Overview:

Vibrant Communities Calgary (VCC) is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively, with a multitude of various stakeholders and partners, seeking to engage Calgarians and to advocate for long-term strategies that address the root causes of poverty in Calgary.

Funded by The United Way of Calgary and Area, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation and The Calgary Foundation, we are active members in a Pan-Canadian Learning Community convened and supported by Tamarack - An Institute for Community Engagement, Caledon Institute of Social Policy, and The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation. This national network provides a process and a working environment where diverse community leaders from communities across Canada work together to share ideas, practices and policies that strengthen their community-based poverty reduction initiatives.

Responsibility:

The Research and Community Liaison reports to the Associate Director of Strategy and Research. The role requires leadership for VCC’s projects, including building and maintaining relationships with community partners and volunteers. The role also supports the organization by following, summarizing and reporting on policy, research, statistics and trends. All VCC staff are expected to contribute towards a positive, respectful, receptive and dynamic team environment.

Job Description:

Program and Project Leadership

• Co-ordinate work of VCC community teams
• Program Co-ordination
• Community Engagement

Research

• Contribute to the poverty reduction field of knowledge
• Preparation of communications materials

Internal Communications

• Ongoing and sufficient communication between VCC staff and committees as applicable

External Communications

• Preparation and distribution of communications materials

General Operations

• Effective Record keeping/administration

Primary Relationships:

• Associate Director of Strategy and Research (supervisor)
• Director

Attributes:

Friendly, positive, courteous, outgoing and respectful, you are interested in social issues and value contributing to your community. You are a sincere, compassionate, clear, effective and diplomatic communicator who works comfortably with diverse populations and also understands when confidentiality is appropriate. You know how to work collaboratively, you take initiative, you need limited guidance and instructions, but respond well to these when offered. You have a professional demeanor and are able to work both independently and as part of a team. You are flexible and willing to take on tasks as required, even if they do not fall within the parameters of your usual responsibilities. You are a strong facilitator, collaborator and leader with experience in community development and volunteer management.

Qualifications:

• An interest in poverty reduction and a desire to deepen your understanding of complex social and economic issues
• The ability to work in a collaborative manner and share recognition for work
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Comfort working with diverse populations (business, government and non-profits) and the ability to adapt your style to different audiences
• The ability to both engage new and retain current volunteers and community partners
• The ability to bridge the gap between business, government and the non profit sector
• The ability to work with minimal supervision
• The ability to multi-task, prioritize a heavy workload, remain flexible and meet deadlines
• The ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, discernment, and resourcefulness
• A proven track record of planning strategically and following through
• High proficiency with computer software (e.g. Word, Publisher, Power Point, Outlook)
• Related university degree, preferably in public administration, sociology, economics or political science
• Experience in research and project management. Equivalencies considered.
• A solid understanding of social and economic issues is preferred. Experience in community development is essential.

Benefits:

• Three weeks of vacation
• Health and dental benefits
• RRSP Savings Plan
• One half day each month to attend medical appointments (total of 3.75 hours maximum per month)
• Two community volunteer hours per month credited to lieu time
• Any overtime credited to lieu time
• Day off on or within two weeks of birth date
   

Application Process

Interested applicants are asked to send a cover letter and resume to info@vibrantcalgary.com

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest, however VCC will only contact successful candidates.