What: Advanced planning and coordination work focused on community engagement and outreach to ensure a complete count of South Suburban/Southern Cook County residents during the 2020 U.S. Census. Facilitate networks of community organizations, local businesses, civic leaders, non-profits, local governments, public agencies, faith-based institutions, and other local entities to educate and inform residents, and promote positive benefits resulting from an accurate 2020 Census count.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Work involves responsibility for collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to align resources towards the goal of articulating positive benefits resulting from an accurate 2020 Census count. Work is characterized by considerable contact with local residents and community groups. Work will be performed independently within a structured framework of applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)
- Builds capacity within existing community groups through engagement with neighborhood leaders, development of communication channels and marketing/outreach efforts, including social media, coordination and attendance at neighborhood meetings as needed, liaison with appropriate local agencies, and development of strategic engagement plans incorporating available programs and resources.
- Promote participation in the 2020 Census through proactive and visible engagement with neighbors, neighborhood institutions, businesses, civic leaders, and other stakeholders.
- Prepare strategic engagement plans to encourage targeted Census participation amongst historically undercounted populations.
- Manage 2020 Census webpage and social media accounts to include up-to-date resources and community event information.
- Monitor community organizations’ Facebook, Next Door, and other social media accounts.
- Collaborates and coordinates with community organizations that have programs or resources focused on historically undercounted populations.
- Organizes and attends community and stakeholder meetings and events.
- Provides information, resources, or follow-up related to residents’ concerns.
- Meets with community and organization representatives, as necessary.
- Identifies metrics and indicators to track progress and strategize resource allocation.
- Works on special projects with collective impact, collaborating with SSMMA staff and/or community organizations to achieve maximum feasible participation.
- Establishes and maintains files, records and other information related to assigned program.
- Assists in the review and development of materials to promote programs.
- May serve as technical resource person to a community group or related organization.
- Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.
Works under the supervision of the Planning Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Work does not involve direct supervisor responsibilities but does involve providing direction to and coordinating with community leaders and other volunteers.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office setting and in the field, which involves traveling throughout South Cook County. Evening responsibilities on a regular basis. Morning and weekend responsibilities on occasion. Access to a personal vehicle and a valid driver’s license are required.
SUCCESS FACTORS
- Considerable specialized knowledge relevant to the needs of the assigned program, e.g., community organizing, organization capacity-building, collective impact, community planning, etc.
- Knowledge of community agencies and services that can be used as referrals.
- Knowledge of program management and evaluation of principles and techniques.
- Knowledge of effective grant writing and/or grant monitoring processes.
- Ability to build relationships with diverse populations.
- Highly effective communicator. Multi-lingual skills are a plus.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with the public, community stakeholders, service providers, law enforcement, coworkers, civic leaders, among others.
- Knowledge of de-escalation techniques and highly objective problem solving ethos.
- Flexibility, creativity, and time management skills.
- Ability to interpret and explain program information to others and to follow procedures and regulations.
- Ability to maintain required records and files and confidentiality when deemed appropriate.
- Skill in the operation of a personal computer and experience with social media.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Graduation from an Accredited four-year college or university with a degree in education, social work, public or business administration, planning, or related field and three years’ experience in work related to the area of assignment. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work be substituted for required experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid IL Driver’s License and access to a personal vehicle. Preference is given to those who are bilingual (Spanish speaking).
How to Apply
Submit cover letter and resume to Sarah Kobetis at sarah.kobetis@ssmma.org. Applications will be reviewed beginning January 17, and all applications submitted before that date will receive priority.