Community Organizer

Position Summary

The Community Organizer will play a key role in identifying, supporting, and connecting local and regional assets to drive community economic development in the North End. Using asset-based community development principles, the organizer will facilitate the collaboration of individuals and groups, promote self-organizing activities, and provide tools and resources to strengthen resident leadership in community building and problem-solving. They will lead civic engagement efforts, working with public officials and the private sector to improve neighborhood outcomes.

As the outreach and recruitment arm of NECIC, the Community Organizer will connect residents to programs and services that meet their needs, empowering them to address their concerns. The organizer will help drive the goals and recommendations outlined in the North End Community Economic Development Plan and the NECIC Strategic Plan. While part of the broader community organizing team, the organizer may specialize in key areas of the CED plan, including health, safety, education, economic and workforce development, community spaces, housing, land use, and public infrastructure.

The Community Organizer will prioritize their work using the North End CED Plan and NECIC Strategic Plan, guiding their actions, approaches, and priorities. They will recruit and facilitate resident participation in NECIC programs, host community events, and refer residents to relevant internal and external resources as needed.

The Chief Executive Officer or the Operations Manager may assign other duties as necessary.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Apply knowledge of ABCD for creative problem solving and community improvement efforts.

• Liaise between residents, associations, and institutions to share information and solve resident concerns through individual or group forums or programs (i.e. Neighbor Up Night, Elder Program, Faith Based Advisory Council, etc.) on a regular basis.

• Sharing information related to upcoming NECIC programming including but not limited to employment, neighborhood meetings, small grants, youth programs, beautification/cleanup efforts, community gardens & grants, teaching garden events, urban farm, leadership initiatives, housing and small business development.

• On-going identification and support of resident leadership.

• Report on resident or participant concerns to the Chief Executive Officer or appropriate staff.

• Conduct outreach at community fairs, events, and activities with prior approval.
  Collaborate with internal and external partners to address individual and systemic challenges to advance the organizations strategic plan’s and CED plan goals and to meet local needs.

• Work with communications personnel or contractors to develop promotional materials, flyers, press releases, and outreach via social media.

• Ensure that all programming is linked to other NECIC initiatives (i.e. NECIC Staffing, mentoring, elder program, Neighbor Up Night, Small grants, etc.)

• Assist with performance reporting for funders, organizational management, employers, and other stakeholders.

• Represent NECIC on relevant groups, task forces, committees, etc. furthering market, programming, or organizational goals.

• Provides staff support to board committees as directed.

• May represent the organization on community health initiatives including health fairs, outreach events, information sessions, etc.

• Administers small grants program to support resident led projects

Qualifications:

• The top candidate will have a mix of excellent communication, listening, interviewing, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The organizer must be familiar with utilizing assets, rather than focusing on deficits to solve community problems.

• Demonstrated skill in successfully working with low-income individuals and families.

• In-depth knowledge of identifying and utilizing existing community resources on behalf of low-income individuals and families.

• Strong communication skills, including writing, interpersonal, and one-to-one conversational and interviewing skills.

• Demonstrated experience gathering and appropriate sharing of confidential, protected information.

• Proven ability to work well with diverse populations.

• Strong organizational skills.

• Non-judgmental approach – proven ability to “meet people where they are.”

• Computer skills, including Excel & Word, email, social media, etc. Ability to work independently and within a team environment to achieve shared objectives.

• Dependable, flexible and reliable.

• Demonstrates superior quality in all aspects of work.

• Excellent customer service skills.

• Strong advocacy

• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes days, evenings and/or occasional weekends

• College degree - or equivalent experience - in social work, human services, community health work, community development, education, or related field.Interest in and passion for promoting a stronger economic landscape and improved quality of life for the North End and for program participants.

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate care for low-income individuals leading to positive outcomes.

• Knowledge of, or experience with ABCD and neighborhood development.

Physical Requirements

 The physical demands of a Community Organizer include the ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods during meetings and events. The role may involve occasional climbing, navigate uneven terrain, and lifting up to 25 lbs, such as materials or event supplies. The organizer must have manual dexterity for tasks like writing, typing, and using office equipment. The position also includes bending, picking up trash, and assisting with clean-ups or events like Dumpster Day. Regular local travel and occasional outdoor work in varying weather conditions are required, along with evening and weekend work for community events.

Ready to Apply?

Join a mission-driven team making a real difference. To apply, please send your resume and a short cover letter to Jobs@necic-ohio.org

Questions?
Contact: Tionna Perdue
Chief Operating Officer, NECIC
tionna@necic-ohio.org
419-522-1611 ext. 102