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ABOUT THE ROLE

To support Commonpoint's long-term growth and community impact, Commonpoint is hiring a Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, who will be based in the agency’s executive leadership team.

The Vice President of Strategic Initiatives will lead the identification, development, implementation, and growth of emerging initiatives that advance Commonpoint's mission and strategic priorities. Working closely with executive leadership, the VP will evaluate new opportunities, cultivate strategic partnerships, secure external resources, and position Commonpoint as a leader in innovative community-based solutions.

Priority areas of focus include housing-adjacent services, economic mobility, workforce development, mental health initiatives, older adult services, place-based investments, and other mission-aligned opportunities that strengthen community well-being and organizational sustainability.

The VP will serve as a highly visible representative of Commonpoint with funders, government agencies, community leaders, and strategic partners.

The VP reports directly to the Chief Program Officer.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Impact & Data Strategy
● Develop and implement a long-term strategic growth plan aligned with Commonpoint's mission, organizational priorities, and community needs.
● Identify emerging trends, unmet community needs, and new opportunities for programmatic growth and impact.
● Conduct environmental scans, feasibility assessments, market research, and community needs analyses to inform strategic decision-making.

● Establish KPIs and success metrics for strategic initiatives, partnerships, and new program development.
● Monitor initiative outcomes and prepare reports for senior leadership and the Board of Directors.
● Evaluate existing programs and identify opportunities for innovation, expansion, and increased impact.

Financial Stewardship
● Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including foundation, corporate, government, and collaborative funding sources.
● Develop funding strategies and sustainability plans for new initiatives and growth opportunities.
● Collaborate with Development and Finance teams to secure resources necessary to launch and sustain strategic initiatives.
● Evaluate financial feasibility, projected impact, and return on investment for proposed initiatives.
● Support revenue diversification efforts and identify opportunities for long-term organizational sustainability.
● Monitor budgets and financial performance related to strategic initiative portfolios.

People & Talent Development
● Establish and lead the Strategic Initiatives function within Commonpoint.
● Initially execute strategic initiative responsibilities independently while building the infrastructure for future departmental growth.
● Develop staffing plans and organizational structures to support expansion of strategic initiatives.
● Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate staff as the department grows.
● Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
● Partner with Human Resources to attract and retain mission-driven talent.

Partnerships & External Relations
● Serve as a public-facing ambassador for Commonpoint and represent the organization with funders, government agencies, elected officials, nonprofit leaders, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
● Cultivate strategic partnerships that expand organizational capacity, increase community impact, and create new funding opportunities.
● Position Commonpoint as a recognized leader in housing-adjacent services, economic mobility, workforce development, and other emerging areas of strategic importance.
● Participate in coalitions, conferences, advisory groups, and sector-wide initiatives that strengthen Commonpoint's visibility and influence.
● Monitor philanthropic, policy, and community development trends to identify opportunities and risks.
● Support organizational messaging and thought leadership efforts related to strategic growth priorities.

Cross-Department Collaboration & Communication
● Work closely with program divisions, development, finance, operations, and executive leadership to align strategic initiatives with organizational goals.
● Identify opportunities for greater integration and collaboration across Commonpoint programs and services.
● Lead cross-functional planning and implementation efforts related to new initiatives.
● Facilitate communication and stakeholder engagement throughout initiative development and implementation.

● Ensure strategic growth efforts reflect Commonpoint's commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-centered service delivery.

Operations, Safety & Risk Management
● Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives from concept through execution.
● Develop systems and processes that support sustainable program growth and operational effectiveness.
● Identify and mitigate risks associated with new initiatives, partnerships, and investments.
● Ensure compliance with funder requirements, contractual obligations, and organizational policies.
● Establish accountability structures and performance management systems for strategic initiative portfolios.
● Support organizational readiness and capacity-building efforts necessary for successful growth.

QUALIFICATIONS & KEY ATTRIBUTES:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
● Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, Urban Planning, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
● 10+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in strategic planning, program development, philanthropy, community development, nonprofit management, or related fields.
● Demonstrated success launching and scaling new initiatives, programs, partnerships, or organizational growth strategies.
● Experience cultivating funders and securing institutional funding.
● Strong project management, financial analysis, and organizational skills.
● Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
● Strong proficiency in Google Suite and data management systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
● Previous experience in a Commonpoint role is a plus.
● Experience in housing-adjacent services, economic mobility, workforce development, community development, or integrated service delivery.
● Familiarity with NYC and NYS funding systems, government partnerships, and philanthropic landscapes.
● Experience building programs, departments, or new organizational functions.
● Bilingual skills are welcomed.

KEY ATTRIBUTES FOR VP ROLE
● Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
● Entrepreneurial leader capable of identifying and developing new opportunities for organizational growth.
● Exceptional communicator and relationship builder.

● Skilled at navigating complex stakeholder environments and building consensus.
● Strong project management discipline with attention to execution and results.
● Comfortable serving as a public-facing representative and thought partner to senior leadership.
● Commitment to equity, innovation, and community-centered impact.
● Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving, and entrepreneurial environment.