Community Outreach and Activities Coordinator

Title:                               Community Outreach & Activities Coordinator                                     

Department:                  Program/Operation

Reports to:                    Site Director

FLSA Status:                 Full-time, Non-Exempt

As the Community Outreach & Activities Coordinator, you will play a vital role in supporting the healing, recovery, and reintegration of veterans by leading therapeutic and recreational programming, coordinating legal aid and volunteer programs, and strengthening relationships with community partners. This role requires a compassionate, mission-driven individual with strong organizational skills and a deep respect for those who have served. Veterans and individuals with military or nonprofit experience are especially encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to ensure programs reflect both client needs and donor priorities.
• Manage a yearly budget and ensure effective use of resources.
• Recruit, train, and engage volunteers, including veterans and community members.

Therapeutic & Recreational Programs

• Develop and implement engaging therapeutic activities (e.g., Art, Music, Pet, Physical, or Equestrian Therapy) tailored to veterans in transitional or residential care.
• Coordinate activities for military-related observances (e.g., Memorial Day, Veterans Day, PTSD Awareness Month, Month of the Military Child).
• Promote events and wellness activities internally and through community outreach.
• Maintain activity spaces, supplies, and equipment.
• Organize morale-boosting events for staff and residents.

Community & Legal Program Liaison

• Serve as liaison with legal partners (e.g., Thomas Jefferson School of Law, DLA Piper) and coordinate legal support programs.
• Manage all aspects of the Homeless Court Program (HCP), including:
  • Screening and guiding participants through the process.
  • Liaising with legal stakeholders (Public Defender, DA, SD Superior Court).
  • Coordinating monthly court sessions and tracking outcomes.
  • Representing VVSD at HCP Steering Committee and provider meetings.
  • Collaborating with other municipalities to resolve veteran legal cases.

Stand Down Leadership

• Serve as lead coordinator for the annual Stand Down event, a nationally recognized three-day intervention serving homeless and at-risk veterans.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination for over 1,600 individuals.
• Manage participant application process (600–800 veterans), including liaising with VA, DCSS, and court systems.
• Build and maintain relationships with application sites and community partners across the county.
• Utilize volunteer and registration platforms (e.g., InitLive) to manage coordination.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations to expand access to services and resources for veterans.
• Identify and implement new programs to meet the evolving needs of the veteran population.
• Represent VVSD in outreach efforts and promote collaboration with local agencies, nonprofits, and military groups.

Who You Are

• A veteran, military family member, or someone with deep respect for the veteran community.
• Mission-driven, organized, and passionate about community service.
• Experienced in managing complex programs and coordinating large-scale events.
• A strong communicator who can build relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-impact environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Recreation Therapy, Social Work, or a related field—or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in transitional housing, nonprofit, and/or project management.
• Certified Activity Professional (CAP) preferred.
• Familiarity with military culture and Veterans Affairs systems.
• Experience coordinating large events, legal clinics, or community outreach programs.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite; email and online platforms).
• Valid California driver’s license and auto insurance.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to bend, lift light objects, and sit for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in busy, active, and sometimes noisy environments.
• Regular interaction with residents, staff, volunteers, and legal professionals.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently.

Job Benefits

VVSD offers competitive pay and benefits, including 12 paid holidays a year, paid vacation and paid sick leave, pension, health insurance, dental and vision plans.

Please Note:
If you were a client of VVSD, you must have been out of all programs for a minimum of 2 years.
Veterans Village of San Diego is an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Salary : $62,000 - $69,000