Community Engagement Manager

Community Engagement Manager

LOCATION: LIHI Main Office

POSTING DATE: 10/12/2023

REPORTS TO: Chief Strategy Officer

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week

PAY RANGE: $70,000 - $80,000 annually

BENEFITS: Medical, dental, vision, retirement, life insurance, long term disability insurance and sick leave are available to employees. Employees accrue 116 hours of vacation during the first year and receive 11 paid holidays.

POSITION TYPE: Exempt Full-time

The Community Engagement Manager will be responsible for building relationships with community and government partners and potential stakeholders to generate support of LIHI programs. This position will assist LIHI staff, volunteers, residents and community advocates with participation in advocacy activities designed to benefit people and families who are low income, homeless, or formerly homeless served by LIHI programs and to increase awareness of the rights, privileges, available resources, and systemic factors affecting homeless and low-income people in Washington State. The position will interact with media, community, faith, philanthropic organizations and government entities to coordinate activities and events that raise awareness and promotion of LIHI and LIHI programs.

Responsibilities:

Program Management

• Organize Community Engagement activities for new and existing tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, and other LIHI programs in collaboration with LIHI staff and volunteers, community and faith partners and government entities. This includes canvassing efforts, community meetings, and community building events.
• Create start-up of tiny house village Community Advisory Committees and transition to operations team, coordinate with bodies of neighborhood stakeholders who oversee village progress, serve as a community liaison between surrounding neighbors and LIHI, and provide advisory input and support.
• Bring feedback from community or other sources to the attention of LIHI leadership and operations teams.
• Build effective relationships with staff in all departments.
• Maintain existing community partnerships and develop new partnerships to enhance the opportunities for LIHI programs, residents and clients.
• Participate in staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Participate in fundraising and event planning activities in collaboration with Executive Director, Fund Development staff, and other LIHI staff, Board members, and volunteers.
• Support AmeriCorps program of members who participate in organizing community outreach, donations, and volunteer recruitment and organizing.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Advocacy

• Contribute to the development of a community that values cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Collaborate with Executive Director, Chief Strategy Officer, Fund Development, and Administration staff in producing advocacy and public education messages and materials to promote housing and civil rights, social justice, cultural diversity, and economic security for all people.
• Work collaboratively with staff management of tiny house villages, enhanced shelters, Urban Rest Stops, and housing sites to increase resident, client, tenant, staff, and volunteer participation in volunteer and advocacy programs and activities.
• Become knowledgeable of existing advocacy programs, opportunities, and resources around Puget Sound.
• Attend and participate in public policy forums and hearings with political representatives.
• Attend meetings and participate in community action with other community partners and coalition organizations.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public policy or related field or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Commitment to social change through the empowerment of low-income and homeless people.
• Two years’ experience in developing community programs, community organizing, or program/administrative duties commensurate with responsibilities outlined above.
• Excellent knowledge of community and advocacy resources for homeless and low-income people.
• Demonstrated ability to work with people with sensitivity to cultural and class issues, as well as people at varying skill levels in the technology realm.
• Excellent communication skills: both written and verbal.
• Experience working with and supervising volunteers. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with management, staff, volunteers, community agencies and the public.
• Excellent computer skills including use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent organizational skills as well as high level attention to detail.
• Experience with database: entry, recording and reporting.
• Experience compiling program reports for community partners and funders.
• Strong self-initiative; ability to work independently with minimal supervision and willingness to seek out new training and knowledge when necessary.
• Flexible and willing to work evenings/weekends when necessary.

The Low Income Housing Institute is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply. LIHI participates in the e-verify system.

About us:

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) has a 30-year history and track record of owning and managing low-income housing; developing innovative solutions to homelessness; advocating for housing justice; providing supportive services; and operating hygiene services for homeless people at our Urban Rest Stops. LIHI staff have developed over 5,000 affordable housing units and manages over 3,000 units including rental housing, permanent supportive housing and transitional housing. The populations served include: families, singles, seniors, veterans, young adults, immigrants, low wage workers, and people living with physical and mental disabilities. LIHI is one of the largest nonprofit housing organizations in the state. Our properties are located in Seattle, King County, and five adjacent counties. LIHI is a national leader in sponsoring tiny house villages as a crisis solution to homelessness. Annually, the tiny house villages and shelters serve 2,000 homeless people and our hygiene programs serve over 8,000 homeless people. LIHI is a BIPOC organization committed to anti-displacement, equitable development, and racial justice. LIHI staff is collaborative, dynamic, and dedicated to taking bold steps in ending homelessness and creating supportive communities for people to thrive.