Community Builder, Miller Beach Arts & Creative District - Gary, IN

Job Posting:  Community Builder Legacy Foundation recently awarded the community of Miller in Gary, IN a grant under the Neighborhood Spotlight program.  Neighborhood Spotlight guides a cross-section of community members to work collaboratively and collectively on improving quality of life. As the convening organization, Miller Beach Arts & Creative District has been asked to hire an employee to  spearhead the coordination of neighborhood relationships. With support from Legacy Foundation staff and consultants, Neighborhood Spotlight communities will organize, decide and act upon projects that can profoundly change their future. Please see job description below.  Interested parties should send a cover letter and resume by January 11, 2015 to: Karren Lee email:  karrenlee@pmlee.com Community Organizer The community organizer is responsible for developing an active Neighborhood Spotlight organization in the Miller section of Gary, IN.  This position reports directly to the President of the Miller Beach Arts & Creative District (which serves as the convening organization for Miller for this project). Skills: Demonstrated ability to organize people to build a strong, diverse community, to develop strong leadership, and to maintain commitment and involvement at high levels over time. Proven ability to work with large groups of diverse people. Demonstrated ability in leadership development. Ability to design and execute a development and training program. Ability to establish and support grassroots committees and activities. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in MS Office and social media tools. Data analysis skills.  Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with prospective volunteers, community leadership, government officials, and members of the business community. Demonstrated commitment to supporting long-term capacity building efforts with the goal of community improvement. Demonstrated out-of-the-box critical thinking. Responsibilities: Develop and implement a plan for organizing residents, business owners, community leaders, and organization and church members as formal and informal leaders.  Secure buy-in and tangible commitment from them.  Effectively communicate information on the roles, responsibilities, and goals of Neighborhood Spotlight. Build excitement and enthusiasm among the participants.   Identify, recruit, support and encourage potential leaders and develop leadership skills and abilities. This process must include significant participation by individuals representing the varied economic, social, ethnic and racial demographics of the community.  Conduct outreach using a variety of methods including social media, Constant Contact, flyers, informal and formal meetings, and others. Document and process a large and varied amount of feedback, evaluate and prioritize it, and create an implementation plan. Work with stakeholders to encourage and maintain their commitment, motivation, and participation in activities supporting community goals.  Initiate planning with volunteers for appropriate activities to enhance the above. Facilitate a cooperative working relationship among the diverse group to ensure a successful outcome. Ensure proper project management and implementation of the community-selected activities.  Experience: Minimum two years' demonstrated experience in the field of community organizing, leadership, capacity building and working with diverse groups of people. Education: College degree preferred. Salary: $30,000 full-time position. Time frame:  1 year. Possible extension depending on achieved deliverables and availability of grant funding