Director of Economic Viability

ORGANIZATION

Lift Orlando leverages business and community partnerships and funding to strengthen the West Lakes neighborhood in Orlando, FL by investing in the places people live, learn, work, and grow. Lift coordinates a diverse set of public and private partners across all its programming with investments in Mixed Income Housing, Cradle to Career Education, Health and Wellness, and Economic Viability.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Economic Viability (DEV) is responsible for strategy development, operational execution, stakeholder liaison, and internal coordination of resources to advance the Economic Viability component of the Lift Orlando Strategic Pillar. In most cases, any project or activity that can financially support itself would be considered economically viable and in many ways, this role embodies that of an individual and small business guide. As such, the Director of Economic Viability will lend expertise, support, innovation, and superior leadership to our West Lakes residents and businesses, leading the fulfillment of Lift Orlando’s goal of partnering with residents, partners, and businesses to break the cycle of poverty through projects and activities that increase economic mobility.

A key accountability for this role is to develop and deliver plans and programs that support the ability and capacity of the neighborhood residents to make a sustainable living. This role requires a seasoned problem solver, rapport builder, decision maker, respected leader, and critical thinker, as well as one who wholeheartedly supports the long-term objective of increasing the average household income in the West Lakes community.

RESPONSIBILITIES | ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Collaborate and advocate for comprehensive workforce development strategies which will assist current and prospective employers with recruiting, training, and retaining employees from the West Lakes community.
• Identify and build a network of partners that provide tested and effective economic development programs to improve the financial well-being of individuals and businesses. When appropriate, facilitate activities with existing organizations such as the West Lakes District to strengthen the business eco-system within the zip-code.
• Develop, modify, deliver, implement, and assist in managing economic development strategies, ideas, and policies, while serving as a direct liaison to community, local, internal, and intergovernmental leaders.
• Perform consultative and technical work in the planning, development, and implementation of Lift Orlando’s existing economic viability programs.
• Coordinate internally with senior and support staff of operational departments on related activities.
• Direct market research activities, business plan development and analysis, financial pro forma development, evaluation of technical data, and other related information to determine feasibility and economic impact of proposed entrepreneurial and employment-related developments.
• Design and guide efforts to include strong consideration for WMBE and WBENC designations.
• Ensure effective stewardship and meaningful benefits from all efforts to our West Lakes community of residents and businesses.

QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA or Master’s degree. Fields of study including Communications, Business Management, or Public Administration, preferred.
• 10 years of senior management and leadership experience
• 5 years of financial management expertise (budgets, balance sheets, pro forma, etc)
• Ability to balance multiple and competing priorities in a well-organized and self-directed manner.
• Proficient technical skills, analytical ability, time management, and strong operational focus.
• Skilled in delivering cradle-to-career social impact solutions at the intersections of employment, economic development, education, and inclusion.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends and be on-call as necessary.
• Expert in facilitation, collaboration, networking, communication, decision-making, management, organization, development, planning, business building, and governance.
• Ability to relate to people at all levels of the organization, possessing excellent interpersonal communication skills and abilities to build genuine rapport resulting in strong interpersonal relationships.
• Commitment to the mission of Lift Orlando
• Candidates who reside near or in, or are from, our service area of 32805 strongly preferred.

Lift Orlando is an equal opportunity employer and has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender expression, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• How many years of experience do you have in helping others to build a business?
• How many years of experience do you have in managing, reviewing, and interpreting financial data?

Ability to Relocate:

• Orlando, FL 32805: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Orlando, FL 32805

Salary : $80,000 - $110,000