Director, Jobs & Economic Development (TBF)

The Boston Foundation; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Boston Foundation in Boston, MA seeks a Director for Jobs & Economic Development to lead the strategy, implementation and evaluation of programs that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and access to high-quality jobs, with emphasis on women and minority groups.

The role drives grants, partnerships and policy work across education, workforce development and public policy, reporting to the foundation and engaging with a broad network of stakeholders to advance local economic growth.

Qualifications

• College degree with 10-12 years of relevant work experience.
• Deep understanding of urban economic development and the issues affecting low-income urban residents.
• Grantmaking and public policy experience is a plus.
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and proven ability to lead a complex, cross-sector, multi-dimensional agenda.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Leads development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and investments in the Foundation’s jobs & economic development program area.
• Forges partnerships to generate, oversee and leverage investment opportunities for grant making and community change efforts.
• Oversees staff and consultants; ensures cross-sector collaboration across education, workforce development and policy reform.
• Represents the Foundation in local and national forums and presents at convenings of key stakeholders and reports to the board.

Skills

Strategy development

Financial analysis

Budgeting

Impact assessment

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Director, Jobs & Economic Development (TBF)

Posted on April 03, 2018

The Director, Jobs and Economic Development drives development, implementation and evaluation of the Foundation’s jobs & economic development strategies to support strong and vibrant local economic development that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth, and increases access to high quality jobs — with a particular focus on women and minorities.

Essential Functions:

Leads and oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and investments in the Foundation’s jobs & economic development program area with a goal to:

• Accelerates innovation in low-income areas, and the creation and growth of new enterprises, especially in neighborhoods along the Fairmount-Indigo Commuter Line;
• Strategically invests in the creation of a supportive environment/eco-system which can ensure the success of participating women and minorities.
• Improves the quality of transitions and coordination amongst the adult basic education, post-secondary education and workforce development sub-systems;
• Expands the capacity and effectiveness of high-performing employment programs;
• Supports reform efforts of the Massachusetts community college system ensuring post-secondary certificate and degree programs prepare students for careers in high demand occupations;
• Executes all functions pertaining to the role of strategy leader, including strategy development, grant making, evaluation & assessment, board reporting and initiative management;
• Forges partnerships and collaborations to generate, oversee and leverage investment opportunities for the Foundation’s grant making and community change efforts;
• Utilizes research, knowledge and stakeholder relationships to improve outcomes for people and place, influence systems change, and advance relevant public policies;
• Utilizes strategic written and oral communications to advance the Foundation’s goals, participates in and presents at local and national forums, and convenings of key stakeholders;
• Participates in grant proposal review and recommendation process in collaboration with Foundation colleagues;
• Supervises other staff and consultants associated with the Initiatives and grantmaking; and
• Complies with administrative requirements of the Foundation and participate in other TBF activities as needed.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Individuals assigned to this position may perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Preparation, Knowledge, Previous Experience:

• College degree with 10-12 years of relevant work experience required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Deep understanding of urban economic development and the issues affecting low-income urban residents;
• Skills include strategy development and implementation, financial analyses and budgeting, and impact assessment/evaluation. Grantmaking and public policy experience is a plus;
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to serve as an external voice for the work of the Boston Foundation;
• Excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated leadership and proven ability to lead a complex, cross-sector, multi-dimensional, results-oriented agenda;
• Demonstrated success managing teams, including the supervision and evaluation of staff and consultants;
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Understanding of and commitment to the Foundation’s mission;
• A creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines;
• A participative work style and the ability to give and receive feedback;
• Resourceful, a self-starter and able to work independently; and
• Mature interpersonal style, ability to interact well with a diverse range of people.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally