Director of Operations | North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council

Details

Who We Are

The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC) is a group of North Lawndale stakeholders, including community-based organizations, business owners, elected officials, and individuals, that guide comprehensive planning and implementation in the North Lawndale community on Chicago’s West Side.

NLCCC was formed in 2015 to address decades of disinvestment and ensure a collaborative, community-based process for developing a North Lawndale Quality-of-Life plan. This grassroots effort brought together more than 70 organizations and 700 residents and stakeholders to develop a shared vision for the neighborhood’s future. Ongoing implementation is carried out by committees organized along the along quality-of-life sectors. Below are examples of key projects supported by NLCCC’s subcommittees.

Education: One Lawndale Children’s Discovery Center
Housing: Lazarus Apartments (affordable housing)
Economic Development: North Lawndale Employment Network’s Workforce Campus
Health and Wellness: Ogden Commons (healthcare services)
Arts and Culture: Lawndale Art Fest

Who We Are Looking For

NLCCC is seeking a visionary, mission-oriented leader who will serve as the Director of Operations and assist NLCCC to move into its next phase of measured growth and stability. NLCCC’s current Executive Director joined in 2023 and this role will partner closely with them.

The Director of Operations will be responsible for providing strategic leadership for NLCCC, hiring and managing staff and consultants, and providing monitoring and oversight for many of its initiatives. This position will be responsible for all aspects of operations including developing and implementing an operational plan, and ensuring that procedures are carried out ethically and properly. Additionally, the Director of Operations will regularly evaluate organizational efficiency and make necessary changes to maximize staff productivity. The Director of Operations, in partnership with the Executive Director, will assess the needs of the organization and find ways to contribute to its mission by ensuring daily operations run smoothly and efficiently.

Given the grassroots entrepreneurial nature of NLCCC, responsibilities of this role may shift depending on NLCCC’s evolving needs. This role requires adaptability and the ability to proactively take on a variety of tasks as NLCCC continues to grow and develop. This person will be deeply committed to impacting the North Lawndale community. 

Key Responsibilities

Operations:

• Work with leadership to develop short and long-term operational strategies and ensure that operations are aligned with the organization’s overall goals
• Implement strategies and monitor effectiveness, making adjustments as needed
• Develop and maintain positive relations with strategic community, local government, and state partners
• Review and create communication plans for each NLCCC committee
• Interface with the committee Chairs to assist in developing committee goals 
• Coordinate NLCCC’s community meetings 
• Coordinate and manage NLCCC’s website and all social media accounts

Organization/Project Management:

• Manage project budgets
• Monitor project schedules and performance measurements
• Recruit new members to NLCCC

Human Resources:

• Work with the executive team to create new roles and recruit candidates
• Manage onboarding of new hires
• Oversee staff evaluation/performance review process
• Update Employee Handbook as needed
• Assist with the creation and monitoring of staff development opportunities

Financial Management/Budget:

• Partner with Executive Director to create and monitor annual operations budgets and budget performance
• Monitor budget expenditures and spending compliance with grant agreements
• Assist with fundraising and identifying funding opportunities to support the needs identified in the Quality-of-Life Plan

Qualifications

NLCCC needs a strong operational leader with skills in project management, budgeting, communication and technology. 

Attributes:

• Willing to learn about and understand NLCCC's unique approach to community development
• Demonstrated strong passion for people, problem-solving, and taking on challenges
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills, business acumen, and ability to negotiate
• Skilled in community involvement, engagement, and building strategic partnerships and collaborations
• Inspiring and inclusive leadership style with a demonstrable track record of managing and supporting staff; using a system of effective delegation, follow-up, and accountability
• Demonstrated teamwork, organizational, and communication skills
• Timely, accurate, and transparent communicator (with other Executive Team and Board members)
• Ability to work well in a busy, loosely structured environment and adapt to organizational changes while maintaining rigorous financial accountability and controls

Experience and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or 10 years equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of management experience in a nonprofit organization
• Experience  in project  management 
• Demonstrated success managing operations and internal systems, including talent, financial and technological systems
• Experience working with a board of directors and supporting engaged and effective governance
• Fluent with all Microsoft Office Suite applications  

Our Culture

The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council is a small nonprofit organization in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL. NLCCC's culture promotes self-reflection, mutual respect, and healthy relationships. We seek to embody a proactive approach to problem-solving, relying on defined roles and expectations. We employ a restorative approach to communication and conflict resolution. The culture of NLCCC is collaborative, nimble and rewarding. Staff have the flexibility to work remotely one day per week. 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range for this full-time position is $85,000-$95,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Additionally, NLCCC offers a comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to medical, vision, and dental insurance, PTO, and holidays.

To Apply:

NLCCC has retained Morten Group, LLC, to conduct this search. Questions should be directed to meridel@mortengroup.com.

Applicants should complete the form available at https://www.mortengroup.com/executive-placements/nlccc, including the submission of a cover letter and resume in PDF format by the best consideration date of Tuesday September 30 at 12pm. Cover letters will be evaluated as a writing sample. A background check will be performed for a successful candidate prior to hire. Please note: Only those applications considered for an initial screening will be contacted.

North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all its employees without regard to age, gender, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, political or union affiliation, maternity status, parental status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.