Community Organizer – Center for Healthy Aging

Department: Center for Healthy Aging

Reports to: Senior Director, Center for Healthy Aging

Date Created: January 2025

Salary Range: $45,000 – $50,000 (Full-time, non-exempt)

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Agency Mission

“InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, builds racial and religious equity, and creates bridges of understanding among us.”

Agency Vision Statement

InterFaith Works builds bridges of understanding to affirm the dignity of all people in Central New York. Working with the different faith communities and the diversity of the region’s people, we address deeply embedded social divisions. Informed and influenced by the values and ethics of the faith traditions, we work with the community to find common ground on its issues. Using the tools of interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, we create life-changing experiences that lead to actions for the creation of a more equitable and loving community.

Overview Of The Program Area

The Greater Syracuse Aging Services Coalition works to increase social connectedness and advance racial equity and economic justice for older adults in Onondaga County. Together with aging service providers, community members, and anyone who cares about aging, we develop initiatives that change the lives of people most impacted by ageism, racism, and economic inequality.

The Greater Syracuse Aging Services Coalition is convened by InterFaith Works’ Center for Healthy Aging, which has a 39-year history of serving diverse older adults by addressing issues of isolation and loneliness that people can experience as they age. Programs and services in The Center for Healthy Aging focus on reaching older refugees and other elders with limited English, older adults in black and brown communities, and older adults with low-income. Our programs promote activity, socialization, and life-long learning, to empower older adults to age with dignity.

Position Summary

To improve social connectedness and build economic and racial justice for older adults in Onondaga County, the Community Organizer will convene community stakeholders, provide education and raise awareness for aging issues, steward community partnerships, and coordinate initiatives that improve the lives of older adults in the Greater Syracuse area. The Community Organizer will use principles of Community Organizing and Human Centered Design to improve the reach and effectiveness of the Coalition, create new connections within the community, raise awareness for the needs of low-income older adults, and support the landscape of aging services in Onondaga County.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred, with at least two years’ experience working with seniors, Human Services, or community-based organizations; Associate’s degree with relevant experience will be considered. The ideal candidate will have experience with community organizing and partnership development, and will have worked with older adults from diverse communities.

Essential Functions

Community Organizing

• Understand the intent, clients, and activities of the Greater Syracuse Aging Services Coalition
• Educate the community about economic and racial justice for older adults
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including community members, community leaders, human services organizations, businesses, government and faith communities
• Conduct presentations, community visits, and tabling in known and trusted spaces, to meet low-income older adults and share information about the Aging Services Coalition
• Provide logical support for Coalition meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, room set up and break down, note taking, and follow up activities
• Organize Community Convenings, to learn about the needs of older adults and caregivers in our community
• Prepare reports that review trends in aging and identify best practices to overcome challenges
• Participate in appropriate committees and coalitions that further the Coalition’s mission
  
  

Program Development

• Coordinate programs and initiatives that further the mission of the Aging Services Coalition
• Recruit community and aging services partners to collaborate and implement Coalition initiatives
• Promote Coalition programs and initiatives to older adults throughout the Greater Syracuse area
• Recruit, train and support community volunteers to advance the Coalition’s mission and initiatives
• Develop opportunities for donations to support Coalition initiatives
  
  

Evaluation, Documentation and Reporting

• Track Coalition activities in database, including outreach, events, partner engagement, meetings, volunteer support and community participation
• Collect data to measure the impact and outcomes of Coalition activities
• Assist the Director in collecting other information required by funding sources
• Provide monthly progress reports to Director
  
  

Skills And Experience

• Have an understanding of the aging services network in Onondaga County or similar area
• Have a commitment to supporting diverse older adults as they age
• Possess the ability to plan and deliver community presentations for up to 25 people, and person-to-person outreach
• Multi-cultural competency necessary
• Demonstrate an ability to relate well to others and build strong relationships
• Demonstrate an ability to work with a high degree of initiative, creativity and flexibility
• Possess excellent communication and organizational skills
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of Office 365 and SharePoint a plus
• Have an understanding of and value racial equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to continued learning on issues related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion
  
  

Level of Decision-Making Responsibility: Medium

Working Conditions And Physical Demands Required

• The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:
• Must have personal vehicle for regular travel throughout Onondaga County; must be able to travel through the service area 50% of the time or more using personal, reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs. Exposure to outside weather conditions is common
• Working some nights and weekends required 
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a workstation and use a computer approximately 25-50% of the time
• Must be able to sit for extended periods attending meetings and training sessions.
  
  

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Rick Lee, Director of Human Services, at rlee@ifwcny.org