Director Economic Development; TBF

Director, Jobs & Economic Development (TBF)

Posted on April 03, 2018

The Director, Jobs and Economic Development drives development, implementation and evaluation of the Foundation’s jobs & economic development strategies to support strong and vibrant local economic development that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and business growth, and increases access to high quality jobs — with a particular focus on women and minorities.

Leads and oversees the development, implementation and evaluation of strategies and investments in the Foundation’s jobs & economic development program area with a goal to:

• Accelerates innovation in low-income areas, and the creation and growth of new enterprises, especially in neighborhoods along the Fairmount-Indigo Commuter Line;
• Strategically invests in the creation of a supportive environment/eco-system which can ensure the success of participating women and minorities.
• Improves the quality of transitions and coordination amongst the adult basic education, post-secondary education and workforce development sub-systems;
• Expands the capacity and effectiveness of high-performing employment programs;
• Supports reform efforts of the Massachusetts community college system ensuring post-secondary certificate and degree programs prepare students for careers in high demand occupations;
• Executes all functions pertaining to the role of strategy leader, including strategy development, grant making, evaluation & assessment, board reporting and initiative management;
• Forges partnerships and collaborations to generate, oversee and leverage investment opportunities for the Foundation’s grant making and community change efforts;
• Utilizes research, knowledge and stakeholder relationships to improve outcomes for people and place, influence systems change, and advance relevant public policies;
• Utilizes strategic written and oral communications to advance the Foundation’s goals, participates in and presents at local and national forums, and convenings of key stakeholders;
• Participates in grant proposal review and recommendation process in collaboration with Foundation colleagues;
• Supervises other staff and consultants associated with the Initiatives and grantmaking; and
• Complies with administrative requirements of the Foundation and participate in other TBF activities as needed.

• Individuals assigned to this position may perform other duties as assigned.

• College degree with 10-12 years of relevant work experience required;
  Master’s degree preferred.
• Deep understanding of urban economic development and the issues affecting low-income urban residents;
• Skills include strategy development and implementation, financial analyses and budgeting, and impact assessment/evaluation. Grantmaking and public policy experience is a plus;
• Exceptional interpersonal, writing and verbal communication skills, with the ability to serve as an external voice for the work of the Boston Foundation;
• Excellent analytical skills, written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated leadership and proven ability to lead a complex, cross-sector, multi-dimensional, results-oriented agenda;
• Demonstrated success managing teams, including the supervision and evaluation of staff and consultants;
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a demanding environment.
• Understanding of and commitment to the Foundation’s mission;
• A creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work under the pressure of tight deadlines;
• A participative work style and the ability to give and receive feedback;
• Resourceful, a self-starter and able to work independently; and
• Mature interpersonal style, ability to interact well with a diverse range of people.

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to use a computer keyboard for extended periods of time
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally