Community Connections Specialist

The Community Connections Specialist will use strategic community building and organizing techniques to engage residents, property and business owners, and regional and non-profit organizations across the City of Golden Valley. The individual in this role will work cooperatively with residents on the development and execution of community programs, activities and events. The Connections Specialist will support City-wide efforts to achieve racial equity by involving the community, especially BIPOC and marginalized underserved populations, attending and organizing special events, collecting and using data and feedback, connecting and collaborating with various stakeholder groups, and serving as liaison of the city.

Expected Hours of Work
Hours are typically Monday-Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm. In addition to working office hours, staff may be required to work additional events. Hours may include, nights, weekends, and holidays.Essential Duties and Responsibilities 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform these essential functions:

1. Collaborate with all City departments to coordinate community outreach and education efforts and foster connected and engaged neighborhoods.
2. Assist with existing City outreach in neighborhoods and attend community events to build partnerships and increase participation in community events.
3. Improve outreach and engagement by building trust and establishing collaborative relationships with underrepresented communities.
4. Assist with ongoing data collection and analysis to improve City outreach and education, including collecting feedback and data from various stakeholder groups and preparing recommendations to City staff and City Council.
5. Assist with developing and implementing civic engagement strategies to increase participation in local government among diverse populations.
6. Partner with external organizations and attend civic group meetings, City events, and public gatherings as a representative of the City.
7. Build knowledge of appropriate community services and resources by collaborating with public safety and other officials to make appropriate referrals to community members.
8. Collaborate with employees across all departments to answer questions and disseminate information both internally and externally on topics of equity, diversity, inclusion, and community engagement.
9. Assist with special projects or tasks as directed by the Equity and Inclusion Manager.
10. Organize and facilitate Police Employment, Accountability, and Community Engagement (PEACE) Commission meetings (staff liaison) in collaboration with Police Department staff.

Other Duties
Please note 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.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position does not have direct employee supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in equity and inclusion, civic and/or community engagement, psychology, communications, public policy, sociology, or related-field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year experience working with people from various cultures, racial/ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds; two of which must include project or event coordination experience.
• One year of experience in community engagement, information dissemination, and development of informational materials and presentations.
• One year of experience in program coordination, planning, and execution of events and activities
• Experience in data gathering, interpretation, and evaluation.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and writing skills.
• Ability to complete the essential duties and responsibilities of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in working with law enforcement or public safety departments.
• Experience in community organizing and/or grassroots organizations.
• Two or more years of experience developing and planning community events and programs.

Competencies

• Communication
• Customer Focus
• Teamwork
• Positive Attitude
• Hard Work
• Equity and Inclusion
• Leadership
• Decision-Making
• Ethical
• Organized
• Problem Solving
• Community Organizing

Work Environment & Physical Demands
Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors. Employees in this position are generally free from work hazards in the office. Employees may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions while attending community activities or programs. 
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly read and interpret documents and other written material. 
• Regularly communicate and exchange information with others in person, over the telephone, and using written communication methods. 
• Frequently remain in a stationary position and regularly move within the building to attend meetings, access files, and office machinery.
• Frequently traverse around the City to meetings or events. 
• Regularly operate computers and other office equipment, such as a copy machine, printer, and telephone, as well as equipment/tools consistently found in municipal government. 
• Occasionally move or transport items weighing up to 25 pounds.

EEO Statement
The City of Golden Valley is an Equal Opportunity Employer in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. It will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $68,245 - $90,938