We’re Hiring! Director of Development Job Listing
Submit applications to apply@the48thward.org by Thursday, January 30.
Director of Development Job Description:
The Director of Development is an essential member of the 48th Ward Aldermanic Office. They will be responsible for implementing the alderwoman’s economic development vision by liaising with key stakeholders, managing development and infrastructure projects, and serving as the point person for zoning requests. This team member will be critical to the Participatory Budgeting process and community outreach. They will provide support to colleagues and constituents by assisting in daily office needs and communication. They will receive and investigate complaints, questions, and concerns from constituents and work with ward staff and city departments to seek a resolution. Working as a member of the core ward team, the Director of Development will work closely with other staff members in the office and provide additional administrative support where it’s needed.
Strong ethics, transparency, and an actionable commitment to diversity are requirements of anyone working for Alderwoman-elect Manaa-Hoppenworth.
Salary range is $60,000-$70,000, depending on qualifications. Benefits include City of Chicago health insurance, pension, paid holidays, and paid vacation/sick leave. This position is expected to work onsite in the aldermanic office, and requires some night and weekend hours. The Director of Development reports directly to the Chief of Staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
ZONING
Serves as the main point of contact for zoning change requests including:
Co-Chairing the 48th Ward Zoning Advisory Council
Managing the Community Engagement process
Managing ongoing development projects including liaising with developers, building owners, DPD, DOH, CDOT, etc.
Serves as the main point of contact for developers and building owners building within right; Liaising with the Zoning Board of Appeals.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Manages Infrastructure Requests including:
Managing the ward’s $1.5 million infrastructure budget in line with office values and priorities.
Manages the Participatory Budgeting process including:
Recruiting, training, and managing a team of volunteers to facilitate brainstorming meetings; developing volunteer leaders
Working with colleagues at CDOT, Parks, etc. to create feasible infrastructure projects
Liaising with Comms Manager on messaging/updates to the community
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Serves as the main point of contact for 48th ward businesses, Chambers, and SSAs including:
Co-Chairing Ward Office Committees including the 48th Ward Bryn Mawr Alliance
Reviewing and approving permit requests.
Liaising with BACP.
Coordinating ribbon cutting events.
COMMUNICATIONS / MANAGEMENT
Manages the 48th Ward Infrastructure Aide
Apprises Alderwoman Manaa-Hoppenworth and the Chief of Staff of sensitive or contentious issues and makes suggestions and recommendations.
Maintains strong records of all projects and requests in Airtable.
Works closely with the Comms Manager and Neighborhood Services Team to keep the community informed about all zoning, infrastructure, and economic development projects.
Works closely with the Web Developer on website content and tools related to Infrastructure, Development, and Business Development.
Builds strong relationships between the 48th Ward Office and city departments including BACP, DPD, CDOT, Parks, etc.
Builds strong relationships between the 48th Ward Office and community stakeholders including the Chambers of Commerce, SSAs, CBOs, Block Clubs, volunteers, etc.
OTHER DUTIES
Liaises with community groups, attends events as a representative of the office.
Works closely with the Chief of Staff on a variety of issues in the 48th Ward and provides support where it’s needed.
Phone support as needed.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Reside in the City of Chicago.
Community organizing experience.
Experience supervising staff.
Project management experience.
Team player that communicates and collaborates effectively.
Strong relationship building experience.
Ability to work in a face-paced, multi-faceted environment with many challenges and opportunities.
Strong computer skills in Google Workspace and database management (experience with Airtable, Asana, or similar tools a plus) with an ability to learn and utilize new technologies.
Ability to work with a broad array of stakeholders including constituents, elected officials, community representatives, advocates, government agencies, etc.
Strong interest in urban planning and development.
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with sensitive and difficult situations.
Exceptional conflict resolutions skills.
Highly responsive public servant.
Bilingual in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Chinese preferred.
Submit applications by Thursday, January 30 to apply@the48thward.org
