Executive Director Coalition Rochester Area Housing

Rochester Area Foundation (RAF) is a community foundation that since 1944 has partnered with donors to build and improve the quality of life in the greater Rochester area through philanthropy, partnerships and leadership on initiatives of community interest. Since 1999 RAF has been a community leader creating and funding programs that facilitate the creation and preservation of affordable housing.

The Coalition for Rochester Area Housing (CRAH) is a cross‑sector funding initiative whose mission is to collaborate, invest and lead on innovative solutions to meet our community’s housing needs. The Director is responsible for managing all aspects of the Coalition. This includes, but is not limited to, strategic planning and thought leadership, budget development and oversight, funding compliance, housing research and data management, project proposal evaluation, organization and coordination of community education opportunities, and fundraising necessary to achieve Coalition goals.

The Coalition director reports directly to the President of Rochester Area Foundation. The Coalition budget, goals, expected outcomes and work plan will be approved by the President and all voting members of the Coalition’s Leadership Council (CLC).

• Manage all aspects of the Coalition, including securing additional Coalition resources, shepherding all requests made to the Coalition, managing current Coalition awards, and identifying new partners to execute Coalition strategies.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with supporters, donors and prospective donors, government officials, corporate and small business leaders, professional organizations, media representatives and other constituencies to accomplish the mission and goals of the Coalition.
• Represent the organization to stakeholders, media, and the community.
• Serve as a thought leader and collaborator with local and regional developers and local, regional, and national housing organizations to elevate the Coalition’s status, leverage data, foster opportunities, and enhance collective impact.
• In collaboration with the CLC, develop a strategic plan for carrying out the mission of the Coalition based on identified Coalition priorities and implement organizational goals.
• Set goals for strategic funding priorities and track and report Coalition funding outcomes and community impact.
• Oversee staff performance and development of the Communication and Administrative Associate.
• Serve as primary contact for all funding requests and provide technical assistance or appropriate referrals to community resources for assistance.
• Draft Requests for Proposals as directed by the CLC, develop evaluation criteria, evaluate proposal submissions, and prepare proposal recommendations to CLC.
• Develop and implement ways to enhance and support Housing Alliance engagement to advance community housing solutions including but not limited to sharing short‑term and long‑term planning for Housing Alliance meetings in collaboration with the Alliance Chair to continue to build the Alliance as a platform for information sharing and community building.
• Prepare a Coalition budget for approval by RAF President and CLC Members and manage finances within the approved budget. Manage current Coalition available funds and any funds that will return to the Coalition in the future. Explore the many partnership opportunities with capitol to enhance our community and provide a return on investment, including – but not limited to – government funding, private investment and philanthropy.
• In cooperation with RAF’s Philanthropy Officer, research and prepare grant proposals as opportunities arise.

• Bachelor’s degree with a Master’s degree preferred.
• 5-7 years nonprofit board management experience preferred.
• Knowledge of affordable housing issues a plus.
• Brings genuine passion for the mission, translating purpose into impactful actions and results.
• Strong relationship building skills to foster collaborative partnerships.
• Experience in fundraising with a track record of success, with specific experience in individual and corporate giving and/or major gifts.
• Superior public speaking and written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and organizational skills, capable of working effectively with staff members, volunteers as well as donors and prospects.
• A team player with an attitude of service and ability to motivate others.
• Ability to work with people at all levels; with an openly engaging, energetic and diplomatic personality.
• Computer fluency in MS Office and electronic communications.
• Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness.
• Able to work occasional weekends and evenings.

Please send cover letter and application to JoMarie Morris via email at jomarie