Careers

Strategic Planning Specialist

Reports to: Associate Director of Landbanking & Strategic Planning
Salary Rage: $58,650 – $64,400

About Intend Indiana

Intend Indiana is a not-for-profit organization that envisions communities where quality of life, access to housing, and economic opportunities are not determined by race, socioeconomic background, or zip code. Intend advances comprehensive community development through innovative financing and development solutions that create and preserve affordable housing, support neighborhood revitalization efforts, and foster small business development.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are the foundations on which Intend is built. We are committed to intentionally integrating our core values of transparency, integrity, empathy, inclusion, and innovation through our organizational culture as we define and implement internal and external strategic priorities. We will hold ourselves accountable by publicly sharing established metrics, maintaining a diverse and inclusive board and staff, and collaborating in meaningful partnerships. Intend is committed to supporting diverse professionals in furthering their career in real estate and community development.

Position Summary

This position contributes to meeting Intends goals of supporting comprehensive community development, neighborhood stabilization and quality of life initiatives by assisting in project planning, grant writing, and partnership development to benefit the Affordable HomeMatters and Renew Landbank initiatives. The Strategic Planning Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Communicate effectively with Intend clients through incoming calls and email inquiries
• Support property acquisition for housing development purposes
• Support partnership development through project planning and assisting in grant procurement
• Develop preliminary project budget and supplements to assess project viability
• Provide guidance to Real Estate Development Team on project timelines and grant requirements. 
• Conduct meetings with stakeholders and potential partners to scope future projects
• Utilize project management software fully to ensure Intend Indiana staff remain up to date on status of current and upcoming projects
• Support and maintain project files to ensure regulatory and grant compliance, and availability of documents needed for annual financial audit
• Coordinate soil sampling, site survey & assessment, and environmental remediation with third-party vendors
• Ability to read and understand maps, surveys, and other technical documents
• Respond to phone calls and emails related to Intend Indiana initiatives
• Meet with local governments and non-governmental organizations with the aim of fostering strong, open relationships
• Manage property acquisition process, including site evaluation and closing  
• Collaborate and communicate with partners as needed regarding current and future projects.
• Manage, maintain, and update data as required
• Collaborate with the team on marketing initiative, properties, and buyers
• Perform grant writing by researching, writing, and assisting with grant application processes
• Review work progress for compliance with the scope and schedule
• Perform other duties as assigned

Critical Skills, Knowledge and Behaviors

• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ethical conduct
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Creativity
• Strong presentation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet critical deadlines
• Strategic thinking.
• Collaborative attitude with a willingness to foster relationships with other organizations and individuals who have interest in affordable housing development and neighborhood revitalization
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite and quick software adaptability/understanding
• Basic understanding of city government functions

Organizational Values

Embrace and demonstrate the organizational values of transparency, integrity, empathy, inclusion and innovation both internally and externally. Provide courteous, professional services to clients and present a positive image of Intend Indiana. Refrain from criticizing any Intend Indiana employee in front of outside entities.

Professional Development and Continued Learning

Participate in Intend professional development opportunities and training programs as required and apply new learnings.

Minimum Experience, Education, Degrees and Licenses

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in real estate, construction, or urban planning
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and quick software adaptability/understanding
• Basic understanding of city government functions
• Must possess a valid state driver’s license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment
• Must possess reliable transportation as travel required occasionally throughout Indiana

Preferred Experience, Education, Degrees and Licenses

• Bachelor’s degree in planning, geography, public administration, business, or construction
• Real Estate Industry experience a plus
• Bilingual / Proficient in English and Spanish
• Experience using ArcGIS, Adobe Creative Suite, Salesforce, or similar programs
• Grant administration and grant writing experience a plus

Physical Demands

Must be able to work proficiently with computers and other office equipment. Work is primarily in an office environment, both at the Intend office and stakeholder offices. Must be able to travel to meet with partners, stakeholders, etc.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Intend Indiana provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or non-disqualifying physical or mental disability in accordance with all federal, state, and local regulations.

Job Responsibilities

The above statements reflect the general duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the job and should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. Intend Indiana may change the specific job duties with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Position requirements

• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend meetings or events
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Additional Employment Benefits

• Competitive insurance package including medical, life, disability insurances
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan with up to a 5% match
• Performance-based bonus up to 5% of annual salary
• Employee referral program
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work schedule
• Tuition Re-imbursement

How to Apply

Interested applicants can send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Jeb Reece at jreece@intendindiana.org. Applicants are encouraged to provide additional information such as a portfolio of past projects and collaborations. 

Applicants must apply no later than October 31st. In-person interviews will take place November 6th– 15th. Applicants will be notified by December 6th. The successful applicant will begin work no earlier than January 6, 2025.