Community Desk Chicago Director, Corridor Development Chicago, IL · Full time

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Position Summary 

Under the direction of the CEO, the Director, Corridor Development will support community development organizations and entrepreneurs with acquiring and developing brick-and-mortar spaces along commercial corridors in Chicago.  

About Community Desk Chicago

Community Desk Chicago (“The Desk”), a 501(c)3, works with nonprofits, community developers and entrepreneurs to assemble the necessary capital, expertise and other resources to increase real estate development in their neighborhoods that promote a high quality of life.

The Desk’s long-term vision is a Chicago where all communities have the resources they need to create healthy built environments that support their goals for vibrant spaces, positive economic activity, and community wealth-building.

As an intermediary, The Desk’s work is centered around three strategic pillars including 1) leveraging and coordinating place-based capital, 2) supporting small-scale commercial real estate development and 3) advocating for systems change to improve wealth-building opportunities in neighborhoods. 

Through our four signature programs, CorridorLive!, Neighborhood Developers Initiative, Budgets & Bricks, and Wealth Our Way, the Desk supports local nonprofits, community developers and entrepreneurs to build community self-reliance and improve the quality of life for residents through commercial corridor revitalization efforts. These efforts support local ownership and activation of underutilized community assets. More information about The Desk can be found at www.communitydeskchicago.org.

Position Responsibilities

●      Support economic development agencies in targeted neighborhoods activate vacant storefronts including co-developing activation strategies, identifying technical resources, and coordinating capital access. 

●      Work directly with entrepreneurs to complete grant and financing applications, secure development team professionals (e.g., architects) and help advance efforts to acquire and develop brick-and-mortar spaces. 

●      Assist projects with creating development budgets and operating pro formas to secure financing, submit competitive grant applications and ensure appropriate costs are identified during construction and post-completion. 

●      Coordinate and manage vendors and consultants required to support neighborhood development efforts (e.g., attorneys, architects, property managers, brokers).

●      Develop relationships with small business lenders and funders to identify potential capital sources for development projects.

●      Organize convenings for entrepreneurs related to the brick-and-mortar process to aid in decision-making and planning.

●      Codify lessons learned for knowledge sharing in the community development ecosystem.

●      Other responsibilities as identified to support the launch of new programs and initiatives.

Position Requirements/Skills:

●      Master’s degree in finance, business administration, urban planning, real estate or community development is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study is required.

●      Minimum of 5 years of related work experience, 7 years preferred.

●      Demonstrated understanding and commitment to The Desk’s mission.

●      Understanding of real estate development and commercial banking.

●      Direct experience or working knowledge of small business financing including SBA lending.

●      Experience with government grants including the City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund (NOF), the Community Development Grants (CRG) and Small Business Improvement Funding (SBIF).

●      Ability to work collaboratively and build relationships with a variety of partners across Chicago including community residents, nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, developers, traditional investors, impact investors, financial institutions, and legal advisers.

●      Ability to self-start and approach the role with an entrepreneurial spirit.

●      Strong quantitative skill set to apply to project feasibility and capital coordination.

●      Experience managing programs including program design, team and outcomes.

●      Experience in project management, with the ability to assess and resolve implementation issues and to establish best practices.

●      Effective listening skills and business acumen to engage with projects and key stakeholders.

●      Ability and desire to work in culturally diverse environments.

●      Demonstrated interest in working for and supporting a start-up organization.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

●      Travel up to 25%

●      Willingness to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends, when necessary

●      Must be willing to work in the office at least two days per week, unless otherwise traveling

●      Must have access to vehicle for site visits

Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] for consideration.