Background: 

The Phoenix Development Council (PDC) was formed to contribute to community betterment, enhance social welfare, promote and preserve history and culture, combat community deterioration, and relieve distress to the community of Tulsa, Oklahoma’s East 36th ST N and Peoria Avenue neighborhoods known as The Phoenix District.  

The Phoenix Development Council pursues its mission through the following community development activities: 

• Encourage economic opportunity and commercial development within the Phoenix District;
• Promote a more supportive business environment for historical residents of the area through advocacy, education, and other activities as needed;
• Improve public spaces and advocate for quality public infrastructure;
• Enhance the visual appearance and undergo placemaking activities throughout the Phoenix District; and
• Hold meetings, seminars, and other activities for the instruction and education of members and the public on topics of community and economic recovery, development and revitalization that fosters the inclusive development of The Phoenix District.

Position Summary

The Phoenix Development Council seeks a self-motivated and enterprising Executive Director to lead the organization and coordinate and oversee its programming. As its first Executive Director, the Phoenix Development Council is looking for someone to enhance its mission to create vibrancy in the Phoenix District by working with businesses, property owners, community partners, and volunteers to implement the organization’s strategic plan.

The Program Director is responsible for facilitating and promoting revitalization focused on the Phoenix District while impacting the North Tulsa community in general. The Executive Director will work with various community stakeholders to revitalize and grow the economic footprint of the Phoenix District.

This position is an exempt role that reports to the chair of the Phoenix Development Councils’ Board of Directors and closely collaborates with a GKFF® Senior Program Officer.

Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing goals and objectives to guide the organization in a strategic direction to pursue the organization’s mission; develop and improve operations and create new opportunities to further the mission of the organization; act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities.
• Report regularly to the Board Chair on a variety of items; identify, assess and inform the Board of Directors on internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Develop, conduct, and evaluate ongoing public awareness and education programs designed to create awareness of the Phoenix District and foster an understanding of PDC’s goals and objectives.
• Advocate for quality new economic development in the Phoenix District that meets the organization’s goals and objectives for a walkable commercial area tied to Black equity and entrepreneurship.
• Assist individual tenants or property owners with physical improvement projects of existing properties through personal consultation or facilitation of professional design services.
• Recruit new tenants and property owners into the area; reimagine the uses of vacant or underutilized properties.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Phoenix District; represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile, including creating and enhancing partnerships with city leaders, business owners, and other organizations.
• Define and track key metrics to measure community impact and program success. Utilize this and other data sources to inform decision making related to community needs and organizational strategic priorities.
• Provide support to the Board by providing meeting agenda and supporting materials.
• Assist the board with financial planning and management including research, fundraising development, and grant writing to maintain and increase the funds of the organization.
• Maintain documents and materials of the PDC; ensure sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed, ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation, withholding, and is properly informed about conditions and limitations concerning insurance coverage.
• Oversee the responsible management of day-to-day operations of the organization.
• Recruit, engage, and provide leadership to volunteers and future staff as the organization expands its programs and initiatives.
• Other duties as needed or coordinated with the Board Chair.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: In addition to the minimum qualifications, the successful applicant will demonstrate skills and experience that are included in the following areas:

• Knowledge of leadership and management skills as related to a nonprofit organization including fundraising, marketing, grant writing, and program effectiveness preferred
• An appreciation for and understanding of historic preservation/revitalization; business development; real estate and/or construction; and community involvement
• Ability to develop and facilitate fundraising including managing and sustaining different revenue streams including programs fees, donations, and grants. 
• Evaluation of community needs and interests and the ability to communicate effectively with civic leaders, business owners, volunteers and other organizations committed to the redevelopment of the Phoenix District;
• Adept at setting, tracking, and reporting on KPIs to monitor progress toward organizational goals.
• Ability to interpret data, assess trends, and make informed decisions based on quantitative and qualitative information.
• Excellent organization and decision making skills and capable of functioning in an independent environment with the ability to effectively plan and manage activities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills and a knowledge base of both social and traditional media;
• Understanding of technology and software programs related to management and office operations, such as Microsoft Office, CRM systems and nonprofit management software
• Interpersonal Skills and the ability to develop working relationships with various stakeholders
• Marketing, advertising, and branding experience is a plus.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree; preferred experience in historic preservation, economics, finance, public relations, urban design, journalism, planning, business administration, public administration, retailing, volunteer or nonprofit administration and/or small business development. 
• Masters Preferred
• Three to five years of relevant work experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting. Some outdoor work is required. 
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
• The position consistently requires the ability to communicate effectively in person and over the phone, as well as maintain visual acuity for operating equipment, reading, and using a keyboard.
• Position requires sitting, or standing, and working with a computer for extended periods of time.

Hours & Location:

• This position operates full time/in-person (40 hours/week) Monday–Friday. Must have availability to work evening and weekend hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings, fundraising events and community engagement opportunities.
• Must be able to accommodate business travel, including occasional overnight trips as required for professional development (e.g. workshops, training and conferences)
• You must live in or be able to relocate to Tulsa, OK or the surrounding area
• Maintain a valid driver’s license with appropriate auto insurance.

Benefits and Compensation

As part of our overall compensation package, we offer work/life flexibility, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, and generous retirement contributions designed to support you and your family. Details:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and long-term disability for full-time employees only. Option to add vision and dependents.
• 401K employee and employer contributions
• Paid time off to support you while you are out of the office.
• Paid holidays so our employees can spend time with those they care about.
• Employer paid AD&D life insurance, with employee option to add supplemental life insurance.

Salary Description

$60,000 - $70,000, based on experience