The United Planning Organization (UPO) is the designated Community Action Agency for Washington, District of Columbia, and has served the residents of the District since 1962. Our Vision for the future is “UPO’s Washington: A city of thriving communities and self-sufficient residents.” Our Mission is “Uniting People with Opportunities.”

Employing the organizing theories of Collective Impact, lead an effort to leverage the synergy of multiple agencies and community members to reduce the causes and conditions of poverty in a designated zone. Provide for community organizing, citizen leadership development, issue identification, and community driven solutions as well as the tracking of community change.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION:

Collaborate with UPO’s programs, stakeholders and partners to increase investment and resources that enable residents in UPO’s Community Impact Zones to achieve economic security. Coordinate and serve as the backbone of initiatives developed by residents, community-based organizations, businesses, and government agencies in UPO’s community impact zones. Assist residents with resources, information, updates and training necessary for economic security. Encourage residents to take an active role in developing and interacting within their community. Conduct onsite and in the field engagement with residents and community partners. Partner with agencies, community-based businesses, and residents to establish community goals. Identify pressing community issues and collaborate with community members and stakeholders to articulate and implement community driven solutions. Collate and analyze up-to-date community data and enlist potential community-based responses, solutions and plans. Complete monthly community data entry in the organization’s central client data tracking system (EmpowOR. Conduct community impact zone SWOT analysis and conduct community mapping relevant to poverty reduction. Establish and maintain engagement with DC Planning Official(s) for Zones. Collaborate with stakeholders to develop a Community Impact Plan (CIP) and secure the approval of the Community Impact Zone Advisor (ANC). Conduct an internal assessment of UPO’s current and planned work in the Community Impact Zone and provide strategic input for the well-being of residents in the assigned community impact zone. Develop separate community goals for assigned community impact zone for 3-, 5- and 10-year periods. Present data relevant to a deep understanding of local conditions and causes of poverty in the assigned community impact zone.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Associate degree,social sciences or economics and four (4) years of experience in research and planning, in addition to having demonstrated ability to direct, manage, inspire and coordinate staff activities.

Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Minimum of two years of experience in community organizing, outreach, or community engagement. Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, effective planning and organizational skills along with technological competence and data management systems. Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point). Knowledge of Washington, DC issues, organizations and communities. Must have own vehicle and be comfortable driving throughout DC and the local area. May be expected to work some nights and weekends.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or planning. Eight (8) years of experience in planning and research.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In the event that an offer is extended, the selected candidate will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check and/or FBI fingerprinting, as well as pre-employment drug screening, as applicable for the position.

WORKING REMOTELY: xo YES o NO