Field Director, Community Ambassadors

About Glide 

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization. 

Position Summary: 

The Field Director of the Cecil Williams Community Ambassadors Program is a community leader, overseeing GLIDE’s efforts to help create a safer, clean neighborhood that provides impactful services. The Field Director is responsible for achieving the Ambassador program’s target outcomes and KPIs. This “on the ground” community engagement role leads a team of Community Ambassadors who provide low-threshold case management and community-building activities. The Director is responsible for implementing the Ambassador program in alignment with its funding contract, GLIDE’s values, and the GLIDE FORWARD strategic plan focused on integrated services and strong neighborhood relationships. 

The Director in the field each day, focused on community-building, quality assurance, quality, and low threshold case management. The Director understands the many ways in which poverty, marginalization, and other forms of trauma negatively impact community wellness and stays abreast of trauma-informed methods for optimal care. This position requires direct contact with diverse, high-risk individuals with complex needs, many of whom are active substance users. This job also involves street and neighborhood outreach where potential and/or current clients may spend time and/or live. Regular and predictable attendance is essential and required. 

• Leadership: Provide leadership and quality assurance for the Street Ambassadors, ensuring all interactions with residents, clients, SROs, elected officials, and other stakeholders uphold high standards of care and a solutions-oriented mindset.  
• Operational Coordination: Oversee daily deployment and assignments for the Ambassadors, optimizing coverage of key locations and times; step in to cover shifts as needed to maintain service continuity. Monitors service request queue and receives operational calls from GLIDE’s customer service Help Desk.  
• Case Management and Community Engagement: Provide leadership in the refinement of comprehensive case management practices to support individuals in need. Collaborate with all stakeholders to maximize the number of service connections within the “engagement, referral, connection” model.  Advocate and be a liaison between community members, local organizations, and city agencies, advocating for community needs. 
• City Resource Utilization: Collaborate effectively with city agencies, leveraging municipal resources to address community concerns, improve neighborhood conditions, and implement effective solutions. 
• Risk Management and Response: Monitor Street data and trends, proactively identifying emerging issues and coordinating responses with city agencies, law enforcement, and community partners. 
• Strong Communication Skills; the ability to de-escalate tensions and deal with sensitive/emotionally charged situations with tact and diplomacy. 
• Outreach and Relationship Building: Conduct proactive outreach to local businesses and stakeholders to assess needs, gather feedback, and cultivate positive relationships within the community. Represent GLIDE at community meetings, events, and forums to advocate for the needs and interests of the Tenderloin community. 
• Training and Development: Coordinate regular meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities to train Ambassadors on neighborhood developments, resources, and best practices. 
• Safety & Emergency Response Coordination: Oversee day-to-day safety monitoring and the emergency response protocols, including Narcan administration for opioid overdoses, and coordinate training for Street Ambassadors in CPR, first aid, mental health, and cultural competency. Ensure team is trained to provide direct first-aid as needed, utilizing advanced training and certifications in life-saving techniques to our clients. 
• Performance Management and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of engagements, referrals, and connections; prepare and submit Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) reports established by GLIDE’s executive team and CCSF reporting requirements.  

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role overseeing community engagement, safety programs, or related initiatives. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. 
• Expertise in crisis management, case management, and connecting individuals to resources. 
• Comprehensive understanding of local community dynamics, social services, and public safety protocols. 
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Certification in CPR, first aid, and Narcan administration. 
• Commitment to equity, social justice, and the organization’s mission of serving marginalized communities. 

• The Ambassador Team dedicate a substantial portion of their time to outdoor activities. During their duties, employees may cover distances of five to seven miles per day. Essential qualifications include the capacity to bend, lift, and sustain standing and walking positions throughout the shift. Additionally, the role necessitates the ability to lift objects weighing up to 50 lbs. (maneuver carts, set up our mobile kiosk stations, and/or canopies as needed).  
• The job of Ambassador Team is physically and mentally demanding. Staff must be able to maintain a de-escalatory demeanor while addressing community needs.  
• Must have the ability to walk far distances and/or stand for extended periods of time; 90-95% of work time is spent walking, standing, or otherwise on your feet.  

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000