Flexible Location: (Rochester, MN; Worthington, MN; Minneapolis, MN; or St. Paul MN)

Department Overview

The Community Engagement Team oversees the cultivation of relationships with communities of color and community organizations that serve people of color in Minnesota, focusing on increasing visibility, building trust, and engendering investment in the Girl Scout experience by families and girls of color. Community Engagement (CE) staff lead the development and growth of GSRV’s strategic initiatives – Mentored Troops and the ConnectZ Program - that actively work toward increasing the ethnic diversity and representation of girls of color and volunteers of color within the Girl Scouts River Valleys service area. Mentored Troops are volunteer-led troops that provide girls of color the opportunity to be part of ethnically diverse Girl Scout troops led by volunteer troop leaders of color. The ConnectZ Program troops are staff-led troops that provide a high-quality and culturally relevant Girl Scouts leadership experience in schools to girls who otherwise may not have the opportunity to participate due to access barriers (e.g., financial and/or transportation). Girl Scouts in both Mentored Troops and ConnectZ develop a sense of belonging and sisterhood while building skills and confidence that will serve them into the future.

Summary

The Community Engagement Coordinator is responsible for supporting the department’s efforts to recruit, train, and mentor volunteers of color and coordinating and delivering the Girl Scouts curriculum directly to girls via in school ConnectZ troops and programs. Coordinators also support department efforts to create high-quality community engagement experiences for families, leaders, and alumnae of color.

Strategic Initiatives

• Implement culturally responsive and specific recruitment, training, and program delivery strategies that support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience model.
• Lead high-quality in-troop and out-of-troop programming directly for girls, ensuring content and delivery methods are culturally responsive.
• Support girls in attending evening or weekend Girl Scout events, participating in the River Valleys Cookie program, and attending Girl Scout River Valleys summer camps.
• Plan, promote, and implement troop formation activities in assigned areas as needed.

• Provide authentic and responsive troop leader mentorship, support, and customer service to ensure all volunteers and leaders are following Girl Scout policies and procedures.
• Build relationships and partnerships with communities, families, and community youth organizations of color.

• Serve as a Community Engagement representative at relevant partner, family, funder, and general community events to help build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Compile and share information gathered from local community leaders, organizations, and activities to influence and improve all facets of site partner, girl, and volunteer recruitment; communications; marketing; and programs for the Community Engagement team.
• Ensure that girl curriculum, programs, and materials provided to girls, troop leaders, alumnae, and families are consistent in branding, messaging, and visual representation and in alignment with standards established by GSUSA.
• Support program grant requirements and commitment to continuous improvement by completing program evaluations as assigned.

Education and Experience

Required: One year of experience in recreation, youth or program development, education, social services or a related field or a combination of equivalent knowledge and experience.

Preferred:

• Work experience in a volunteer organization preferably in the youth program development and delivery field in a non-profit environment
• Knowledge of or experience in Girl Scouts is desirable.
• Bilingual: Ability to read, write, and speak Spanish, Hmong, and/or Somali, and willingness to use this skill as part of their work. Compensation provided.

Knowledge and Skills

This position requires a self-starter who can work independently with minimal oversight and takes initiative; is flexible, adaptable, organized, and has a strong attention to detail; thrives in an ever-changing/fast-paced environment. Has proven oral and written communication abilities (i.e. verbal, written, in person, and/or over the telephone); demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of sensitive and confidential issues; and communicates effectively with a diverse group of families, volunteers, and staff.

• Ability to coordinate multiple projects while managing conflicting priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent independent decision-making skills and strong resourcefulness.
• Demonstrated experience in curriculum design and facilitation of content for youth and adults.
• Knowledge of current trends, resources, and information related to cultural competency, program management, and volunteerism.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and a successful track record in completing multiple, concurrent projects.
• Understanding and commitment to organizational diversity; ability to work in a diverse environment and mentor people from various racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Proficient technical skills with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to represent GSRV effectively to key internal and external audiences, including: prospective members and families, prospective volunteers, program partners, community partners, and the Girl Scouts of the USA.
• Must have access to personal transportation for business travel, a valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
• Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends.

Don't meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women and BIPOC professionals are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Girl Scouts River Valleys, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply. You might just be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Girl Scouts River Valleys is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and racial justice, and is working to boldly lead as an anti-racist organization that uplifts and empowers every Girl Scout to know their worth and lead in their world. This means leading not just with words, but with actions.