Community Outreach Coordinator

Responsibilities

• Build relationships and partner with residents, local agencies, elected officials, and community stakeholders. These partnerships will inform the implementation of projects and activities that assist in achieving the neighborhood’s articulated goals and aspirations, mainly through the block-by-block approach.
• Identify community improvement projects; plan and execute projects for successful completion (ex. Community clean-ups, community gardens, repairs to existing community assets, etc.).
• Engage volunteers from the local community to support the local projects planned.
• Conduct targeted community outreach for existing housing programs in target area.
• Support the existing Neighborhood Advisory Council in providing information to local residents.
• Regularly attend meetings relevant to building our Neighborhood Revitalization program. Examples include local town hall meetings, neighborhood association meetings, or individual meetings with community leaders.
• Facilitate community data gathering to evaluate progress towards outcome indicators and determine success of benchmarks, including monitoring and evaluating plans through our survey tool, Success Measures.
• Build community understanding of and support for Neighborhood Revitalization by collaborating with staff from other Habitat for Humanity departments.

Required meetings, trainings and events

Minimum expectations are outlined below with the understanding that further trainings may be required, as determined by the host site, Habitat for Humanity International or the Corporation for National and Community Service.

• Onsite orientation to local host.
• First Aid/CPR.
• Habitat Learns – “Foundation of Habitat” online series.
• Lockton safety online courses.
• Annual sponsored blitz build – Habitat AmeriCorps Build-a-Thon.
• National days of service:
  • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (required).
  • September 11^th National Day of Service and Remembrance and AmeriCorps Week (encouraged).
• Host site monitoring reviews and periodic check-in calls.
• Monthly meeting with host site manager.
• Bi-weekly meeting with direct supervisor.
• Life After AmeriCorps training.
• Staff and board meetings and home dedications, as appropriate.
• Annual staff or AmeriCorps team build day.
• Individual and/or group professional development trainings may be made available based on budget, member interest and recommendation of the host site manager or direct supervisor.
• Host site events as appropriate, including but not limited to our Building Hope Luncheon (May), Rides for Homes (June), Young Professionals’ Habi-Hour (November), Next Gen Builds (October), and Builder’s Challenge (July/August). *Participation in these events will be in line with AmeriCorps program regulations.

Experience, knowledge and skills

Required

• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word/Excel).
• Comfort working independently in Philadelphia neighborhoods.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of people.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working as a member of a team.
• Detail oriented and highly organized.

Preferred

• Knowledge of, and willingness to promote the mission and activities of Habitat for Humanity and AmeriCorps.
• Strong research skills.
• Experience working with volunteers or teaching/group facilitation experience.
• Public speaking experience.
• Knowledge of community development practices.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet host site’s insurance requirements (must be at least 21 years of age and have no at-fault accidents or driving-related convictions).

Physical requirements

• Ability to sit at a desk and computer for extended periods of time.
• About 50% of this position requires outreach in the community, including visiting buildings and homes that may have stairs; as well as occasionally serving on project sites and other community projects that will often have rough and uneven terrain.
• Ability to be on one’s feet for extended periods of time, for example, extensive walking and interaction with community members during time out in the field.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions – sites are often not heated during winter and not air-conditioned during summer.

Service site environment

Member will primarily serve in two offices, that of Habitat Philadelphia and the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighborhood Advisory Committee. Habitat’s office is open-space office; the member  will share space with other staff and/or AmeriCorps members. Each member will have a desk, computer (with email and internet access), and a phone for service-related tasks. Shared resources include a printer, copy machine, fax machine as well as office supplies. At the Sharswood office, the member will also be in an open space and have access to phone, shared computer, and fax, printer, and copy machine. Member will occasionally be engaged in community builds, or improvement projects such as community clean ups, or serving outside in various types of weather. Member will be required to travel independently throughout Philadelphia, especially within North Philadelphia, where Habitat Philadelphia’s efforts are targeted. Each week,  the member will spend 20 hours on-site within the community and eight hours in the offices of the Sharswood Neighborhood Advisory Council.

Will a personal vehicle be required? ☐ Yes  ☒ No

Travel is required for this position. Public transportation is available and paid for by affiliate, as is bike share, and Philadelphia is easily accessible by bike. Much of the travel will be within the North Philadelphia community. When personal vehicle is used, approved service-related mileage (beyond commuting to and from service) will be reimbursed per the affiliate’s policy. There may be Habitat vehicles available for service-related use, on a limited basis, which would require that the driver be at least 21 years of age for insurance reasons.

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is located in the heart of where our country was founded. The region is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. Philadelphia is an ideal location to take advantage of all the area has to offer, including both urban activities and natural retreats. Visit the Liberty Bell and countless historical sites, stroll around the vibrant and varied neighborhoods, take a day-trip to the beach, enjoy lively restaurants and cafes, bike through Fairmount Park—the possibilities are limitless. Philadelphia has something to offer for everybody. As Philadelphia rapidly grows and develops, Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s work to preserve the rich fabric of our neighborhoods becomes increasingly important. We work to maintain homeownership opportunities and improve the quality of life for individuals and families through new home construction, home rehabilitations, home repairs, and various community projects. This is an exciting opportunity to be a part of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s continuing growth as we strive to meet the need for affordable homeownership and repair opportunities in Philadelphia. AmeriCorps members contribute a year of service, and in return receive a modest living stipend, a basic health insurance plan, an education award, job training, and personal and professional growth opportunities. You will leave your year of service not only with new transferable skills, but also with a sense of community that comes with no other employment opportunity.