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Community & Policy Manager

This job is no longer available

Under the leadership of Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López and immediate supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Community team works one-on-one with constituents to resolve cases and connect residents to resources and information. By contrast, the Policy team works to enact legislation to ensure that an equity framework is applied to Committee business and Council votes.

 

The Community and Policy Manager works in between these levels, supporting the growth of community organizations in target zip codes of District 6, working with the leaders of these organizations to address neighborhood challenges, and making connections between residents, community leaders and city agencies. The Manager also serves as one of the liaisons between the Council Member and the community, and between the Community and Policy teams. This position would work in partnership with the current Community & Policy Manager.

Areas of Responsibility: 

The position’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Main Responsibilities

  • Assess the District landscape to identify mid-level and macro-level opportunities for collaboration between residents, community organizations, intermediary organizations and city agencies.
  • Builds capacity of existing neighborhood organizations through connecting to resources, training and other organizations.
  • Works with neighborhood organizations and institutions, to identify and help form new coalitions/groups throughout the District.
  • Works with the community and policy team to identify community concern trends and policy needs.
  • Manages and maintains communication between the Community & Policy teams.
  • Plans and manages community outreach efforts, proactively identifying new coalitions and/or external community meetings. Initiates efforts to respond accordingly.
  • Manages and coordinates special projects.
  • Develops key relationships and maintains regular contact with community members and other stakeholders.
    • Keeps community members and leaders informed about policy developments
    • Monitors community events, trends and other issues as they relate to policy decisions.
  • Interacts with media.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Expected Duties of all Team Rocky Members:

Policy

  • Manages, facilitates and organizes internal and external working groups related to legislation.
  • Performs research using qualitative and quantitative sources; analyzes information on topics impacting residents such as housing, transportation, development and environmental matters, etc. in order to help Council Member make educated decisions.
  • Understands the Standing Committees and Formal Sessions processes and participates as needed, this includes: reviewing summarizing and advising Council Member of legislative reports, ordinances and amendments, resolutions, appointments to boards and commissions, etc.
  • Develops and maintains contact with City Council staff and/or other City Departments.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Community & Resident Services

  • Works with members of the community, constituents, and other stakeholders to assess residents’ needs and direct constituents to resources.
  • Responds, manages and resolves constituent cases proactively (inquiries, problems, and complaints from members of the community, constituents and other stakeholders) utilizing VAN constituent database system. Topics may range from a variety of policy related topics such as: blight, city services, ordinances, zoning developments, city property taxes, contract issues, vacant lots, etc.
  • In collaboration with the Community Team, attends and facilitates the office’s community meetings (which include evenings and weekend events.)
  • Attends internal and external community meetings (which includes evenings and weekends) and keeps supervisors/colleagues informed of any issues, updates and/or changes.
  • Participates in community events: i.e. clean-ups, resource fairs, door knocking, parades, races, etc. (which include evenings and weekends.)
  • Participates in door knocking activities.
  • Participates in some aspects of the Mobile Office (which includes driving the Mobile Office, a Winnebago.)
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Supervision

  • This position may encompass supervising interns (depending on the team’s needs and the number of intern participation.) This includes, although not limited to: preparing projects, meeting with students regularly, as well as meeting with college supervisors as needed.
Educational Background: 
Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, Urban Planning/Design, Public Administration, Communications or a closely related field.
Skills/Experience: 

Ideal Candidate

  • Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Work, Urban Planning/Design, Public Administration, Communications or a closely related field.
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is highly preferred.
  • In depth knowledge of issues impacting City of Detroit residents and experience working with diverse communities and cultures is highly preferred.
  • Experience in community organizing, community outreach, leadership development is highly preferred.
  • Strong written and verbal communications to prepare briefings, recommendations and presentations. 
    • Professional experience using communication tools to reach large and diverse audiences, for example, text alerts, flyers, PowerPoint presentations, etc.
    • Must be comfortable with the media, interactions with the public and taking pictures.
  • Computer and tech savvy: Proficient in Microsoft Office, PowerPoint or ability to pick up new digital tools quickly
  • Must possess the ability to exercise judgment in all phases of analysis, ranging from sorting out most relevant problems and courses of action when dealing with voluminous (and sometimes conflicting) information.
  • Good time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently or in a group.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize workload and facilitate meetings.
  • Approaches challenges pro-actively and is solution focused.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • Must be a Detroit resident or be willing to relocate.
  • A team player, motivated individual who is passionate about a bright future for Detroit and the wellbeing of its residents.
Compensation/Benefits: 

Full time position with benefits, Salary range: $45,000-$60,000

Additional Information: 
  •  Must be a Detroit resident or be willing to relocate.
  • Bilingual (Spanish) is highly preferred.

To Apply:

E-mail a letter of interest and résumé to [email protected]

Please include “Community & Policy Manager” in the subject line.

Organization Info

Office of Council Member Raquel Castaneda-Lopez

Overview
Headquarters: 
Detroit, MI, USA
Annual Budget : 
$100-500,000
Size: 
1-10 employees
Founded: 
2014
About Us
Mission: 

Values: Integrity, Equity, Access, Wellness
Vision Statement: A Detroit where every voice is valued.
Mission Statement: Promoting a just and thriving Detroit through community advocacy, public service, and inclusive policy.

Why Work For Us?: 

About Council Member Raquel Castañeda-López

Raquel Castañeda-López, a lifelong Detroiter, made history in November 2013 by becoming the first Latina elected to the Detroit City Council. A social worker by trade, Castañeda-López has over ten years of experience in the non-profit sector and is committed to working for social justice to improve the quality of life for all Detroiters. She developed a strong resident service program, through grassroots organizing and a mobile office, helping residents and businesses cut through the 'red tape' in order to access services and resources. She is working to ensure Detroiters have a voice on City Council championing policies that promote access, inclusivity and equity.

Connect With Us

Listing Stats

Post Date: 
Mar 12 2018
Active Until: 
Apr 12 2018
Hiring Organization: 
Office of Council Member Raquel Castaneda-Lopez
industry: 
Nonprofit