Director of Corridor Development

Latinos Progresando’s Director of Corridor Development will lead the organization’s work in the Cermak commercial corridor. The Director will focus on 1) cultivating relationships with businesses in the corridor, 2) providing resources and technical assistance to help them sustain and grow their enterprises, and 3) being a steward and advocate for the built environment of the commercial corridor. Reporting to the Chief Programs Officer and working with a team of community engagement coordinators, consultants, and Latinos Progresando leadership, the Director of Corridor Development will be responsible for implementing strategies that benefit the local business community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Corridor Strategy

• Refine and lead the corridor development strategy, including the implementation of Latinos Progresando’s strategic goals for the commercial corridor
• Support Latinos Progresando and the business community in advocating for and coordinating city, philanthropic, and private resources for corridor improvements
• Support project management of select development projects for Latinos Progresando and ensure they are consistent with the corridor strategy and other community plans

Local business support and engagement

• Working with the Chief Programs Officer, support and maintain strong relationships with the businesses on the Cermak Corridor (S. Trumbull Ave. to S. Campbell Ave.) and along adjacent corridors, including S. California Ave. from the Pink Line station to W. 26th St. and S. Kedzie Ave. from the Pink Line station to W. 26th St.
• Cultivate a network of local businesses to encourage increased communication, mutual support, maximization of opportunities, and local referrals
• Connect local businesses to government resources, grants, and related programs
• Bring experts to present to businesses on topics relevant to their interests, including safety and security, funding for small and minority-owned businesses, and community support resources for themselves and their employees
  • In collaboration with department staff, coordinate logistics for local business workshops, including but not limited to preparing calendar invitations, video links, outreach emails, and agendas
  • Monitor and track the supply of retail vacancies along the corridor
  • Monitor and coordinate corridor maintenance programs such as graffiti removal, Clean Slate clean up, light pole banners, and other physical improvements.
  • Act as the main logistical contact for all inquiries from businesses seeking information from or to work with Latinos Progresando

Program Evaluation

• Drive, monitor, evaluate, and report on progress on the organization’s business development plan
• Maintain data and evaluation information on business development activities
• As needed, provide data and narrative information to the Development Team for grant writing and reporting; draft and/or review select external communications related to the business development activities

General community programs

• Attend and contribute to the success of all LP signature events, Marshall Square Resource Network quarterly meetings, and committee meetings as assigned
• Facilitate and plan participation of local businesses in LP events and programs, including the annual community summits, among other events
• Represent Latinos Progresando at external meetings
• Act as the first point of contact with local elected officials, the Chicago Police Department, and other stakeholders regarding the commercial corridor.
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum two years of relevant experience or graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban planning, urban design, or a related field
• Acute attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Ability to speak and write in both English and Spanish
• Initiative and ability to engage multiple, diverse stakeholders to achieve shared goals
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable and confident in a fast-paced environment
• Punctual and reliable
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google tools

Latinos Progresando offers a robust benefits package, including health and life insurance, a 401k plan, and generous time-off policies. Employees work on-site four days a week and can work one day remotely.

Latinos Progresando provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Latinos Progresando is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us before an interview; no candidate will be penalized for requesting an accommodation.

Interested candidates should email their resumes and cover letters with the subject line “Director of Corridor Development” to careers@latinospro.org. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.