Urban Juncture Foundation Director of the Creative Incubator Chicago, IL · Full time

Apply for Director of the Creative Incubator

Urban Juncture Foundation seeks a business savvy creative - or a creative business person - to continue the establishment of the Creative Incubator @ The Forum as a platform for advancing Black creatives and creative enterprises, as a key step to complete revitalization of The Forum, and as a catalyst to reclaiming our neighborhoods. The Creative Incubator currently occupies newly rehabilitated space within our 300-314 East 51st Street facility and will move into permanent space in the historic Forum complex in 2023.

The Creative Incubator will combine the resources of Urban Juncture Foundation and Urban Juncture, Inc., under the Build Bronzeville umbrella, to play several key roles. It will aggregate resources and provide direct support for creatives in Bronzeville and beyond, helping them transform their passions into enterprises. It will host storytelling initiatives that reclaim our community’s narrative. It will serve as Urban Juncture’s hub for collaborative partnerships with other cultural organizations seeking to advance our creative economy. It will support development of further creative enterprises housed in The Forum. And it will host cultural events that directly engage and inspire community residents and visitors.

We seek a full-time director to lead this effort through (but not limited to) the following core duties and responsibilities:

• Write and administer grants and oversee and facilitate the operation of the Creative Incubator by coordinating services and developing and providing development assistance to incubator tenants and clients.
• Complete establishment of the physical and online spaces of the Creative Incubator.
• Build a core set of creative stakeholders and work with the Build Bronzeville development team to develop the programs and resources needed to support their growth and advancement.
• Serve as a steward of Build Bronzeville’s burgeoning storytelling initiatives, in conjunction with other senior leaders.
• Develop and maintain a client database, prepare periodic reports, and maintain records of projects, progress, and the status of the incubator.
• Lead the effort to develop joint initiatives with other cultural institutions that advance our creative economy.
• Help recruit and establish the next set of creative enterprises within the Forum.
• Curate cultural events and begin to rebuild the pool of cultural patrons for The Forum and for Bronzeville.
• Help rebuild the cultural economy in Bronzeville and beyond.

The Creative Incubator Director will be based in the Creative Incubator and will work closely with other Build Bronzeville leaders to advance our community revitalization objectives. A strong candidate will have several key skills and attributes:

• Deep passion for and connection to Black Chicago’s culture and creative community.
• Strong verbal and written strategic communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills; computer literacy.
• Knowledge of business management principles, incl. budget formulation, financial management, property management and leasing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of constituents and organizations.
• Ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and strong management skills.
• Successful past leadership, entrepreneurship coaching and institution building roles.
• Self-starter with ability to work independently, flexibly, and collaboratively.
• Minimum of 15 years professional experience across business and creative enterprises.
• A Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field is welcomed.
• Sound judgment; values driven.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards. Must have the ability to sit prolonged periods of time, walk short distances, and/or drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. The scope of the position requires evening and occasional weekend work.

No phone calls or drop-ins, please.

Urban Juncture Foundation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Chicago, IL 60615: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)