Director of Operations

Who we are :

Maximise your chances of a successful application to this job by ensuring your CV and skills are a good match.

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation was established in 1987 by the Lawndale Christian Community Church to fulfill the call to justice in Micah 6 : 8.

LCDC organizes with the community for the power to eliminate health and wealth disparities in North Lawndale. We develop and manage affordable mixed-use housing, create homeownership for working families, and build cooperative businesses.

Our vision is to be a national model of a faith-based movement that enables residents to overcome systemic disinvestments in our communities.

We create legacies of intergenerational community wealth.

Who we are looking for :

LCDC is seeking a visionary, mission-oriented, and seasoned leader who will serve as the Director of Operations and assist LCDC to move into its next phase of measured growth and stability.

This position is responsible for overseeing daily business activities, managing office resources, developing and implementing an operational plan, and ensuring that procedures are carried out properly.

Additionally, the Director of Operations will regularly evaluate organizational efficiency and make necessary changes to maximize staff productivity.

Key Responsibilities :

Be a highly visible leader committed to developing training programs for company employees at all levels to raise the standards of performance and ensure consistency and accountability.

This position reports to the Executive Director and will be a part of the Executive Team.

Operations :

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the organization
• Oversee administrative assistant
• Work with IT, office vendors, fire extinguisher certification etc.
• Coordinate with website management company to maintain accurate website information
• Manage office supply procurement and resource allocation
• Define, implement, and revise operational policies and guidelines for the organization
• Establish office protocols
• Ensure that all filing deadlines of the annual audit and 990 are met in a timely fashion.
• Ensure that all labor laws and standards are followed and implement agency personnel policies and protocols.
• Review all insurance policies needed for the agency including, but not limited to : General Liability & Umbrella Liability, Directors & Officers, Employment Practices, Workers Compensation, Property, Contents, Business loss, employee dishonesty, etc.
• Ensure that all policies are in place related to organizational protocol and steps in handling : employee dishonesty, fraud, theft, and / or harassment-based incidents.
• In conjunction with LCDC's General Counsel, ensure that annual reports of LCDC and its affiliates are submitted in a timely fashion to the Secretary of State and the Illinois Attorney General.

Organization / Project management :

• Manage the execution of annual fundraising events, groundbreakings, etc.
• Serve as liaison to LCDC Board of Directors
• Maintain current and accurate donor contact database (Network for Good)
• Compose and send Thank You letters to donors

Human Resources :

• Work with the executive team to create job descriptions, hire personnel and oversee employee training programs
• Handle onboarding of new hires / terminations
• Point of contact for benefits plans
• Track employee paid time off
• Oversee staff evaluation / performance review process
• Update Employee Handbook annually (if needed)
• Ensure continuing education and professional development courses taken by staff are traced and recorded in personnel files in a timely fashion

Financial Management / Budget :

• Review and monitor annual organization budgets and budget performance
• Train board and staff on the budgeting process and terms as necessary
• Monitor cash flow for the agency in a timely manner and help determine cash flow and management strategies.

Experience and Attributes :

• Able to provide visionary and strategic leadership and translate that vision into measurable goals and definitive actions that advance the mission of the company
• A strong passion for people, problem-solving, and for taking on challenges
• Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills, business acumen, and the ability to negotiate
• Experience in operations of development, construction, or real estate management organization.
• Skill in community involvement and engagement and in building strategic partnerships and collaborations
• Experience with administrative and fiscal management, budgeting, and operations
• Demonstrates effective delegation of staff responsibilities and a system of follow-up and accountability
• Inspiring and inclusive leadership style with a demonstrable track record of managing and supporting staff
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and supporting engaged and effective governance

Other Expectations :

• Model Christian leadership and take a biblical approach to conflict resolution.
• Meet weekly with Director to discuss progress on weekly and / or yearly goals and objectives.
• Attend 3 community events each year.
• Participate in community organizing activities.
• Participate in professional development training as resources allow.
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; review professional publications; establish personal networks.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5 years of experience in a non-profit organization
• Demonstrated capacity to manage internal systems, including financial and technological systems required.
• Demonstrated teamwork, organizational, and communication skills are critical. Timely, accurate, and honest communication with other Executive Team and Board members is central to this position.
• Willing to learn about and understand LCDC's unique approach to community development.
• Ability to work well in a busy, loosely structured environment and adapt to organizational changes while maintaining rigorous financial accountability and controls.
• Computer literacy with some knowledge of accounting software programs.
• Willingness to undergo comprehensive background (CORI) and credit check.

Our culture :

Lawndale Christian Development Corporation is a small non-profit organization in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago, IL.

LCDC'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 biblical approach to communication and conflict resolution. The culture of LCDC is fast-paced, collaborative, and rewarding.

Job Type : Full-time

Pay : From $75,000.00 per year

Benefits :

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule :

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education :

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience :

• Management : 3 years (Required)
• Project management : 2 years (Required)
• Business operations : 3 years (Required)
• Budgeting : 3 years (Required)

License / Certification :

HR Specialist Certification (Preferred)

Work Location : In person

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