Communitas America is a social impact organization focused on developing impact ecosystems in under-resourced communities. Communitas America does this through our various impact programs that support Changemakers, Social Enterprises, and Nonprofit organizations. Communitas America was founded in 2017 by Kyungsun Chung, impact investor and philanthropist, as a fiscal sponsorship project under Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. It currently operates as an independent non-profit organization. Learn more about Communitas America at www.communitasamerica.org.
Communitas America currently has impact programs focused on social entrepreneurship in the Bronx and Harlem, New York as well as a co-living program in Las Vegas. Our sister organization, Heyground, is currently in the process of developing a coworking space in the Bronx. Learn more about Communitas America Bronx and Heyground Bronx at www.communitasbronx.org.
Both Communitas America and Heyground are planning on expansion likely first in New York and then nationwide. The Executive Director is expected to take the lead in establishing new locations nationwide for the expansion of Communitas America operations.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will have overall responsibility for the planning, funding, implementation, administration, management and strategic framework of all programs and services. S/he will serve as an advisor to the Board on all organization matters and can expect the active involvement and support of its members.
The Executive Director should have a deep understanding of underserved communities and equitable development and is expected to work with the Board, staff, funders, and many stakeholders to enhance and continue the work of Communitas America. S/he will be the spokesperson for the organization in a wide and highly visible range of situations, providing confidence-inspiring leadership, mobilizing broad based support and identifying and acting on opportunities for the growth and funding of the organization’s mission.
With the support of the management team, the Executive Director is accountable for the fiscal health and management of the organization. S/he oversees Communitas America's operating budgets and maintains fiscal control over expenditures. S/he provides leadership in identifying sources of public and private support for its operations and development, actively meeting with potential donors and growing an expanded and robust network of supporters.
The Executive Director must be a leader with extraordinary vision, who is able to realize that vision through ongoing interaction with the Board, staff, stakeholders and those the organization serves. This person must have values that are consistent with a culture that is based upon respect, social good, entrepreneurship, high ethical standards, and must have a proven ability to encourage teamwork and collaboration.
We seek a Executive Director who is accomplished in fund raising, community engagement and stakeholder relations, with the values and the leadership skills needed to develop and empower a managerial team to strengthen the organization and prepare it for growth.
This person must be a strategic thinker who understands the social impact and philanthropic environment in which we operate. The Executive Director must also have the integrity and humility needed to gain respect in underserved communities that are diverse in their needs and expectations.
While maintaining excellent relationships with existing partners, the Executive Director must also expand Communitas America’s connection and influence with major donors, foundations, institutions and the corporate community. Integrity, strong written and oral communication skills and a passion for our work are fundamental requirements.
The Executive Director must have an understanding of the social and economic issues facing low-income communities. The ideal candidate will have experience working with organizations, changemakers, grant making agencies addressing these issues, as well as with the leaders in each of these fields.
Experience and skills in the management of a social impact organization, and in the effective oversight of finance, human resources, operations and systems, will be key. A minimum of ten years’ experience in a senior leadership role is required. An advanced degree in social services, law, public policy, business or a related field is preferred.
Salary and benefits for this position are competitive. Communitas America is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workplace. All applicants will be evaluated on a merit basis.