Community Engagement Coordinator – FT

Dundalk Renaissance is a non-profit Community Development organization whose mission is to mobilize people to invest in greater Dundalk’s neighborhoods, economy, and quality of life. We were formed 23 years ago during a broad-based community planning process and our work continues to be informed by the strengths, needs, and aspirations of people in our neighborhoods and Main Street commercial district. This position will help maximize our revitalization impact through a deeper level of community engagement that expands upon our recent community conversations about diversity, strengthens targeted neighborhoods and their connections with Historic Dundalk Town Center, increases public safety, and achieves greater equity and community vitality.

Position Description

The Community Engagement Coordinator will be a self-starter who will build relationships with residents, businesses, local service providers, and other community members, share information and opportunities about DR programs and others, provide technical assistance to residents interested in DR programs, and elicit resident input on ongoing development projects and planning efforts. The Community Engagement Coordinator will use a community organizing approach to engage a wide range of residents with various interests, socio-economic, ethnic, and racial backgrounds and geographic location within targeted neighborhoods in the Dundalk area. In addition, the Coordinator will attend community meetings, build community through events and programming, expand DR’s contacts, disseminate print and online communications, and support community-led initiatives. The position reports to the Executive Director.

Duties

• Build relationships with and between residents and other community members through one-on-one and group conversations, focusing specifically on engaging underrepresented communities
• Conduct outreach through door-knocking and attending community meetings, events and activities
• Engage and connect residents and other community members to DR initiatives such as financial counseling, homeownership, home repair, Spruce Up, public safety, or other opportunities, and provide technical assistance with applications as appropriate
• Develop and lead training workshops for residents and other community members and provide ongoing technical assistance to program applicants and grantees
• Build upon connections already formed through Dundalk Cares initiative (a multiracial network of area residents who seek to support greater racial and ethnic diversity in our community) and identify and pursue next steps to further this work
• Engage diverse stakeholders to address perceived and actual public safety challenges in the Main Street and its adjacent neighborhoods through strategies such as relationship-building, increased lighting, safety walks, advocacy, etc.
• Assist residents and local community organizations with Spruce Up Grants by providing assistance with visioning and concept design; budgeting; assist in locating appropriate contractors and materials; identify and assist with permitting; support volunteer management; and cultivate leadership through project development and completion.
• Collaborate with other DR staff to develop, plan and coordinate community-led events and activities, such as movie nights, community clean-ups, and public art projects that help bring neighbors together and deepen a sense of collective efficacy and community cohesion
• Support with planning and coordination of DR’s promotional events, which deepen a sense of community, celebrate completed projects and attract people to Dundalk
• Create content for social media and email communications
• Support administrative aspects of DR’s community programs, including purchasing, record keeping, accounting, data collection, and preparing report metrics. Data includes participation, meeting notes, photographic documentation of project implementation, and community indicators.

Qualifications and Skills

• Two years’ experience in community organizing and/or community engagement showing progressively more responsibility
• Knowledge and experience working with a diverse set of individuals and stakeholders
• Ability to engage and foster relationships with residents, public agencies, and nonprofit partners.
• Experience and strong skills in areas of leadership, creative thinking and organization
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong professional reputation and record of integrity, respect for established ethical standards
• Ability to solve problems and adapt to adversity
• Knowledge of Dundalk neighborhoods and local institutions a plus
• Spanish language fluency preferred; proficiency a plus

This job requires some physical activity. Applicants must be able to lift 40 pounds and be willing to work indoor and outdoor events on some evenings and weekends throughout all seasons of the year. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required. Familiarity with DR's programs (see dundalkusa.org) strongly encouraged.

This full-time position begins immediately; starting salary range is $40,000-48,000.
Collaborative, mission-driven work environment. Drug-Free Workplace.

The Dundalk Renaissance Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, or disability unrelated in nature and extent so as to reasonably preclude the performance of the employment.

To Apply: Please submit your Resume, Cover Letter, and 3 References by June 1, 2024 via Indeed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 2 years' experience in community organizing or community engagement?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Dundalk, MD 21222: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dundalk, MD 21222