Executive Director
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Whittier Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization serving the residents and businesses of the Whittier neighborhood. Located just south of downtown Minneapolis, Whittier is a lively, urban neighborhood known for its wide ranging diversity, its destination dining, arts and cultural institutions and its livable, bikeable, walkable streets. At Whittier’s core is Nicollet Avenue, home to Eat Street. At its western edge, Lyndale Avenue adds to the neighborhood’s richness of ethnic food, nightlife, and entertainment options. Whittier is one of the most dense and diverse neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Over the decades, immigrants from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and many African nations have given Whittier its reputation supporting its tag line The International Neighborhood. Over 25 languages are still spoken on our streets and in our schools.
The Whittier Alliance works with residents, businesses and partners to maintain this World Class Neighborhood. The Alliance works to balance progress with preservation and prosperity with livability. For nearly 40 years, the Whittier Alliance has facilitated meetings and events, engaged the community, provided resources and guidance to neighborhood activists and advocated on behalf of the neighborhood to governmental bodies, developers and planners. Citywide the Whittier Alliance is respected for its ability to mobilize residents, its engagement with issues and projects affecting the neighborhood and its ambitious vision for the neighborhood.
The Executive Director is the chief steward of the neighborhood. The vision and goals outlined in the strategic plan and NRP Action Plan guide the job. Fiscal responsibility in the last decade has resulted in financial stability and flexibility. The Executive Director position at the Whittier Alliance is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader who thrives in a diverse and stimulating environment and knows how to navigate the complexities of community, democracy, and truly grass roots activism. The variety of issues, activities, amenities, and ideas in the day-to-day work make this job fascinating, rewarding and always challenging. The ideal candidate will be able to handle a wide variety of responsibilities and work with integrity and patience. This is a full time exempt position that requires evening and weekend hours.
Organizational Leadership
Financial Management
Personnel and Administrative Management
EXPERIENCE
Salary: $55-65k
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references in a single PDF document with the subject line "Executive Director Position" to [email protected]. Position is open until filled. Whittier Alliance is an equal opportunity employer; women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Whittier Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit neighborhood organization serving the residents and businesses of the Whittier neighborhood. Located just south of downtown Minneapolis, Whittier is a lively, urban neighborhood known for its wide ranging diversity, its destination dining, arts and cultural institutions and its livable, bikeable, walkable streets. At Whittier’s core is Nicollet Avenue, home to Eat Street. At its western edge, Lyndale Avenue adds to the neighborhood’s richness of ethnic food, nightlife, and entertainment options. Whittier is one of the most dense and diverse neighborhoods in Minneapolis. Over the decades, immigrants from Europe, Asia, Central and South America, and many African nations have given Whittier its reputation supporting its tag line The International Neighborhood. Over 25 languages are still spoken on our streets and in our schools.
The Whittier Alliance works with residents, businesses and partners to maintain this World Class Neighborhood. The Alliance works to balance progress with preservation and prosperity with livability. For nearly 40 years, the Whittier Alliance has facilitated meetings and events, engaged the community, provided resources and guidance to neighborhood activists and advocated on behalf of the neighborhood to governmental bodies, developers and planners. Citywide the Whittier Alliance is respected for its ability to mobilize residents, its engagement with issues and projects affecting the neighborhood and its ambitious vision for the neighborhood.
The Executive Director is the chief steward of the neighborhood. The vision and goals outlined in the strategic plan and NRP Action Plan guide the job. Fiscal responsibility in the last decade has resulted in financial stability and flexibility. The Executive Director position at the Whittier Alliance is an exciting opportunity for a passionate leader who thrives in a diverse and stimulating environment and knows how to navigate the complexities of community, democracy, and truly grass roots activism. The variety of issues, activities, amenities, and ideas in the day-to-day work make this job fascinating, rewarding and always challenging. The ideal candidate will be able to handle a wide variety of responsibilities and work with integrity and patience. This is a full time exempt position that requires evening and weekend hours.
