DevCorp Gang Needs New Boss

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DevCorp North
Chicago, IL

DevCorp North (DCN) is a community development corporation located in
the far north east corner of Chicago. DevCorp North has worked
primarily in the areas of commercial revitalization and real estate
development in the Howard Street area, and more recently, along Morse
Avenue, Clark Street, Sheridan Road and Jarvis Avenue. Commercial
revitalization programs such as retail promotions, community planning,
beautification and streetscaping, chamber of commerce activities, street
cleaning service, and information seminars have been geared to assist
area businesses. DevCorp operates most of these programs as the Rogers Park delegate agency of the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of DevCorp North.
The Executive Director reports to the President of the Board of
Directors in close consultation with the Executive Committee. He or she will provide leadership to the organization, directing staff in the creation and implementation of the corporation's commercial and economic development programs, and reporting to the Board of Directors. He/she will represent the DevCorp North to the world and will serve as its chief spokesperson. Therefore, it is critical that this person be very smart about economic development strategies and opportunities and come into this position with credibility.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintain a positive fund balance with a diversified funding base.

2. Significantly increase the membership, level of business
participation, and public visibility of the corporation as a community
chamber of commerce, including but not limited to attracting new
businesses, maintaining inventory of properties available for lease, and
determining what gaps in the overall business fabric need to be filled.

3. Maintain momentum of implementation for current business streetscape
work and in-place Special Service Area on Howard Street.

4. Establish a second Special Service Area if needed, based on the
Morse/Clark community planning process already under way.

5. Manage the successful implementation of the job training and
placements programs already in effect.

6. Continue to build cooperative community action within both community and organization.

7. Manage and motivate staff so that they are effective and productive.


8. Achieve a higher level of ethnic diversity among the active participants in all of the corporation's activities.

9. Monitor and manage DevCorp North's interests in both the Gateway and El Redevelopment Projects.

MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

Within the first six (6) months the Executive Director is expected to do
the following:

1. Review budget, recommend any changes and determine how to raise money and manage expenses.

2. Review resource development strategies and recommend changes or
modifications.

3. Develop a work plan which lays out plan elements and thresholds for
performance.

4. Review professional staff performance: job descriptions, compensation, and expansion.

5. Evaluate alternative office sites and recommend same.

6. Review office systems and recommend improvements. This includes software, hardware, networking and web sites.

7. Hire and move merchant organizing

8. Develop and implement a strategic planning process.

Discharging these tasks will lead to the identification of performance objectives that will be the basis of the performance review at the end of the six (6) months.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. At least 5 years of experience in a leadership role with a community development organization. This experience should demonstrate an understanding of community economic and business development.

2. Demonstrated capacity to grow, strengthen and manage organizations, to help recruit and develop new board members and to work effectively with a diverse, community-based board of directors.

3. Demonstrated record of success in corporate, foundation and creative fundraising.

4. Demonstrated record of tangible accomplishment, preferably in commercial revitalization.


5. Significant field or small business management experience preferred. Graduate degree in business, finance, planning, or organizational development a plus.

6. Strong negotiation/mediation skills are a high priority.

7. Demonstrated competence and experience in financial planning and management.

8. Strong writing and verbal skills and the ability to make effective and engaging public presentations.

9. Minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience, and demonstrated experience in personnel administration.

10. Bilingual comfort in Spanish a plus.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Appreciation for and high degree of comfort with economic and
cultural diversity. Ability to communicate respect for other people and
viewpoints.

2. Commitment and ability to listen well to others and to work as part
of a team; an aptitude and desire to forge consensus where possible, and
courage to act when action is needed.

3. Demonstrated ability to motivate others and to communicate enthusiasm for common goals.

4. A strong and unrelenting drive to get things done.

5. Familiarity and comfort with community dynamics and public processes.

6. Self-confidence and intelligence both to shape and direct programs and to deal appropriately with inevitable criticism.

7. Healthy senses of humor and adventure.

COMPENSATION

The salary is commensurate with experience. Flexible fringe benefit package.
Send Resume to:
Alderman Moore