Director of Neighborhood Revitalization at GREATER DES MOINES HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Des Moines, Iowa, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

22 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Community Development, Neighborhood Revitalization, Strategic Planning, Program Evaluation, Collaboration, Communication, Facilitation, Organizational Skills, Trust Building, Housing Equity, Social Determinants of Health, Data Analysis, Mentorship, Rural Strategy, Project Management, Inclusivity

Industry

Construction

Description

Description About Neighborhood Revitalization at Habitat Neighborhood revitalization is a long-term, holistic strategy that supports residents to improve the quality of life in under-resourced communities. Habitat for Humanity takes a local and community-based approach to neighborhood revitalization to ensure that our work is driven by those with lived experience and direct ties to the community. Residents know their neighborhood’s unique challenges and opportunities.?We listen to the community’s priorities and build on their strengths,?leveraging our resources and partnerships to invest in community-led initiatives that improve the lives of current and future residents. In both urban Des Moines and rural areas, GDM Habitat tailors its approach to local needs while remaining rooted in these guiding principles. Position Summary The Neighborhood Revitalization Manager plays a vital role in leading and implementing strategies at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity focused on improving quality of life in under-resourced communities in Central Iowa through a focus on affordable housing and related initiatives. This position takes Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity’s work beyond construction and owner-occupied repairs—leveraging internal resources, partnerships, and community voices to foster thriving, resilient neighborhoods. Rooted in the belief that residents are the experts of their communities, this role prioritizes collaboration with community leaders, residents, and partners to identify needs, support local assets, and co-create sustainable solutions. The Neighborhood Revitalization Manager ensures all activities align with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity’s mission, strategic plan, and ongoing work to create and preserve affordable homeownership in both urban and rural areas. Requirements Key Responsibilities Neighborhood Engagement & Planning Center neighborhood voices in planning and decision-making processes. Build trust and partnerships with residents, community organizations, and leaders to identify and prioritize neighborhood needs and assets. Lead the development of neighborhood revitalization plans that integrate resident input with organizational and regional priorities. Ensure that efforts are forward-looking, addressing both current needs and long-term goals. Facilitate planning processes that are inclusive, transparent, and results oriented. Strategy, Vision & Execution Serve as a strategic leader, translating Habitat’s mission into long-term neighborhood revitalization strategies with clear goals, milestones, and success metrics. Anticipate emerging community challenges and opportunities (both urban and rural); designing proactive strategies to address them. Coordinate and implement strategies that go beyond home preservation and home construction to address broader neighborhood goals and social determinants of health—such as safety, wellness, and community connection. Leverage internal GDM Habitat resources to support neighborhood revitalization goals, including but not limited to Launch Grants, financial education and counseling, as well as awareness of the Tool Lending Library. Respond to emerging opportunities in rural areas to extend neighborhood revitalization strategies, while adapting approaches to the context and community voice of each area. Collaborate with the Director of Home Preservation to provide visionary leadership for Rock the Block® events and other high-visibility projects ensuring they serve as catalysts for community transformation. Rock the Block® is a tool of Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to deepen neighborhood revitalization and increase repairs as a catalyst for community transformation through highly visible, geographically focused events. Partnerships & Collaboration Develop and steward strategic partnerships with organizations (for profit and not for profit) that address social determinants of health and align with Habitat’s mission. Represent Habitat in community coalitions and neighborhood discussions. Ensure alignment with city and regional planning efforts in coordination with the CEO, the EVP of Strategy, and the Government Relations & Advocacy Manager. Rural Strategy & Team Leadership Develop high level strategic planning for Habitat’s work in Dallas and Jasper Counties to enhance awareness of Habitat’s available resources, relationship building, and measurable impact in both counties. Supervise and mentor Community Partnership Coordinators, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and forward planning. Evaluation & Reporting Establish and track key performance indicators related to neighborhood revitalization outcomes, including resident engagement, partner impact, and quality-of-life indicators. Report regularly on program activities, successes, and challenges. Use data and community feedback to continuously improve strategies. Qualifications 5+ years of experience in community development and/or neighborhood revitalization work. Non-profit or municipal experience is highly desirable. Bachelor’s degree in community development, urban planning, social work, public health, or related field preferred. Demonstrated success in strategic planning, goal setting, and program evaluation. Strong understanding of social determinants of health, community planning, and housing equity. Proven ability to build trust and collaboration with diverse communities and stakeholders. Knowledge of Greater Des Moines neighborhoods and/or surrounding rural Iowa communities a plus. Excellent communication, facilitation, and organizational skills. Regular travel within Polk, Jasper, and Dallas counties required. Must have valid driver license and reliable transportation. Must be well organized, a self-starter, and able to carry out assignments in a fast-paced environment with only limited direction. Must be flexible and willing to pivot quickly, to work on multiple projects at one time and to prioritize work to be completed. Some evening and weekend availability required. Key Characteristics of a Successful Candidate Deep commitment to racial, housing, and health equity. Strategic thinker with strong grassroots sensibility. Collaborative, empathetic, and community centered. Comfortable adapting plans and tactics to reflect local context.

Responsibilities

The Neighborhood Revitalization Manager leads and implements strategies to improve quality of life in under-resourced communities through affordable housing initiatives. This role emphasizes collaboration with community leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions aligned with the organization's mission.