Director of Community Development

Salary: Depends on Qualifications

Location : Sewanee, TN

Job Type: Staff Full-Time

Job Number: 202100387

Division: Vice Provost's Division

Department: Civic Engagement

Opening Date: 07/29/2024

Position Overview

Primary Function:
Primary Function: The Director of Community Development is an innovative joint position between the University of the South, through its Office of Civic Engagement (OCE), and the South Cumberland Community Fund (SCCF). Reporting to both the OCE Director and the Executive Director of the SSCF, the Director of Community Development is responsible for overseeing the partnership's local-regional community development initiatives, which seek to promote the well-being of the communities of the South Cumberland Plateau. Working with the community to develop local strategies aligned to state and regional development goals, the director oversees OCE-SCCF joint community development programs, which include the South Cumberland Plateau AmeriCorps Program and non-profit capacity building. The director actively participates in SCCF grantmaking. In collaboration with the OCE director and staff, this position connects faculty and community partners to develop courses and research supporting academically engaged learning and partners' community development goals.

This position works with considerable independence and self-direction. Only the general direction and scope of the work are discussed with the supervisor. The staff member is expected to carry out position duties independently and understand what is expected and how to do it.

Position Appointment Details:

• Career Band: 3B
• Salary position
• Full-Time

Position Description

Typical Duties & Responsibilities:

• Plays a leading role in collaboration with the SCCF Community Development Committee, Grants Committee, and SCCF Board to design, co-design, and implement regional community development strategic plans and initiatives using social design and community participation best practices.
  
• Assures that grantmaking and capacity-building activities and University and SCCF involvement are focused on collaborative support and engagement with community partners on the plateau.
  
• Actively participates in SCCF's grants program to ensure that it aligns with the organization's mission and vision. That involvement will include participation in grant committee deliberations and collaboration with the SCCF executive director on grant information sessions and developing grant policies and procedures that reflect institutional values.
  
• Works with the OCE director and staff to cultivate and manage a portfolio of local, state, regional, and national relationships that advance OCE strategic priorities, the goal of engaged learning outlined in the University's 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, and SCCF strategic objectives. Such partners include but are not limited to, advocacy organizations, nonprofit service providers, health care providers, schools, housing developers and providers, trade associations, faith-based organizations, economic developers, funders, public agencies, elected and appointed officials, civic groups, and others.
  
• Shares information for publicity with the communications teams of the University (via the OCE marketing director) and the SCCF in a timely manner.
  
• Assists the OCE director and University faculty and staff to build relationships with community partners to facilitate academic community-engaged learning and community-based research and to foster University involvement in community development initiatives.
  
• Manages appropriate financial functions and collaborates with the Executive Director of the SCCF and the Director of the OCE to help prepare and manage the Community Development budget.
  
• Manages and oversees AmeriCorps staff to ensure integration of all activities with OCE strategic priorities and SCCF strategic objectives. Engages in long-term planning and assessment of activities to ensure alignment with priorities and attainment of objectives.
  
• Oversees the South Cumberland Summer Meal Program in collaboration with AmeriCorps staff and appropriate University staff, including collaboration with nonprofit, state, and federal funders, and community partners.
  
• Collaborates with University grants officer(s) as needed for local, state, and federal grants to support initiatives.
  
• Participates in regular program planning and assessment in light of OCE strategic priorities, the University's 2024-2030 Strategic Plan, and SCCF strategic objectives.

Judgment Required:Performance of the essential duties of this position is dependent upon independent ingenuity and developmental efforts.

Budgetary Responsibility:

Directly prepares the budget for the program and has full responsibility for planning, forecasting, approval, and balancing the budget.

Personal Interaction/Communication:

• Student Contact: Informally through various service internship positions and AmeriCorps program.
• Internal: Faculty, administrative department heads, grants officers.
• External: Government officials or agencies, alumni, parents, community members, other institutions, colleges, or companies.

Attributes of a Successful Candidate

Education:

• B.A.
  
• Master's or advanced degree preferred.
  
• Strong management and financial acumen.

Experience:

• Experience within higher education institutions in a functional role.
  
• 3-7 years of experience with public/private organizations in a leadership role.

Job-Related Skills:

• A sophisticated understanding of national, state, and local social impact landscapes and best practices in community development.
  
• Understanding of public policy development, implementation, and analysis processes that affect communities.
  
• Collaborative leadership, coalition building, and management.
  
• Ability to work successfully with people of diverse functional and cultural backgrounds, as evidenced through prior experience.
  
• Excellent planning, oversight, and management skills.
  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  
• Experience working with and influencing senior institutional leadership on initiatives that involve the development of policies and programs.

Supplemental Information

Working Environment:
Conversations with faculty, staff, and community members may be confidential.

The University of the South, commonly known as Sewanee, comprises a nationally ranked residential College of Arts and Sciences and a School of Theology. The University is strongly committed to the values of intellectual inquiry, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and living and serving in community. Situated on 13,000 acres atop Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is known for its stunning natural beauty while providing easy access to Chattanooga, Nashville, and Huntsville. The University is affiliated with the Episcopal Church and seeks to help employees of all backgrounds and identities flourish.
If you have questions about a position, the University application process, or if you are a person with a disability and would like to request an accommodation in the application and interview process please contact Human Resources at [redacted] or email us at

DEI Institutional Statement:

At the University of the South, our commitment to inclusion and belonging is grounded in our core values of community, courage, flourishing, and inquiry. We seek to build a community enriched by our diversity and centered on equity, justice, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The University of the South is an equal-opportunity educational institution that is committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive campus environment.