Organizational Leadership
- Leads with passion
- Represents Whittier at public events and meetings and serves as liaison to the community, private and public institutions
- Provides overall guidance for the work of the Whittier Alliance and evaluates all Whittier Alliance programs for efficiency and effectiveness
- Identifies and evaluates new opportunities for programs, projects and events that promote engagement, community building and the health of the organization and neighborhood
- Builds partnerships and coalitions within the community to advance Whittier Alliance’s mission
- Identifies developing issues and formulates policies and planning recommendations to the Board for Board and staff action
- Builds an effective case and coalition for policy changes that support neighborhood organizations goals
- Communicates with city and state agencies, neighborhood and community based organizations and elected officials and ensures that Whittier Alliance is consistently presenting a strong, positive image to relevant stakeholders
- Creative approach to solving ongoing organizational challenges
- Ability to be visionary in leading implementation of strategic plan while maintaining day-to day business of organization
Financial Management
- Recommends yearly budget for Board approval and prudently manages organization's resources within those budget guidelines according to current laws and regulations
- Ensures the financial health and stability of the organization
- Oversees the preparation of the monthly financial statements
- Monitors bank accounts, ensures 2-4 current executive committee members have access to view accounts and sign checks
- Stays current with all funding balances, reimbursements and contract details
- Sets and maintains strict financial operating procedures within the office and ensures adequate separation of duties and timely execution
- Regularly assesses organizational risks and ensures that all tax and nonprofit filings are accurate and completed on time
- Oversees that proper insurance policies are maintained at all times (Directors and Officers (D&O), Workman’s Compensation and General Liability insurance
- Prepares for regular audits and adjusts procedures based on findings
- Leads in creating and implementing a broad fund development and advancement plan based on organizations strategic plan
- Leads organization in diversifying funding sources
- Builds and maintains donor relations and recognition with individual donors, grantors, and foundations
- Oversees planning and implementation of solicitations, annual and planned giving, in-kind gifts, major legacy gifts, and fund development events
- Identifying and applying for grant opportunities that align with mission, goals and strategic plan
- Researching new possible funding sources such as earned income or new partnerships
- Ensures that all contract and grant reporting requirements are being met or exceeded
- Supports and implements the goals, projects and initiatives of Whittier’s adopted Strategic Plan and NRP Phase ll Action Plan
- Helps build the capacity and skills of staff and neighborhood leaders
- Increases Whittier Alliance’s visibility and connections to all stakeholders to improve the neighborhood and increase the resources available to the neighborhood
- Ensures ongoing communication with neighborhood residents, businesses, organizations and leadership to build neighborhood awareness, participation and ownership of community improvement efforts
- Works with Board of Directors to create and implement community-supported programs that leverage existing funds
- Oversees the work of Committees and Task Forces
- Supports the administration and positions of the Board of Directors, including strategic planning, board training and development, meeting preparation, and other duties requested by the Board
Personnel and Administrative Management
- The Executive Director collaborates with the Executive Committee to oversee management of the organization and more broadly to the Board as a whole
- The Executive Director reports directly to the Board Chair
- Executive Director Hires and manages all staff, contract employees and interns in accordance with Whittier’s personnel policy.
- Works with staff, contract employees and interns to develop realistic goals and objectives, regularly monitors progress and formally evaluates staff performance at least yearly
- Provides regular opportunity for feedback and collaboration to ensure consistent messaging
- Outlines process for program documentation and information management
- Maintains a clean, well-organized physical environment for staff to work in and oversee all general office procedures and building maintenance
- Models and maintains a high standard of professionalism within the organization
EXPERIENCE
- Experience with housing and economic development
- Experience working with Board of Directors and volunteers
- Demonstrated success at fundraising, grant writing, contract management and financial management
- Experience building and maintaining coalitions, partnerships, collaborative relationships and working with culturally diverse communities
- Experience with constituent based organizations, grassroots organizing, cultural competency, program management, community development, and issue advocacy
- Bachelor’s degree or higher. Preferable fields: nonprofit management, public or business administration, urban planning or related field with 5+ years of nonprofit leadership or executive director experience including personnel management
- Ability to generate interest in community and committed to neighborhood issues
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Ability to prioritize, manage large quantities of information, take direction, and complete projects in a timely manner
- Detail oriented with strong strategic thinking and planning skills
- Adept with current technology and programs, and able to stay current with changing technology
- Strong understanding of how city and state policies and legislation impact communities and neighborhood organizations, as well as, housing policy and development proposals
Salary: $55-65k
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references in a single PDF document with the subject line "Executive Director Position" to [email protected]. Position is open until filled. Whittier Alliance is an equal opportunity employer; women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals are encouraged to apply.
