Director of Economic Development

Job Description

Organizational Summary

Union Settlement is an East Harlem based nonprofit organization founded in 1895. For 128 years, Union Settlement has provided critical and innovative programming to children, youth, families, and older adults. As a pioneer of the settlement house movement, Union Settlement continues to meet the needs of the ever-changing East Harlem community through its core programs. Through these programs, New Yorkers gain opportunities, develop skills, and become empowered to pursue and achieve their dreams. 

Today, Union Settlement provides services through 33 program sites in approximately 28 locations. Union Settlement’s current programmatic portfolio includes 8 core program areas: Early Childhood Education, Youth Services (including after school programs), Family Services (including the Family Enrichment Center and the Family Childcare Network), the East Harlem Community Partnership, Adult Education, Mental Health Services, Older Adult Centers, and Economic Development.  Union Settlement serves more than 10,000 individuals and nearly 1,000 businesses every year. 

Strengthened by a dynamic, diverse, and collaborative workforce of more than 350 employees, Union Settlement also serves as a connector, convener, and advocate for East Harlem and its partners. To learn more about Union Settlement, visit www.unionsettlement.org

Position: Director of Economic Development

Department: Economic Development

Reports to: Chief Program Officer 

Hours: Full-time; Hybrid (3 days in office/2 days remote)

Salary: $80,000 – $90,000 

FLSA: Exempt

Location: On-site

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.   

Responsibilities:

• 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 

Qualifications:

• 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.

CO R E CO M P E T E N C IE S

• Leading Others: Creates a sense of urgency throughout the organization on the importance of achieving outcomes. Inspires, influences, and enables team members to reach their goals
• Facilitating Change: Approaches challenges with creativity and flexibility. Demonstrates analytical thinking. Guides change to meet Union Settlement’s goals.
• Managing Performance: Evaluates and revises goals semi-annually with the team. Provides consistent supervision and documents performance highlights and concerns
• Applying and Developing Expertise: Embraces and leads the team to achieve milestones. Seeks and supports professional development opportunities for team members. Manages finances and budgets effectively
• Communicating and Collaborating: Listens well and actively engages with others with honesty and integrity and holds team accountable to the same standard

Union Settlement’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commitment

Union Settlement is an equal opportunity employer. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.