Community Development Specialist

Full Time

Full Year

Job Summary:

This professional position is responsible for assessing the needs of Springfield neighborhoods for the purpose of coordinating educational and networking opportunities, special events, and other activities that support the building of strong, clean, and healthy neighborhoods and communities. In addition, this position will help with the planning, coordination and implementation of the Tool Lending Library, neighborhood clean-ups, and targeted events and education for neighborhood associations and groups. Starting Salary: $35,568

Evaluation:

The Caring Communities Program Director, following adopted policies of Community Partnership of the Ozarks, evaluates the Community Development Specialist.

Reporting Structure:

The Community Development Specialist reports directly to the Caring Communities Program Director.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Positively and professionally represent Community Partnership of the Ozarks in the community;
  • Coordinates events, activities, and projects from concept to completion, ensuring each initiative operates smoothly, efficiently and effectively meets the event/project goals;
  • Managing event processes, coordinating meetings, preparing, monitoring, and reporting for project/event budgets;
  • Develop relationships within the community to enhance project/event implementation;
  • Create and maintain project/event specific budgets;
  • Works with the VP of Communications on the development of media and marketing materials;
  • Works alongside project/event committees, facilitating when necessary;
  • Recruits and trains volunteers and vendors for project/event specific responsibilities;
  • Maintains timely project/event outcomes including number served and in-kind contributions;
  • Engage neighborhood groups, the City, developers, landlords and other community groups to strategically address chronic nuisance properties;
  • Engage with Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) and Community Partnership’s Housing Collaborative to support the work of these groups and create a system-wide approach;
  • Utilize a system-wide approach to ensure the Inclusive Excellence Model is implemented in all services and activities;
  • Partner with the City to assist with the Great Neighborhoods Program and coordination of neighborhood clean-ups services;
  • Coordinate Tool Library program;
  • Develop and implement educational and networking events/opportunities for neighborhood associations/groups to come together to learn and grow their leadership skills;
  • Communicate regularly with key stakeholders and partners to ensure expedient and effective planning and facilitation of initiatives/projects;
  • Develop goals and outcomes to track effectiveness of activities, projects and programs;
  • Work collaboratively with other Community Development Specialist to serve neighborhoods;
  • Travel within the community to meet position requirements-attending meetings and events
  • Attend staff, operational, and other community meetings as assigned/as are beneficial to position;
  • Participate in relevant professional development and trainings;
  • Participate in CPO’s resource development/fundraising activities;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications/Skills:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business management, urban/city planning, social work, or a related field from an accredited college or university required;
  • At least 3 years prior work experience in area of community development and/or advance degree preferred;
  • Experience planning and implementing community events including expertise in attracting sponsorships;
  • Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment effectively;
  • Ability to leverage local resources to ensure successful project implementation;
  • Maintain project specific budgets and create monthly outcome reports;
  • Ability to work well independently on several projects concurrently;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal);
  • Ability to build strong relationships with local community leaders, donors, volunteers and residents;
  • Ability to manage, organize and prioritize tasks and meet critical deadlines;
  • Demonstrate high energy level and ability to maintain flexibility;
  • Demonstrate analytical skills including critical thinking, problem solving and prioritizing information;
  • Excellent follow up and follow through;
  • Punctuality and good attendance;
  • Computer and internet literate (Microsoft Office, Teams and Google);
  • Public speaking/facilitation skills;
  • Experience working in racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse communities;
  • Ability to lift, push or pull 35 lbs.;
  • Ability to work some evenings and weekends;

Position Clarification:

The position of Community Development Specialist is a grant-funded position and is based upon funding availability. Community Partnership of the Ozarks is an Equal Opportunity Employer

APPLY NOW