Founded in March 2015 by community leaders, residents, and neighborhood organizations, Indy Gateway Inc. is committed to the stabilization and rejuvenation of the west side of Indianapolis through strategic community partnerships and economic development. Our core mission is to make the west side a place where families want to live, work, and play by promoting economic growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, and fostering long?term sustainability.

Indy Gateway focuses on five key community initiatives: Affordable Housing, Infrastructure, Quality of Life, Economic Development, and Resources.

Position Overview

The Executive Director will lead Indy Gateway's strategic direction and operational integrity. As the organization’s figurehead, you will galvanize residents, agencies, and stakeholders to implement initiatives across the five focus areas and ensure successful execution of projects, events, and fundraising efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Affordable Housing & Quality of Life

• Partner with Area 31 Career Center’s Construction Trades program and private contractors to drive annual affordable housing builds.
  
  
• Coordinate pre?construction logistics, utility setup, land acquisition, and home sales.
  
  
• Maintain project?specific accounting and manage designated funds.
  
  
• Organize annual housing fundraisers.
  
  
• Oversee Shelton Heights Community Park maintenance, programming, landscaping, weekly trash removal, budgeting, and fundraising—tracking finances separately.
  

Trail Development & Quality of Life

• Collaborate with trail organizations like B&O Trail Association on new trailhead development such as Chapel Rock, supported recently by a $75,000 grant.
  
  
• Plan annual fundraising and maintain financial oversight for all trail projects.
  

Economic Development & Infrastructure

• Support the Merchants West Steering Committee with recruitment, planning, and events.
  
  
• Advocate locally on zoning petitions and infrastructure improvements, including West Washington Street upgrades and multi-modal transit (Blue Line, bike/ped paths).
  
  
• Engage with city, state, and airport stakeholders for broader development and economic strategies.
  

Resources & Engagement

• Expand partnerships and resident engagement in Indy Gateway’s mission.
  
  
• Lead grant development, donor solicitation, and reporting.
  
  
• Document and promote success stories to build momentum and visibility.
  

Administration & Board Leadership

• Coordinate bi?monthly board meetings and support governance policies and bylaws.
  
  
• Lead board recruitment, retention, and ensure member compliance.
  
  
• Draft the annual budget with Board leadership.
  
  
• Oversee general fiscal operations, project accounting, grants compliance, and tax filings.
  
  
• Manage CPA coordination for annual financial reviews.
  

Communications & Marketing

• Represent Indy Gateway at neighborhood forums and events.
  
  
• Lead outreach via social media, website updates (quarterly), and other channels.
  
  
• Promote initiatives, project outcomes, and engagement opportunities to the community.
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

Essential Competencies

• Capable of managing multiple concurrent projects.
  
  
• Strong written and verbal communicator.
  
  
• Effective working across diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
  
  
• Skilled in event coordination and stakeholder collaboration.
  
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and QuickBooks Online; competency in digital communications and website updates.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (or a minimum of five years of relevant experience in community organizing or project management).
  
  
• Demonstrated success writing grants and leading nonprofit initiatives.
  
  
• Familiarity with the west side of Indianapolis—its history, neighborhoods, and culture—is beneficial.
  
  
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and reliable transportation.
  
  

Personal Characteristics

• Inspiring and collaborative leader with excellent interpersonal skills.
  
  
• Solution- and results-oriented, with entrepreneurial drive.
  
  
• Skilled at building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
  
  

Committed to community empowerment and long-term change.