POSITION SUMMARY:
The Director is responsible for developing, advancing and maintaining positive and productive relationships and partnerships with the external community by directing the Erie-GAINS (Gannon Alliances to Improve Neighborhood Sustainability) initiative and for engaging governmental officials, bodies, and agencies via positive and ongoing dialogues.  The Director is a key representative at the partnership table in supporting the development and sustainability of the Erie community. Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission and Catholic identity.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Leads the Erie-GAINS project development and delivery, including establishing broad vision and direction of the project, monitoring goals and status of community indicators, and facilitating and monitoring implementation of community development activities.
2. Manages day-to-day operations, coordination of project teams, and facilitation of effective communication and collaboration within the University, and between the University faculty, staff, administration, various University departments, students, local community, key stakeholders and elected and appointed official.
3. Serves as the primary liaison between the University and external governmental agencies, elected officials, neighborhood and community groups, and local non-profit organizations seeking collaborations to meet common objectives.
4. Establishes and implements an effective and efficient data gathering, assessment and evaluation process that guides the management, decision-making, evolution, and resources development for the project.
5. Monitors and communicates/publicizes (including print materials and a dynamic project website) the effects of Erie-GAINS of the neighborhood and community at large and manages necessary follow-up communication and action ensuring continuity and progress of the project teams.
6. Works with the grants office to seek and identify resources for program development, delivery, and sustainability, including federal, state and local government and private grant and foundation support and other external funding opportunities.
7. Works closely with the Center for Social Concerns, Service Learning, and the Center for Experiential Education to facilitate the engagement of students and faculty in community-oriented projects, service and service-learning connected to the project, as well as the integration of the project into academic curricula and extracurricular activities and requirements throughout the community.
8. Serves on committees, boards, and development teams as needed, and appropriately, creatively and persistently pursues opportunities for collaborations and partnerships.
9. Promotes the project through activities such as community-building meetings, speakers, social events, or large-group service projects; leading by example and participating in service and community-building activities.
10. Effectively, appropriately and prudently creates and manages the operating budget and program resources.
11. Performs other duties as assigned to support the project, Academic Affairs Division and the University.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position supervises student volunteers and work-studies, and coordinates the work of faculty-staff project teams and support staff.

CONTACT WITH OTHERS:
Internal: Interacts with students, faculty, staff, and administrators, and any department or office necessary to conduct the business of the project.

External: Serves as a key colleague, partner and communicator with neighborhood community members; regional, state and national community development and support organizations; peer academic institutional leaders; state and local government officials; and government and private funding organizations.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required with Master’s or Doctoral degree (or other terminal degree) preferred in urban planning, public administration, or a related field;

Experience: The following experience is required:

• Five years of relevant work experience and demonstrated success in community development, community relations, government relations and project management. Experience in an academic environment and university teaching experience is helpful.
• Keen organizational and project management skills including team management, coalition building, assessment research, database management, and program evaluation and reporting.
• The initiative, enthusiasm, and credentials, to gain the respect of all levels of constituents from community members and students, to faculty and staff, to senior administrators, community leaders and directors of local NGOs.
• Exceptional personal communication and relationship building skills, including listening, oral and written communications; and ability to gather and share ideas among diverse groups. Leadership ability to build and guide a team that works effectively together to create a vision and identify new initiatives and the best ways to carry them out.
• Competence in marketing, advertising and program promotion, including a good sense in website design, Microsoft Office suite, development of effective print and email publicity, and development and ongoing oversight of a project database.
• Innovative networking and grant-writing skills necessary to locate and secure outside funding and to develop internal budgetary support.

Licenses or Certifications: A current, valid driver’s license is required.

University Mission: Must be able to support and promote the University’s Mission and Catholic identity and to facilitate the integration of the learning environment of the campus community with the local and regional community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to meet the physical demands associated with a normal office environment, as well as outreach to the local and regional community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Travel and weekend time commitments are required.

REPORTS TO: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

APPLY ONLINE: www.gannon.edu/employment