Make an Impact at Augustana College
An Augustana education is bold, boundless and life-changing - for students and the people who help shape their journeys. As a nationally recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences, we invest in engaged learning, maximizing student potential, and building strong community partnerships - the driving forces of our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan (2024-29).
With 2,500 students, Augustana is a place where mentorship matters, innovation thrives, and every role contributes to student success. Located on a scenic, wooded campus in Rock Island, Illinois, Augustana is part of the vibrant Quad-Cities metropolitan area (pop. 470,000), about a 3-hour drive from Chicago.
We seek dynamic professionals who are passionate about shaping futures and who thrive in an environment that values curiosity, collaboration and the power of transformative education. If this is you, we invite you to join us at Augustana.
Employees at Augustana enjoy an excellent benefit package including medical, retirement, generous paid time off, tuition benefits for employees and their family members, and much more.
Job Title: Community Development Corporation Executive Director
Department: CDC
Status: Part-time, Exempt, 12 Month work schedule
Wage Grade: 755
Overview: Augustana College is seeking a proactive, forward-thinking director of community development. The right candidate must be detail-oriented and possess a track record of results and successful projects; have familiarity with a wide range of granting and fundraising sources; able to work collaboratively with the policy body and community leaders and be a visible presence to the community; a thorough presenter of creative solutions and an advocate for customer service; have extensive experience in real estate, finance, urban renewal and economic, housing and community development. Direct experience working with a neighborhood CDC is not required, but beneficial.
The community development director will lead the Augustana Hilltop Community Development Corporation (AHCDC) by planning, directing, managing, and overseeing its activities and operations. Job duties will include working closely with community partners, including the City of Rock Island, businesses, community organizations, and the public, and developing strategies for improving economic, architectural, and community initiatives while preserving neighborhood or community cohesion in the defined area. The Executive Director provides general administrative support to the AHCDC Board. The position also provides direction to other employees across departments and reports to the AHCDC board. For the initial 6-12 months the director will have a direct liaison with the Augustana CFO, with direct reporting fully transferring to the board no later than 12 months after hire.
Qualifications for this career include a bachelor's degree in social sciences, education, or public administration as well as several years of experience in public policy and planning and communication and leadership skills. The position will be part-time (20 hours/week) and includes appropriate salary and benefits.
Requirements:
Primary Duties:
- In coordination with the Board and city staff, help identify community needs within the mission of the AHCDC and prepare a strategic plan to meet those needs. Work with the Board to implement the organization's Strategic Plan; prepare periodic reports indicating related activities and progress towards goals and objectives.
- Provide support to the Augustana Hilltop Community Development Board; respond to and ensure implementation of Board initiatives and direction; provide representation on behalf of the Board at public hearings, community meetings and other forums.
- Recommend and assist in implementing Augustana and community goals and objectives related to economic activities and programs
- Administer programs and grants funded by the AHCDC.
- Participate in developing and implementing policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures and state law; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing policies and procedures.
- Develop and implement a marketing plan to ensure information about the plans, projects, and impact of AHCDC are shared.
- Serve as primary contact for redevelopment opportunities and identify and work with private developers as appropriate. Develop project pro-formas with appropriate market subsidies if needed, and prepare and facilitate project-based RFP's. Work collaboratively with appropriate city departments, including Economic Development, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Development.
- Participate in the preparation and administration of the AHCDC fund budget; develop budgetary plans and controls in order to facilitate community development programs and activities.
- Conduct and manage special projects; work with outside agencies and professional consultants as necessary. Perform all related duties and responsibilities as required.
Competencies:
- Bachelor's degree (from an accredited college or university in planning, business administration, public administration, marketing or related field)
- Five years of relevant work experience in Economic Development, Park Planning, Capital Projects or a closely related field
- Four years of administrative and supervisory experience
Skills & Experience:
- Excellent computer skills; proficiency in Excel and Google Suite
- Ability to question data and anticipate needs of colleagues by turning data into relevant information for decision making Ability to work with a diverse campus community
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
Additional Information:
Pay and Benefits: This position is budgeted to pay $40,000 annually. As a part-time position, this position is not eligible for our complete benefits package. This position is still eligible for limited benefits such as retirement and life insurance.
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax machines and filing cabinets.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to lift 15 pounds on a frequent basis. Also required is the ability to listen, hear, speak, read, write, climb stairs, bend, stoop, stand and sit for intermittently long periods of time. Must be able to use a computer to accomplish a variety of job tasks.
EEO Statement: Augustana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is Augustana College’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability and any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Note: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities are subject to change at any time with or without notice.
Application Instructions:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and names of 3 references. Review of applications will begin immediately. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
