Living Cities is a collaborative of leading philanthropic foundations, financial institutions, and civic partners who envision and advance inclusive and equitable economic opportunity for all residents in U.S. cities. Through the collective power of philanthropy, financial capital, and local government engagement, we advance inclusive economic opportunity and drive systemic change so all people in urban America can be economically secure, build wealth, and live abundant, dignified, and connected lives.
At the heart of our work is the intentional movement of inclusive capital and the dismantling of barriers that have historically limited access to wealth-building pathways such as homeownership, business ownership, and family financial investment. Our programmatic approach supports catalytic impact investment, city focused community engagement, and applied knowledge. We partner with city governments, community leaders, and industry stakeholders to transform systems, inform narratives, and support strategies that expand economic empowerment for historically underserved communities.
Guided by our core values of collaboration, innovation, leadership, impact, and racial equity and inclusion, our staff, research, investments, and networks fuel collective action toward an equitable and inclusive economy – where opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all.
The Local Impact and Innovation Team (LIIT) implements Living Cities’ strategy into integrated city-focused initiatives, shared and applied learning, and tangible outcomes. Comprised of two interconnected divisions – Local Impact and Innovation & Networks – the team operates as a continuous feedback loop between practice and possibility. Local Impact applies Living Cities’ methodology in place-based contexts, generating real-world proof points and surfacing insights and information about what it takes to rewire capital systems. Innovation & Networks builds and activates relationships with cities and aligned partner organization nationwide. Networks expand the reach of Living Cities’ social and knowledge capital. These relationships inform our approach to national influence and help clarify our strategic and tactical focus. The two divisions are structurally interdependent.
Innovation & Networks is Living Cities’ relational and generative engine. Staff steward relationships with former and prospective city partners, community-based capital allocators, and national stakeholders. Staff create value through curated cohorts, peer exchange, and strategic connection. By synthesizing insight across these relationships, the team identifies emerging needs, shapes new concepts aligned with Living Cities’ strategy, and works across the organization to develop fundable initiatives that, once secured, move to Local Impact for execution.
The Assistant Director, Innovation & Networks is responsible for developing and expanding Living Cities’ national relationships and translating network intelligence into strategic direction and fundable opportunities. This role ensures that Living Cities remains locally grounded and nationally relevant by identifying emerging needs across cities and capital partners, shaping new concepts aligned with organizational strategy, and working across internal departments to develop initiatives with strong strategic and financial viability. The Lead oversees The Living Cities Network and related cohorts, ensuring that relationship-building generates sustained value for members and that opportunities for impact are disciplined.
This job description is intended to outline the primary duties and responsibilities of the role and is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or expectations. Duties and responsibilities may evolve or change at any time based on organizational needs, with or without notice.
May at times directly supervise and support the performance and development of a small team of full-time staff members and consultants.
Range: NYC: $138,000 to $146,300/ DC: $126,000 to $133,000
The final salary offer will be determined based on a variety of factors, including the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise. We also consider market benchmarks, when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair and aligned with the organization’s overall structure. We are committed to offering competitive and equitable compensation to attract and retain top talent.
This role operates in a professional office environment and is based in Living Cities’ Washington, DC or New York City office. Staff are assigned to a home office location upon hire.
To uphold our core value of collaboration, Living Cities maintains a hybrid work model that requires staff to work in the office a minimum of three days per week, typically Tuesday through Thursday. This schedule may be adjusted at the organization’s discretion based on organizational needs.
The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role.
This position involves computer-based work. The employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and operate standard office equipment. Occasional movement within the office may be required to access files, equipment, or technology. The employee must be able to travel for work. The role also requires the ability to communicate and exchange information effectively, both verbally and in writing.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Moderate national travel is required, approximately 30% of the time annually.
Living Cities is committed to building and sustaining a culturally diverse and inclusive team at all levels of the organization. We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Send resume and cover letter to jobs@livingcities.org
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