Program Director - Strong Cities/Strong Communities National Resource Network

The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is looking for Program Director candidates to lead the implementation of a HUD-funded cities and communities project in the US and otherwise support ISC’s US Program. The purpose of this project is to connect America’s most economically distressed local communities to national and local experts with wide-ranging experience and skills. Ideal candidates will have senior-level experience managing networks and working with US agencies on projects related to economic revitalization—particularly related to local capacity, comprehensive planning, and regional collaboration .

The Program Director will have primary responsibility for the day-to-day management of a National Resource Network pilot program. This individual provides leadership for a program team, works collaboratively with program partners, manages and deploys a team of technical consultants, and ensures the development and delivery of key program components. This position is pending funding.

ISC seeks candidates with a proven track record of designing, implementing, and directing programs that present innovative approaches to problem solving. The Director will be responsible for technical leadership and administrative oversight and serve as principal liaison to HUD. The Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the project and will ensure that it is progressing appropriately and meeting its targets. We are especially interested in candidates who have achieved positive program impacts and have demonstrated creative and adaptive program management in challenging environments.

Organization Description

ISC is an innovative, international development organization that has successfully worked for over 21 years to give citizens and the organizations that support them the tools, skills, and resources they need to improve lives and build a more peaceful, stable world. Our current areas of programmatic growth include strengthening democratic institutions and citizenship in transition countries; helping communities in the U.S. and Asia become more resource efficient and transition to low-carbon economy; and supporting sustainable community development – particularly in areas recovering from natural disasters or that are vulnerable to climate disruption. Founded by Madeleine M. Kunin in 1991, ISC is based in beautiful, picturesque Vermont, a state that values grassroots democracy and environmental stewardship. ISC has an office in Washington, DC, and international offices in China and Serbia.

Responsibilities

• Management of the Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) National Resource Network Pilot Program including its people, partnerships and budget
• Primary point of contact with project partners and sponsors including HUD, EPA, and other federal agencies
• Leadership of a program team, providing direction and day to day supervision to team members
• Development of key components of the program, such as in-person workshops and curriculum, online resources and networking, and peer-to-peer learning
• Oversight of partner program elements, assuring that deliverables and milestones are met
• Develop and manage program budget and work plan
• Manage program for results, assuming overall accountability and measuring outcomes through systemic monitoring and evaluation
• Manage program sub-contractors
• Ensure program reporting, deliverables and deadlines are met

Qualifications

• Experience working with economically distressed communities
• Experience with community-based programs
• Experience working with both local and federal government and programs
• Experience with programs that focus on job creation, workforce development and economic revitalization
• Previous history working with local and regional stakeholders that include municipal and state governments, the business community, non-profits, faith-based institutions, and other public, private, and philanthropic leaders.
• Demonstrated experience building relationships, fostering connections and encouraging collaboration
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Program management and budgeting skills
• Advanced degree in a related field
• Five years of relevant professional experience
• Project design and implementation experience
• Willingness and ability to travel
• Commitment to the ISC mission and goals
• Program monitoring and evaluating experience preferred

Compensation and Benefits

Position available pending funding.

To Apply

Please go click here to complete our web based application form.
In addition to filling out the form please follow the directions to upload your cover letter and resume (one file please!). Applications are reviewed as received. Position(s) open until filled. Online applications only. No phone calls, please. Only finalists will be contacted.

ISC is an equal opportunity employer.