Director of Economic Development - Union Settlement : Job Details

Position Summary:

Union Settlement is seeking a highly motivated and experienced professional for the position of Director of Economic Development. This role is a key member of Union Settlement's senior leadership team and plays a critical role in advancing the agency's mission through economic empowerment and neighborhood revitalization.

• Establish and execute a strategic vision for Union Settlement's Department of Economic Development to drive inclusive growth in East Harlem.
• Design and lead comprehensive economic development strategies that promote sustainable economic advancement, small business vitality, and community wealth-building.
• Provide strategic leadership and direct supervision of staff, consultants, and partners to ensure high-quality program execution, goal alignment, and operational excellence.
• Develop and manage all economic development programs, including planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and produce regular progress reports to evaluate program impact and guide decision-making.
• Oversee strategic communications, marketing campaigns, and a robust calendar of events to increase visibility, promote programs, and strengthen community engagement.
• Advocate for policies and resources that align with the needs and priorities of Union Settlement and the East Harlem community.
• Maintain compliance with all grants, contract, and regulatory requirements through evaluation and reporting.
• Manage grant development including proposal support, performance tracking, and budget oversight in collaboration with the development team.
• Prepare reports for funders such as NYC Small Business Services, including performance outcomes and budget updates.
• Lead data collection and evaluation efforts, including surveys, community feedback, and impact assessments to ensure data-driven decision making.
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with nonprofits, government agencies and private sector leaders to leverage resources and enhance program effectiveness.
• Facilitate community meetings to promote transparency and gather input.
• Conduct regular visits and engage directly with local businesses, community stakeholders, and neighborhood partners to remain attuned to emerging needs.
• Support the Chief Program Officer in managing the East Harlem Community Alliance, a coalition of over 200 local businesses and stakeholders, including coordinating quarterly meetings and collective initiatives.
• Prepare and present progress reports for internal and external use.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Chief Program Officer.

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in economic development or community development.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning, manage complex programs, and drive measurable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of community development, urban planning, and public-private partnership models.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Skilled in data analysis, reporting, and performance management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.