Associate Director of Community Engagement

Requisition #: req12271

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

As an Associate Director of Community Engagement, you will be primarily responsible for spearheading the development and implementation of the community engagement strategy for the Grand Rapids Refugee and Immigrant Services Branch. This individual will find meaningful ways to engage those with lived experience as a Refugee or Immigrant in our work. This position will also oversee outreach to shared community partners, volunteers, and contributors to our work, and will seek to pay attention to the impact Bethany has on the surrounding community.

The Associate Director of Community Engagement is responsible for supervising all employees engaged in community outreach work, as well as coordinating engagement efforts between departments and programs.

This position is expected to function effectively with little supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate the convening and coordination of all staff involved in community engagement within the Refugee and Immigrant Services Branch;
• Regularly meet and partner with the Branch Director; RIS Senior Leadership Team; and Regional Development Staff;
• Develop and strengthen relationships with community stakeholders;
• Regularly convene and invest in community leaders, providing technical assistance and opportunities for financial support to ethnic based community organizations;
• Direct, train, and develop direct reports;
• Assist with the preparation of the annual budget, goals, and objectives;
• Ensure program and site operations and services are consistent with the established agency, state, federal, and licensing standards and requirements;
• Ensure agency policies and procedures are enforced through completion of staff evaluations, conference request, time sheets and reimbursement vouchers;
• Participate in public relations for the program when appropriate;
• Stay up-to-date on current trends and theories related to the program, while proactively recommending changes to agency policy and practice, as necessary;
• Participate in speaking engagements, courses and learning experiences, when necessary;
• Implement and enhance the use of the trauma-responsive Sanctuary model of care;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services (ORR, COA, DCWL, etc.);
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSW or MA/MS in a human service field from an accredited college;
• Two (2) years of experience working in a child caring institution preferred;
• Demonstrated supervisory, written and verbal communication skills;
• Prior experience working with diverse populations preferred;
• Bilingual abilities preferred;
• Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources;
• Five years’ experience in foster care services and/or refugee or immigrant services;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine preventable diseases or the willingness to receive vaccination, or seeking an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.