
references.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions.
This position is primarily performed in an office setting and may
require occasional travel.

This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned
duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may
be amended at any time at the employer’s sole discretion.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform essential job functions.

This position requires a valid state driver’s license, safe
driving record, reliable transportation, and insurability through
our vehicle insurance carrier.

The Foundation for the Mid South is an Equal Opportunity
Employer committed to diversity. We believe that no one should be
discriminated against because of their differences, such as age,
disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression,
religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be
made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex,
national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic
information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis
as protected by federal, state, or local law.

About the Foundation:

Founded in 1990, the Foundation for the Mid South is a regional
foundation that improves individuals and communities by bringing
people together, strengthening communities, and multiplying
resources. By working with a wide range of resources, skills, and
talents, the Foundation strives to nurture families and children,
improve schools, and build economies for all throughout Arkansas,
Louisiana, and Mississippi. For more information, please visit
www.fndmidsouth.org.