The Community Engagement Specialist (CES) is a relationship oriented, field-based position that has a primary objective to develop, build and support community partnerships and connections that advance the implementation of the P-3 Continuum and stated outcomes of the P-3 strategy as part of the Hurricane Harvey Program. The CES is charged with giving the direction for community connections in Coastal Bend, TX, that represent a broad cross-sector of the community and connect families, community and schools.
The CES is responsible for coordinating and facilitating the Hurricane Harvey Response community-engagement process including supporting the community in conducting a comprehensive community assessment, development of partnership mappings, building community capacity and informing the resource plan.
The CES will also guide partners of all kinds through the Save the Children subaward process so they can access programs for child care recovery, out-of-school time programming, learning materials and community partner support.
The CES works collaboratively with the Hurricane Harvey Program national staff, state team, and site based staff to ensure seamless program operations at the community level.
The CES serves as a Save the Children ambassador acting as a representative in strategic efforts in the community to expand and support the long-term growth and sustainability of the US Programs P-3 Continuum.
Areas of Responsibility:
- Community Building and Engagement: Engage community and partners including parents, libraries, early childhood education services, schools, not-for-profit organizations, local government, funders, businesses, faith-based organizations, public officials, other key constituents and non-affiliated community members in the implementation of the project through the development of a community collaborative. Ensure that the needs of culturally and economically diverse communities are met and identify and remove barriers to participation. 40%
- Facilitation and Convening: Attend meetings and maintain ongoing communications with community stakeholders to achieve community support and engagement in the project, executing all elements of the P-3 community engagement process including community engagement programming and events. Use training, one-on-one interviews, and small group meetings and other techniques to facilitate engagement Implement meetings, surveys, and other vehicles for effective two-way communication with the community. 25%
- Internal Program Coordination: Successfully integrate community engagement work into all elements of other USP work within a community and collaborate with Hurricane Harvey Program staff to accomplish this task. 10%
- External Partnerships: Identify, initiate, and deepen relationships with various community stakeholders. Identify funding and resource partnership opportunities to enhance each local initiative: Seek opportunities to share knowledge and experience through external presentations, training and collaborations. Attend community meetings, provide information about community engagement, and advocate for participation. Attend other programs and events relevant to each local initiative, community interests and community activities. Identify other relevant opportunities that will assist in realizing the stated goals. 15%
- Data Collection & Management: Maintain community engagement databases to facilitate efficient and effective contact and relationship management. Assist in developing and collecting surveys and implement other methods of evaluating and analyzing progress toward goals. Provide needed data points for report writing upon request. 10%
Educational Background:
High School Diploma
Skills/Experience:
- Minimum 3-5 years' experience in volunteer management, social impact design, community relations, project management, community organizing or other related areas required;
- Valid driver's license also required.
- This position requires a broad skill set centered on cultural awareness, human development and group dynamics including:
- The ability to build trust and assist people in managing change;
- The ability to foster an environment where culturally diverse people can work together cooperatively and effectively to meet common goals;
- The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across cultural differences with public entities, businesses, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations and the general public;
- Skill at influencing and motivating people to be involved without use of authority or force;
- Skill at nurturing individuality and independent thinking amongst group members while simultaneously building consensus in working toward common goals;
- Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques related to designing effective engagement strategies, conflict management, systems thinking, collaborative decision making, consensus building, and meeting facilitation that fosters accountability and asset based approaches are key skill sets needed for this role.
- Knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques and tools.
- Must have strong oral and written English language communications skills and the capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in challenging working environment.
- Strong organizational skills with experience in scheduling and event/training coordination.
- Demonstrated ability to present information and respond to questions from groups or individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to create and produce clear, concise paper and electronic documents.
- Demonstrated to work effectively with diverse levels of individuals and coordinate with many different agencies/organizations.
- Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
- Strong ability to multi-task multiple projects at the same time.
- Excellent attention to detail, flexible and adaptable to change.
- Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in standardized situations.
- Demonstrated knowledge and skill in using Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human services, psychology, education, public health, social impact design, social work, public policy or related field preferred.
Compensation/Benefits:
- Meaningful work, with a knowledge that you are changing the lives of children all around the world
- A family friendly work environment
- Highly collaborative and innovative teams
- Generous paid vacation days, holidays, family leave days, and sick time
- Healthcare plans including medical, dental, and life insurance
- Retirement savings account with matching company contributions
- Structured and formalized management development and coaching programs for mid and senior level managers
- Extensive e-learning opportunities on a variety of topics offered through our affiliation with several prestigious universities and with the American Management Association, as well as language learning opportunities
Job Function:
Organization Info
Listing Stats
Post Date:
Feb 25 2018
Active Until:
Mar 25 2018
Hiring Organization:
Save the Children US
industry:
Nonprofit