About Us

LEAD (Latinos for Educational Advocacy and Diversity) is seeking an experienced, passionate, and community-minded individual to fill the role of Community Engagement Coordinator and Uplift CT program manager for the Greater Norwich Area.

This role is a pivotal part of our mission to empower communities across the state through programs, events and activities.

To that end we engage in effective advocacy for equitable funding, and representation for communities across Connecticut. LEAD focuses on the main issue affecting our Latino Community in the areas of education. LEAD provides support services, programs and educational opportunities to our communities for free at each of our centers. 

This position will also serve as the manager of our Uplift CT program that seeks to revitalize the area of Franklin street around our community center. The goal is to support entrepreneurs to fill vacant storefronts and bring economic vibrancy to the Franklin street neighborhood. In addition the UpLift CT program will provide services and programs to support those who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. 

LEAD also runs a branch called the Mosaic Coalition that seeks to foster cooperation between all ethnic groups and culture to promote a more united and vibrant society in the state of Connecticut. 

Position Overview

The successful candidate will be responsible for the creation, organization, and leadership of advocacy efforts, programs, managing events, and help with running a Community Center that serves the community through various programs and activities.

Responsibilities

• Establish and coordinate programs such as ESL, Women Empowerment, Mental health workshops, Financial Literacy conferences, Cultural events and after school programs that support vulnerable communities
• Ensure that the community center is properly staffed and runned
• Work with our Legislative Champions to align on legislative priorities regarding initiatives that can help bring resources to our community
• Maintain a social media presence with an emphasis on marketing to promote the work of the community center 
• Coordinate efforts to revitalize the Franklin Street area round the community center
• Organize Champions for excellence schools to advocate better educational opportunities for parents and student in the greater Norwich Area
• Build a coalition of advocates, stakeholders, and elected officials to support community empowerment initiatives
• Proactively lead advocacy efforts and organize campaigns to empower the community in the greater New Britain area
• Manage and support the various programs and events at the Community Center
• Foster relationships with community leaders and develop partnerships to enhance programs and resources for the Community Center
• Remain flexible to travel to other community centers in Danbury, Waterbury, New Haven, New Britain and Bridgeport as necessary
• Work to build at least a dozen legislative allies at the state level to support the work we do at our centers as well as our charter school initiatives
• Work on advocacy campaigns in addition to trips to Hartford to support important initiatives

Qualifications

• A strong track record in management with experience leading organizations or departments, managing staff
• Bachelor's degree required
• Have strong knowledge and connections to the political landscape in Norwich and at the state level
• Strong connections within the greater Norwich area and preferably lives in the vicinity
• Ability to work with technology including databases, AI, Social media marketing campaigns and other tools 
• Proven ability to independently work, showing initiative and proactivity
• Exceptional communication skills in both English and Spanish
• Strong leadership skills and ability to train and lead advocacy efforts
• Demonstrable experience in community organizing, campaign management, and legislative engagement
• Must be flexible, creative, passionate, and willing to go above and beyond to meet organizational goals

How to Apply

If you have the experience, passion, and drive to make a difference in our organization and the Norwich community, we want to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your experience and connections in the Greater Norwich area to mmatos@ctlead.org.

LEAD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage all interested individuals to apply.