NeighborSpace seeks Assistant Director – Apply by February 24th

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Position Announcement

Assistant Director – NeighborSpace

Overview:

NeighborSpace is the only nonprofit, urban land trust in Chicago that preserves and sustains community managed open spaces on behalf of dedicated community groups. It shoulders the responsibility of property ownership so that community groups can focus on gardening and community building. It was founded in 1996 in collaboration with the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. In addition to securing the land, NeighborSpace provides basic insurance, helps provide access to water, conducts annual monitoring, and links gardeners to a support network, resources and educational opportunities. NeighborSpace-protected gardens provide young and old alike the opportunity to get their hands in the earth and enjoy nature, right in their own neighborhoods.

With a growing network of nearly 100 community-managed sites across Chicago, NeighborSpace seeks a full-time Assistant Director to coordinate and help craft the growth and development of the organization’s Land Research & Conservation and Monitoring & Stewardship program areas. The Assistant Director reports to the Executive Director and manages a part-time Stewardship Assistant and seasonal interns.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee the relationships with all NeighborSpace-protected sites, including managing Partnership Agreements and leases, leadership development and communications.
  • Work with Executive Director on strategies to improve long-term sustainability.
  • Maintain relationships with organizational partners and assist in the development of new strategic collaborations.
  • Support Executive Director in reviewing new applications and in the pursuit of development funds.
  • Manage contracts for installation of infrastructure improvements.
  • Oversee water turn-on/turn-off, maintenance and installation.
  • Work with Executive Director and board on long-term strategic planning.
  • Work with fundraising staff to seek out and develop stewardship funding opportunities.

Qualifications:

  • B.A. degree and at least three years experience in community organizing, development, or related work.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to identify and connect with local resources, coordinate and facilitate meetings, and negotiate resolutions to conflicts and other issues.
  • Strong communication skills; the ability to represent the organization effectively to multiple constituencies; superb interpersonal skills: a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a small team, external organizational partners, community members and elected officials.

Personal Qualities

A successful candidate will be a gifted organizer, passionate about community stewardship of urban open space and skilled at working with networks and in collaborative partnerships. She or he will be highly organized, an implementer and problem solver who easily seizes and realizes opportunities.

This position is to be filled no later than April 1st 2014.

NeighborSpace is an Affirmative and Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume by February 24 to HR@neighbor-space.org.