Executive Director of Community Engagement and Economic Development

The Hill School Mission: The Hill School prepares young people from across the country and around the world for college, careers, and life. Within a family school environment and a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, we challenge our young people to work hard; think and reason; be fulfilled; serve the common good; and be prepared to lead as citizens of the world, uniquely guided by our motto, "Whatsoever Things Are True."

Position Summary

On behalf of The Hill School, the Executive Director is responsible for community and economic development of the Hobart's Run residential and commercial area. In addition to strengthening partnerships with other anchor institutions and non-profits in the Borough, the Director will represent the shared strategic interest in Hobart's Run as a collaborative neighborhood initiative and implement corresponding action plans. The Hobart's Run neighborhood initiative, a 501(c)3, was launched by The Hill School in 2016 to create a cleaner and safer community; foster inclusivity; provide incentives for home ownership and property pride; and generate quality business development while specifically focusing on a 900-parcel area, Hobart's Run supports revitalization efforts throughout Pottstown. The name "Hobart's Run" was derived in part from historical accounts of Pottstown's once-prominent Hobart family as well as from the eponymous underground stream that runs through the area east of Pottstown's downtown. Hobart's Run ties our endeavor to both our geographic focus area and to the rest of Pottstown and its history.

Responsibilities

• Advise Hill's Senior Team on the coordination and management of Hill's community initiatives to create, measure, and promulgate programs that engage Hill's employees and students with Pottstown's community;
• Coordinate with Hill's Advancement Office to encourage alumni, parents, and friends of the School to conduct business in Pottstown and financially support initiatives;
• Coordinate with Hill's CFOO to find opportunities for The Hill and its vendors to utilize businesses in Pottstown and continue to implement a strategic perimeter safety plan with a focus on real estate acquisition;
• Collaborate with the Board to establish budgets and spending priorities, and satisfy 501(c)3, grant, and program requirements;
• Plan and attend a variety of local/community meetings and events to represent Hobart's Run and The Hill and build strong relationships with organizations, businesses, and residents;
• Facilitate efforts to obtain gifts, grants, government funds, and other types of external support for Hobart's Run and other redevelopment initiatives;
• Evaluate the effectiveness of programs, strategies, and tactics on an ongoing basis to ensure macro-level progress is measured;
• Study market trends, applying expert judgment to opportunities and threats facing the local economy;
• Partner closely with residents in endeavors ranging from 'Clean and Green' projects and Block Captain activities to Hobart's Run grant implementation. Such participation often involves door-to-door personal interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall success and mission of the institution.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree (preferred);
• Minimum of five years' experience in a similar position in an organization devoted to community engagement and economic revitalization/development;
• Working knowledge of state and municipal government programs, regulations, and procedures (preferred);
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Strong ability to quickly establish interpersonal relationships and leverage relationships as needed;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing projects on a daily and weekly basis;
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines;
• Availability and willingness to attend weekend and evening community meetings on a regular basis.

Attitude and Demeanor

• Publicly support the mission and vision of The Hill School in a positive and professional manner.
• Work as a dynamic team member in a professional collaborative environment.
• Energetic and organized enough to thrive in an extremely fast-paced environment while collaborating with a growing team to produce great work.
• Ability to wear many hats, learn new things every day, and switch from a variety of roles with ease and excitement.
• Communicate effectively with warmth, sensitivity, humor, and understanding as they deal with administrative colleagues, teachers, students, alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and program associates.
• Possess a "service attitude" - willingness to be flexible to meet the needs of the department and school.