Job Title: Community Partnership Specialist

Classification: Exempt 

Status: Full-Time

Reports to: Senior Manager ofCommunity Partnerships

About Us: 

JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment and build careers and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces. 

JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

About the Opportunity:

Under the direction of the Senior Manager of Support Services and Community Partnerships, the Community Partnership Specialist works to connect JVS clients to external organizations that can assist with barrier removal to ensure enrollment and successful program completion of JVS clients. This position will build reciprocal relationships with community-based organizations who can refer clients to JVS for workforce development services and provide services to JVS applicants and clients who need assistance. The Community Partnership Specialist manages a portfolio of partnerships to establish and increase reciprocal referral relationships, representing JVS and our services to the community. This role provides excellent customer service to partners, colleagues, and clients, in order to connect clients with the services they seek.

Essential Functions, Skills and Knowledge

Builds Relationships, Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with partner organizations and serve as the primary point of contact through routine communication (i.e. meetings, calls and emails) as well as event participation
• Serve as a liaison between potential clients and referral contacts to guide them through the process
• Stay up to date on JVS programs, and seek out feedback from program teams to aid in developing new partnerships and improving referral systems
• Support and promote the mission and philosophy of JVS both internally and outside the agency
• Work effectively with other program and administrative staff

Accountability and Results Focused:

• Troubleshoot unsuccessful referrals and make system adjustments when possible
• Seek out and develop new partners for emerging service needs
• Ensure all key data is entered into relevant data tracking systems is accurate and complete
• Develop and achieve metrics and assist in the creation of regular program performance reports to JVS leadership, funders, and other stakeholders
• Generate strategy and solutions in response to unforeseen and planned changes, setbacks, and challenges

Administrative/Communication:

• Create and maintain a tracking document of community contacts, and update when point of contact changes
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with compassion and professionalism
• Participate in meetings, in-service training, team-based projects, committees
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor to ensure smooth delivery of services
• Exercise discretion in handling confidential information
• Perform other duties as assigned or requested

Education and Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Business/Marketing, Human Resources, Human services, social work, Education, or related field, or equivalent (4 years) experience

• 3 years of community engagement experience, ideally in the Greater Boston area

• Bilingual, bicultural preferred

• Working knowledge of adult education, social service and/or workforce development organizations in the Greater Boston area preferred

• Excellent relationship building skills, including the ability to interact with a diverse range of colleagues
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to interact with and assist a multi-cultural customer base, including those with low levels of English proficiency and limited educational backgrounds

• Demonstrated success in partnership building

• Demonstrated success in performance tracking, maintaining a contact database, or similar

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 suite

• Ability to define and prioritize goals and objectives

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Competencies 

• Accountability and Results Focused

• Adapting to Change
• Building Relationship, Collaboration and Teamwork
• Cultural Competency and Respect
• Communication Skills
• Initiative
• Planning and Organizing
• Promotes External Relations
• Provides Exceptional Customer Service