Executive Director / Community Organizer Job Posting

About the Organization
The Fort Road Federation serves as the district council and community development corporation for Saint Paul's 9th District, the West 7th Street neighborhood. The Fort Road Federation coordinates participation in advocacy and planning, and builds community connections for the residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations of the West 7th neighborhood so that it is a place where people want to live, work, and play. The Federation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and staffed by an Executive Director.

The Fort Road Federation was formed in 1973 to unite neighbors, local businesses, and organizations to solve issues impacting the vitality and livability of the community. Over the past 45 years, the Federation has served as a leader in setting citizen-driven direction for housing development, community organizing, land and transportation planning, historic revitalization, commercial revitalization, public education, and infrastructure/living environment matters. In 1975, when Saint Paul established its 17 citizen participation districts, the Fort Road Federation also became the District 9 Planning Council. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Community Organizing and Engagement – 55% 
  • Work with the Community Engagement and Outreach Committee to ensure community outreach and engagement of the organization 
  • Coordinate problem-solving for residents and business owners on current and future issues 
  • Build effective relationships with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to residents, neighborhood groups, business leaders, elected officials, City staff, County staff, Police, Fire, other community organizations, funders, and media
  • Develop, coordinate, and implement with the Board of Directors responses to City requests
  • Support committees and task forces of the organization as needed
  • Work with Board and committees to implement goals of the strategic plan and the district plan.

Governance and Leadership Development – 25%
  • Prepare Board agendas in consultation with the Board President 
  • Work with the Board President to manage governance and operations of the organization
  • Work with the Board of Directors to identify short, medium, and long-term organizational and strategic goals
  • Work with the Board of Directors to develop leaders in the community representative of the neighborhood

Operations and Finance – 15% 
  • Prepare budget, manage finances, and monitor expenses of the Fort Road Federation, in coordination with the Treasurer and bookkeeper
  • Work with the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors to oversee the budget and financial obligations
  • Work with the Development and Fundraising Committee to cultivate new funding sources with foundations, government agencies, community organizations, businesses and others

Community Development Corporation (CDC) Business Development – 5% 
  • Monitor economic development projects in the community by affiliated organizations
  • Plan, develop, implement, and monitor economic development projects and programs undertaken by the Federation

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Professional experience with a proven track record of accomplishments 
  • Demonstrated financial management experience and competency
  • Knowledge of local zoning regulations and land use
  • Evidence of innovative and critical thinker, and creative problem-solver to reach consensus decision-making
  • Evidence of being highly organized and attentive to detail, in order to manage many different tasks and strategies and working collaboratively with stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and work independently, as well as in a team context
  • Evidence of effectively working with and engaging a socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse community
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and provide accurate and timely reports to the Board of Directors, the City, and funders
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills 
  • Demonstrated conflict resolution skills
  • Knowledge of appropriate technology and software to communicate effectively in print and electronically, e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, social media

Desired Qualifications – In addition to the minimum qualifications above:
  • At least five years of successful experience in a managerial or executive director position, with a proven track record of accomplishments 
  • Experience reporting to a board of directors
  • Non-profit leadership experience 
  • Experience supervising interns and/or volunteers
  • Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the West 7th community
  • Bachelor’s degree 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the Saint Paul District Planning Council system
  • Knowledge of city-wide and county-wide government operations
  • Knowledge of real estate development, and financing

The Fort Road Federation Executive Director/Community Organizer will manage day-to-day operations, engage community members to participate in solving issues and develop leadership, spearhead efforts to obtain grants and other funding, coordinate processes for District 9 input to City of St. Paul requests. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors; some evenings and weekends are required. The position is 100% (40 hours per week) with full benefits. Salary range is $45,000-60,000 annually. The Fort Road Federation is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

To Apply
Email your cover letter and resume to president@fortroadfederation.org by 5 pm on October 5, 2021.

Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer