Latino Economic Development Center

The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a non-profit community development organization founded in 1991. LEDC’s mission is to serve as a catalyst that drives the economic and social advancement of low-to-moderate-income Latinos and other underserved communities by equipping them with the skills and tools to achieve financial independence, acquire personal and business assets, and create generational wealth. We achieve our mission through small business development and financing, homeownership counseling, tenant services, and affordable housing preservation.

Position Background

The Direct Community Investments (DCI) Department partners with government and private entities and individuals to rapidly deploy financial assistance to vulnerable families and small businesses. The department was born out of local governments and philanthropists needing assistance deploying public Cares Act and other public and private funds as quickly as possible to meet immediate and pressing needs brought on by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

In 2023, DCI reached the milestone of disbursing over $100 million in funding to over 4,000 small business owners, renters, and homeowners in collaboration with local government entities in Washington, DC and Maryland. The DCI team works to design efficient applications that minimize applicant burden; custom software that allows for the collection and processing of applications and live, continually updated reporting; and the rapid transfer of funds to grant recipients within short time horizons. The funds administered by the DCI team also cut across fields of expertise and include funds with a focus on housing, health, and small business and nonprofit operations.

This senior management position reports directly to the CEO. The position is designed to oversee the continued success and strategic growth of the Direct Community Investments Department by developing strong relationships with external partners and funders and pursuing additional engagement opportunities for the Department. In addition, the Director oversees two internal teams, Program Implementation and Product Development, and a Program Design Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all Direct Community Investments engagements
• Facilitate communication channels between Program Implementation team, Product Development team, and Program Design Specialist.
• Oversee DCI compliance with engagement contracts and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Collaborate with Finance Department to develop and monitor department budget.
• Develop annual goals aligned with the LEDC’s strategic plan.
• In collaboration with the Director of Development and the CEO, raise funds to maintain adequate levels of liquidity and operations.
• Build and nurture relationships with funders and stakeholders which objectives are aligned with LEDC’s mission.
• Support the Executive Director and collaborate with the executive leadership team to address organizational and programmatic challenges/opportunities.
• Maintain adequate levels of staff to achieve programmatic goals by leading the promotion, hiring, and onboarding process of lending staff.
• Lead periodic departmental meetings to promote a positive and professional culture, ensure effective team communication, foster peer-to-peer learning, discuss client’s needs and develop initiatives to improve the social impact and efficiency of the lending activities.
• In coordination with the Director of Operations, lead the selection and implementation of software and IT tools to streamline DCI operations.
• Maintain vendor relations and contract negotiations related to DCI’s activities
• Develop and implement department procurement policies and procedures
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting both externally and internally.
• Represent DCI publicly as needed, such as through presentations, public hearings or other speaking engagements.
• Support the annual audit process as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or years 5 of relevant experience
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills required;
• Effective and motivational manager;
• Innovative and creative problem-solving mindset;
• Capable of coordinating across various internal departments;

Preferred Qualifications

• MA/MBA degree in finance or technology
• Proven fundraiser
• Bilingual (English/Spanish)
• Familiarity with relevant technologies (relational databases, automations, low code software)

Salary for this role ranges between $102,472- $123,622 based on experience. Competitive Benefits program (health and life, dental, vision).

To apply, please e-mail a resume, cover letter, and writing sample to ereyes@ledcmetro.org -- Emi Reyes, CEO & Executive Director.

Given our industry, the types of services we offer and communities we serve, the organization may obtain consumer reports, or investigative consumer reports, in connection with your employment application. Investigative consumer reports include investigations conducted by consumer reporting agencies through personal interviews on information as to character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living.

You may make a written request for disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report. Investigative consumer reports include record checks and may contain information culled from interviews with former employers, business references, and/or personal references. You can access a separate document entitled “Summary of Your Rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” here . Reports will be obtained from Insperity Employment Screening, 19001 Crescent Springs Dr., Kingwood, TX 77339.

LEDC is an EEO employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. In accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders, LEDC takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants and employees covered are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex (gender), age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic that is protected by applicable law. For more information about your equal employment opportunity rights, please view this poster: EEO is the Law. LEDC also participates in E-Verify.

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