Community Facilitation and Engagement Specialist
(1.0 FTE, permanent)
(1.0 FTE, temporary, one-year maternity leave)
As of July 24, 2013
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 and Momentum Community Economic Development Society, 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 Community Facilitation and Engagement Specialist reports to the Director. The role requires leadership in building and maintaining relationships with community partners and volunteers throughout the non-profit, business and government sectors. The role will take you out into the community, to engage with a diverse range of members of the public to further a poverty reduction mandate. The role also supports the organization by following, summarizing and reporting on policy, government initiatives,research, statistics and trends. All VCC staff are expected to contribute towards a positive, respectful, receptive and dynamic team environment.
Job Description:
Community Engagement and Facilitation
Co-ordinate work of VCC community teams:
• Coordinate monthly or bi-monthly meetings of community teams
• Prepare/disseminate agendas, minutes, briefing materials no less than a week prior to the team meeting date
• Ongoing updating of workplans for community teams and other projects
• Co-ordinate and accomplish specific tasks as identified in workplan and document progress
• Liaise with team Chairs to ensure inclusiveness and support as necessary
• Conduct annual evaluation of projects
• Identify new opportunities for community teams and projects
• Eg. PovertyTalks and Living Wage Action Team
Program Co-ordination
• Promote the Living Wage Leader program among all sectors
• Establish and implement mechanisms for documentation and monitoring of the program
• Guide the development of program strategy, including opportunities for new projects
• Update, distribute, collect and assess surveys for the annual Vibrant Employer Award
• Participate in monthly Communities of Practice calls re. national Living Wage methodology
Community Engagement
• Regularly consult with VCC’s volunteers and stakeholders on initiatives
• Actively engage low-income Calgarians, the non-profit sector and others as appropriate in VCC projects and programs
• Represent VCC at community meetings when appropriate
• Regularly report status updates and developments on VCC’s social media accounts
Internal Communications
Ongoing and sufficient communication between VCC staff and committees as Applicable
• Participate in weekly staff meetings
• Participate in bi-monthly Strategic Opportunities Committee meetings
• Draft and present committee reports on VCC initiatives as required/requested
• Meet and communicate with VCC committees as necessary
Research
Contribute to the poverty reduction field of knowledge
• Lead in VCC’s role as collector and distributor of relevant sectoral and issue-related research, statistics, reports, and news events
• Research and analyze information and best practices from a wide range of Sources
Preparation of communications materials
• Contribute to the preparation of information briefs, major reports
• Support the VCC team in the development of Fact Sheets, FAQ’s, statistical data and other VCC communication material
• Prepare Calls to Action and other initiative ‘updates’ as appropriate
General Operations
Effective Record keeping/administration
• Internal reporting – update / contribute to: Mid-year/End of Year Reports, Committee Reports
• Track activities for key initiatives on Activities List and Event Summary sheets
• Performing administrative duties when required
Miscellaneous
• Responding to requests from the community where VCC can lend its support to other initiatives or endeavors that connect with VCC`s work
• Assisting with event and/or conference planning when agreed upon
• Attending community events to represent VCC
Primary Reporting Relationships:
• 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 strengthen and broaden an already deep understanding of complex social and economic issues
• An appreciation of the current initiatives at the municipal and provincial levels regarding poverty reduction
• The ability to work in a collaborative manner and share recognition for work
• Confident in using various social media platforms and online tools ie. Twitter, Facebook,
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Comfort working with diverse populations (members of the public, 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 Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Publisher, Power Point, Outlook)
• Related university degree, preferably in public administration, sociology, economics or political science
• A solid understanding of the political climate and social and economic issues 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
Deadline:
6 Aug 2013
E-mail:
Region:
Location:
Vibrant Communities Calgary
Calgary Alberta
Canada