COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) is a non-profit public interest law firm with over 100 staff providing free legal services to low-income and senior residents of Hudson, Bergen and Passaic Counties, New Jersey with locations in Jersey City, Union City, Paterson, and Hackensack. NNJLS provides a wide variety of civil legal assistance and advocacy for those most in need of legal representation such as victims of domestic violence, tenants facing unfair and arbitrary eviction, seniors victimized by unscrupulous creditors and clients facing many other types of civil legal matters. NNJLS is committed to the principle that all members of society should be treated equally and fairly by our civil justice system. NNJLS seeks dynamic employees who want to make a real difference in the lives of those most in need. 

The Community Outreach and Engagement Manager builds and maintains strategic partnerships and collaborations with community-based organizations whose services complement NNJLS’ civil legal aid in a way that increases the impact on the people and communities we serve. Northeast New Jersey Legal Services (NNJLS) seeks a Community Outreach and Engagement Manager to develop, implement, and maintain effective outreach strategies; cultivate strategic partnerships with community-based service providers and other organizations; and coordinate community legal education programs.  

Responsibilities include, without limitation: 

• Develop and support community engagement projects and lead NNJLS’ effort to identify persistent and emerging issues in low-income and underserved communities that can be addressed through civil legal representation and advocacy. 
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with social service providers and community-based organizations. 
• Serve as NNJLS’ representative on coalitions and at stakeholder meetings. 
• Maintain knowledge of statistics and reports regarding poverty, legal aid, underserved and at-risk populations including, without limitation, immigrants, limited English speakers, older adults, people with disabilities, survivors of violence, and veterans. 
• Lead NNJLS’ core community engagement efforts, including: 
• Coordinate outreach activities, legal education presentations and know-your-rights workshops, for community members and service providers. 
• Help staff develop and implement outreach and community engagement plans, and connect them with community organizations and groups. 
• Give presentations about our services to diverse audiences, including how to identify a legal issue that may be appropriate for referral to NNJLS. 
• Field requests for information and NNJLS involvement in community events and evaluate appropriate level of engagement based on priorities and resources. 
• Use and support use of technology to compile, analyze, and share quantitative and qualitative data regarding community engagement activities and its impact to NNJLS staff and Board. 
• Supervise and support two Associates to maintain community outreach and engagement initiatives. 
• Collaborate with other NNJLS managers to ensure that the program’s services and activities are aligned with its mission to ensure equal access to justice for residents of Hudson, Bergen, and Passaic Counties. 

Qualifications: A college degree with at least 2 years of experience working with coalitions and/or community groups. The successful applicant will have excellent and versatile communication skills, including public speaking and one-on-one interactions, have the ability to lead projects, work collaboratively, and have strong organizational skills. Applicants must have a good understanding of the role of civil legal aid in addressing issues of poverty and social justice. Computer proficiency is required. Flexibility and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends are essential. 

Preferred: Familiarity with legal services, public interest programs, and non-profit organizations. Fluency in Spanish or another second language. 

Location: Based in the Jersey City office. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license, own or have regular access to a vehicle, and be willing to travel throughout Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties on a regular basis. 

Salary/Benefits: NNJLS provides an attractive salary starting at $65,000 commensurate with experience, and a generous benefits and PTO package including but not limited to comprehensive health/dental/life insurance, 10% employer contribution to a 401(a) retirement plan, voluntary 403(b) retirement plan, paid time-off including 15 days- vacation to start, 15 sick days, 4 personal days, and 15 holidays, flexible hybrid remote work schedules after a 90-day wait period, and in-house trainings that offer CLE credit. Employment at NNJLS also provides access to federal loan forgiveness programs for those that qualify. NNJLS is an equal opportunity employer, including supporting individuals with a disability and veterans. For more information about NNJLS, please visit our website www.northeastnjlegalservices.org. 

Apply: Submit resume and cover letter describing your interest in the position and salary requirements to: Human Resources Manager, at HRNNJLS@LSNJ.org with the subject “Community Outreach and Engagement Manager.

​