Last week, we announced our search for an Assistant Director of Programs, Communications & Development role. As we’ve been accepting candidates’ applications and sharing our vision, we wanted to take a moment to give you a more personal look at what makes this opportunity special in our community.
Being First Matters
There’s something unique about being the first significant hire in our organization at this particular juncture. While everyone talks about “getting in on the ground floor,” this is literally that opportunity. You won’t be joining an established team with set processes—you’ll be helping us build those processes. Your fingerprints will be on everything we create together. This is evident in our work at Karwick Villages, our first 12-unit affordable housing cooperative community, which we are actively working to begin construction on imminently.
A Day in the Life at Homeward Bound Villages:
This role is multifaceted and will impact the lives of those we serve in our community for generations to come. What makes this role so unique is that you will literally be the operational heart of our organization, from guiding the selection process for our Karwick Village project to enduring our communications for our organization that align with our missions and values. This role will provide the opportunity to build partnerships with referral organizations and key community partners. You will also have the opportunity to lead fundraising efforts, and work closely with our board of directors and committee members.
Why Now is the Perfect Time:
We’re at an exciting inflection point:
- With bids for site development coming in for our Karwick Village project, now is the perfect time to join our mission.
- Our communications channels are functioning, and our outreach is ongoing. Now is the best time to come aboard and guide our narrative.
- Our goal is to support affordable housing in our community. This means building strategic relationships with community stakeholders.
- You’ll be joining at the perfect moment to bring the first cooperative affordable housing community to LaPorte County.
From the President’s Desk
Here is what Homeward Bound President Sandi Keller had to say about this role.
“This is an exciting and critical time for our organization and our Krwick Village project. As our organization moves from a planning stage to active construction, the need for greater support, enhanced communications, robust fundraising, and the ability to strengthen community relationships has never been greater. The right person in this role will be key to the success of our projects and our organization. This person can make a tremendous impact on our community and improve the affordable housing climate.
I look forward to working closely with this individual to build not only Karwick Village but also this community through the selection process of our residents, the formation of our community board, key referral relationships, and beyond.”
The Questions You Haven’t Asked (But Should)
During our conversations with candidates, some interesting questions have come up that we think everyone should know the answers to:
1. “How much autonomy will I really have?”
As an organization we are committed to training and providing significant mentoring to guide this individual in their new role. We subscribe to Dan Pink’s philosophy of Motivation: Autonomy, Master and Purpose are the most important motivators for us to be fully engaged and enjoy our work.
A couple examples might be of your autonomy in action might be:
- Working with village residents and community volunteers to offer creative and meaningful activities or programs at Karwick Village.
- Developing impactful fundraising and volunteer recognition events.
- Building new strategic partnerships with local companies, governments, etc.
2. “What does success look like in this role?”
Some tangible goals in this role might look like:
- Karwick VIllage co-op and resident intake are 100% ready to go in 1st quarter.
- 4-5 Community Outreach sessions occur each month
- Residents are accepted for Karwick Village in a timeframe that allows them to be part of decision-making during the final stages of construction and village opening.
- 300% Increase in non-grant donations
3. “Where do you see this role evolving?”
We see this role as an opportunity for multiple possible career paths within our organization and room for forward advancement with Homeward Bound Villages. Advancement would undoubtedly depend on the individual in this role’s interest and goals, as well as demonstrated successes in this role with Homeward Bound Villages.
What Our Community is Saying
Since announcing this role, we’ve received fantastic feedback from our community about why they’re excited about our growth:
“The fact that Homeward Bound Villages is growing to the point where this role is needed, along with the upcoming construction of Karwick Village, is really exciting. As a regular donor, I am grateful to see this organization infesting in itself for organizational sustainability. I cannot wait to see the good work this growth will bring to affordable housing in La Porte County.
Still Unsure If You Should Apply?
If you’re wondering whether you’re qualified, here’s our take: we’re looking for potential as much as experience. If you:
– Get excited about making a difference in the lives of those in our community.
– Have experience in leadership, program management and fundraising.
– Want to make a difference for generations to come
Then we want to talk to you, even if you don’t check every box in the original posting. You can read the full job description here: Click Here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
The application process is simple:
- Email your resume/CV and introduction to hiring@homewardboundvillages.org
- Take some time to browse through our website to learn more about Homeward Bound Villages and our mission
- Submit your application as soon as possible to be considered for this exciting role
Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back. If you’ve read this far and felt a spark of excitement, that’s your cue to apply.