Program Officer: Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) - Greater Houston

Background

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) seeks qualified candidates for the position of Program Officer with Greater Houston LISC program. LISC’s mission is to build healthy, sustainable communities – places where families can live, work and raise their children. LISC does that by providing financial and technical resources to community organizations working in neighborhoods. Founded in 1979 by the Ford Foundation, LISC has grown to become the nation’s premier national non-profit intermediary providing holistic support for neighborhood development.

LISC Houston provides grants and loans to assist community real estate development projects, provides technical assistance and consultation, and manages various programs to facilitate the revitalization of neighborhoods and the work of community nonprofits. Two major programs in Houston are a pilot initiative called the Great Opportunities (GO) Neighborhoods Program and the new Financial Opportunities Centers. GO Neighborhoods uses community engagement and comprehensive community revitalization to build sustainable communities with LISC’s role being funding, coordinating, evaluating and partnership building. The Financial Opportunities Centers seek to help people leave poverty by providing a multi-service approach to families in the areas of increasing income, accessing income supports, and financial coaching/counseling.

Job Description

The Program Officer hired to fill this position will assist with the development of the Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs) Program and then will coordinate the day-to-day work of the FOCs. The Program Officer will also assist with the GO Neighborhoods by providing financial and technical assistance to neighborhoods through lead organizations as well as other community organizations engaged in comprehensive community development. The Program Officer will have major responsibilities for LISC assistance to organizations undertaking initiatives related to community revitalization, family wealth and income, community real estate development. The Program Officer will assist the Executive Director in the overall development of the program initiatives and will carry out other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

Under supervision of Greater Houston LISC Executive Director, the Program Officer will:

Develop and maintain a detailed knowledge of the various organizations and stakeholders involved in the programs managed and assisted through his/her position. The Program Officer will be expected to develop and maintain strong working relationships with the lead agencies and key partners. Earning and keeping partner trust is an essential requirement of this position.
Play a major role in the development of the Financial Opportunities Centers in Houston and be responsible for the implementation of the model locally.
Assist GO Neighborhoods sites in the development and implementation of their neighborhood development plans.
In conjunction with other LISC staff, manage key nonprofit operating support efforts, including identification of capacity building needs and coordinating delivery of technical assistance.
Provide technical assistance to all clients; identify feasible real estate projects and/or service programs and seek sources of funding for their implementation.
Underwrite, disburse and manage grants and loans for operating support, initiatives and real estate development projects in target communities.
Coordinate and oversee consultants and other providers contracted to give services to the programs and the participants.
Assume responsibility for special projects, as assigned.

Qualifications

Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Self-directed, independent worker who takes initiative and is able to oversee the processes that support the duties of this position.
Ability to work well in a team setting with a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
Highly motivated individual with a demonstrable commitment to the field of community development who has held increasingly responsible positions in the field.
Experience in working with a variety of community, public, and private sector actors to design and implement programs related to neighborhood revitalization and/or family economic stability.
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 to leverage resources.
Familiarity with Houston housing and economic development issues, financing sources, underwriting issues, workforce development programs, organizations, resources, and neighborhood planning issues.
Ability to work independently on multiple tasks.
Bachelors Degree in related field. Graduate degree in urban planning, real estate, public administration, community organizing, or business preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite of programs and Internet research. Candidate must also have the capacity to learn and navigate new software required for all LISC employees and for specific program initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have experience in some or all of the following:

Developing and managing neighborhood based programs Providing leadership and collaboration to build consensus among different constituencies Strong organizational development and community skills
Experience in providing training and technical assistance to non-profit organizations
Developing and funding community real estate development projects Implementing workforce development initiatives.

To Apply:
Position Opening Date: May 22, 2009
The LISC Greater Houston office would like to fill this position as quickly as possible, but will leave the position open until filled. Qualified candidates should send a resume, cover letter, a writing sample and at least three professional references, VIA E-MAIL as soon as possible to:

Amanda Timm
Executive Director
atimm@lisc.org

Please type “Program Officer Application” in the subject line of the e-mail.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation – Greater Houston
2640 Fountain View, Ste. 220
Houston, Texas 77057
Tel: 713.334.5700
 

 

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