Community Organizer-ENOUGH ACT

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance
• Wellness resources

Community Assistance Network, Inc. (CAN) was founded in Baltimore County, Maryland in 1965 to eliminate the root causes and consequences of poverty. We presently serve clients in Baltimore County and surrounding jurisdictions and manage multiple programs providing a variety of services. CAN’s mission is to work in partnership with the community to develop, operate, and support programs that reduce vulnerability and promote personal growth, dignity, stability, and self-sufficiency among people in Baltimore County experiencing economic challenges.

Summary/Objective
This position is responsible for focusing on assisting communities within the ENOUGH ACT eligibility track with partnership development, creation of cross-sector (i.e., cradle to career education, economically secure and healthy families, safe and thriving communities) plans to end concentrated child poverty, and implementation of those plans.

CAN seeks an eager candidate to connect and work with people of different identities—bridging racial, cultural and socioeconomic groups with care and intention. This candidate will be a Self-motivated, outgoing Community Organizer to work closely with our Director of Outreach Services and Essex ENOUGH advisory team to conduct outreach, base building, training, education and leadership development among our community members and families. The organizer will be responsible for involvement in the Essex community of Baltimore County and coalitions working on issues related to the ENOUGH mission of ending childhood poverty.

PRIMARY DUTIES
Identify and organize leaders and potential leaders in the Essex community, schools, and neighborhoods to:

Community Support and Engagement:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for community grant awardees, offering guidance and support throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Work closely with community leaders in the Essex community to tailor support to their specific contexts.
• Support communities in securing holistic resources and additional assistance from national partners, state agencies, and other stakeholders.

Partnership Development:

• Assist communities in identifying, building, and maintaining strategic partnerships.
• Support the CAN Director of Outreach Services in implementing partnership development strategies and ensuring alignment with neighborhood plans.

Cross-Sector Collaboration:

• Facilitate collaboration between CAN, community partner coalition, local government, community leaders, and community residents to address key issues such as education, housing, and economic development.
• Provide on-the-ground support, helping communities navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Technical Assistance:

• Helping the Essex Community navigate resources available to them through government resources, understand program requirements, and achieve their family and community goals.
• Support grantees in managing their projects, ensuring compliance with grant guidelines and effective use of resources.

Interface with Grants Management:

• Serve as a liaison between Essex Community and the ENOUGH Program’s grants management team, ensuring clear communication and smooth processes.
• Assist Director of Outreach Services with reporting, financial management, and other administrative tasks related to the ENOUGH ACT.

Information Sharing and Collaboration:

• Facilitate communication and collaboration among Community Members within the Essex community.
• Help organize and participate in regular meetings, workshops, and webinars to share best practices and foster a collaborative learning environment.

SECONDARY DUTIES:
The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Passionate about raising the community with hands-on activities and discussions
• Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English.
• Ability to “meet people where they are”
• Organized and self-sufficient with time management, note and meeting keeping
• Full awareness of environmental stimuli
• Ability to identify, nurture, engage, organize and lead wide range of community residents, stakeholders, and leaders to form a collective governance structure that will guide the next phases of community needs assessment, strategic planning, and implementation.
• Committed to building people power and developing strong communities
• Environmental conditions: Indoor Work and Outdoor work activities

Education Experience and Knowledge

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or a related field. Applicants without degrees who have the equivalent level of knowledge and skills are encouraged to apply.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience in community development, grant management, or a related field.
• Must possess a current Maryland driver’s license and access to a vehicle for business use.
• May be required to use your own personal vehicle to fulfill your job-related responsibilities.
• Bilingual preferred.

At CAN, we believe every employee should have the resources to be their best. As part of our overall rewards, we offer benefits programs designed to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle including health, dental and vision insurance. We also offer other benefits like paid time off, financial and savings programs, 401k employer matching, and access to our employee assistance program and other discounts.

Is this opportunity right for you? The ideal candidate will have the following personal competencies and characteristics:

Abilities and Skills:

• Strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in urban communities.
• Demonstrated experience in partnership development, project management, or neighborhood planning.
• Ability to develop and articulate a clear strategic direction from a leadership development perspective.
• Develop and strengthen relationships between the Essex community and community partnership, companies and organizations.
• Excellent communication, coaching, evaluation, and facilitation skills.
• Commitment to the mission of the ENOUGH program and a passion for community-driven solutions to poverty.
• Requires strong data entry and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Proficient in technology applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing across all levels of the organization.
• The ability to demonstrate compassion and respect for persons with economic challenges.
• Knowledge of governmental benefits, community programs and other resources with ability to access same for the clients.

AAP/EEO Statement
Community Assistance Network is an equal opportunity employer. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. CAN is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.