Local First Chicago is seeking a dynamic leader to head up our city-wide network of locally owned, independent businesses and community organizations. Local First’s mission is to keep money and character in our neighborhoods and build a thriving local, living economy. We work primarily through public education, business support, and advocacy.

Capabilities & Qualifications

• Able to envision and articulate a vision of a ‘local living economy’ and inspire others with this vision. (See the LFC website or the BALLE website at www.livingeconomies.org for more information).
• Demonstrated fundraising ability – able to recruit business members, form relationships with funders, plan fundraising events, and create earned income opportunities
• Knowledge of marketing and social marketing techniques, including event planning
• Detail oriented and tech-savvy. Proficient with Microsoft Word, Excel. Basic desktop publishing/layout skills and basic html highly desirable.
• Relevant experience in business ownership, business development, community development, event planning, marketing, social marketing, membership services, or communications preferred.
• Relevant experience in non-profit management, including board communication and recruitment, basic budgeting and financial management preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrable high level of self-motivation, ability to work in low-structure environment, and multitasking.

Job Duties

Community Education and Marketing

• Plan and coordinate public education programs and media relations, including the ongoing “Buy Local First” campaign and special events such as Independents Week and Buy Local First Week
• Maintain a dynamic website, including the business directory, media coverage of member businesses or local first movement, LFC event announcements, campaign announcements, business profiles, member event calendar
• Manage creation of effective marketing materials, including web, print, and press release
• Seek press opportunities, utilizing board members and others who can relay the Local First message
• Develop new outreach efforts to reach consumers and respond to relevant trends and events

Member Services & Events

• Recruit new businesses members. Strategies include email blasts, direct mailings, face-to-face contact, networking and referral follow-up.
• Update and maintain member recruitment materials
• Seek opportunities to share Local First vision and programs with groups such as business associations/chambers and at assorted fairs and festivals.
• Reach out to diverse communities throughout Chicago. Develop services that serve a variety of communities’ needs
• Assist and encourage businesses to promote local ownership in their marketing.
• Provide referrals to other businesses and organizations serving businesses.
• Create, plan and execute events that give member businesses an opportunity to network/resource share or to learn how to promote their local ownership, capture a greater segment of the market, and run their business successfully.
• Maintain updated databases of members, friends, resources, and media

Administration

• Administer grants, including the City of Chicago’s Community Development Block Grant, including grant application, quarterly reports, and, with board treasurer, monthly vouchering.
• Research and pursue new grant possibilities, corporate sponsorships, in-kind donations, strategic partnerships, and earned-income activities.
With board treasurer, manage the fiscal activities of the organization
Board relations.
• Act as primary liaison for board activities, scheduling meetings, providing administrative support for the board and its committees, and maintaining appropriate records.
• Keep appropriate administrative records to insure compliance with city, state, and federal regulations

Other duties as assigned