About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, the Associate Director of Community Engagement advances the work of the Institute by cultivating and maintaining relationships with mission-aligned organizations, the faith-based community, government stakeholders (including elected officials), and other agencies within the public safety ecosystem. This externally facing leadership position will represent the Institute at public events, cultivate long-term partnerships that will support the mission of the organization, and drive organizational growth through community engagement. The associate director will work in close collaboration with the data team, communications team and organizational leadership to coordinate messaging and impact as well as partnership cultivation strategies. The associate director will also oversee the coordination and execution of short-term projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our participants and requirement alignment of internal and external stakeholders (such as back-to-school backpack giveaways, collaborative holiday drives, and faith-based mobilizations).
As an ambassador for the organization, this position will strengthen awareness and support for the Institute and center the voices and needs of those with lived experience from the communities we serve. The ideal candidate has lived experience as well as extensive experience in the CVI field; can speak to the pervasive trauma in our communities caused by gun violence and the Institute’s healing-centered mission; and possess a deep commitment to principles and teachings of nonviolence as a means to bringing about a safer, healthier environment in our neighborhoods.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with mission-aligned organizations, the faith-based community, government stakeholders (including elected officials), and other agencies within the public safety ecosystem (including the Chicago Police Department)
• Represent the Institute at public events/partnership meetings/reoccurring community meetings and conduct presentations on the mission and impact of the Institute
• Work closely with the data department to make sure presentations utilize current data to demonstrate the work
• Identify and cultivate new partnerships that are aligned with the mission of the Institute
• Collaborate with fellow associate directors to coordinate front-line staff participation in community-based events to ensure that engagement is strategic
• Partner with the outreach department to expand visibility of Light in the Night events by sharing the upcoming schedule with community partners and public officials in the area
• Share key learnings from external events with supervisor and organizational leadership to support a holistic and strategic community engagement plan
• Collaborate with the communications team and organizational leadership to coordinate messaging, support the Institute’s social media strategy and develop thoughtful partnership cultivation strategies
• Manage site visits to the Institute by community partners and stakeholders by coordinating staff participation and working alongside the operations team
• Utilize internal data system(s) to track participation in events, partner meetings and other activities
• Maintain a calendar if reoccurring monthly, quarterly and annual events and plan for those engagement opportunities in advance
• Oversee the coordination and execution of short-term projects and initiatives that meet the needs of our participants and requirement alignment of internal and external stakeholders (such as back-to-school backpack giveaways, collaborative holiday drives, and faith-based mobilizations)
• Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements
· Bachelor’s degree in human services field (ie. sociology, social work, etc.)
· At least five (5) years of experience in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) or related field
· At least four (4) years of experience of demonstrated experience with partnership cultivation, public speaking and/or community engagement
· Excellent verbal communication skills, ability to communicate effectively in writing and demonstrated experience completing detail-oriented tasks
· Ability to carry oneself with a high degree of tact, discretion and savvy in front of diverse audiences
· Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality
· Ability to work a flexible schedule in order to attend community-based events during non-traditional work hours. Hybrid work will be offered at the discretion of supervisor for ease of event attendance.
· Basic knowledge of the drivers of violence in Austin, West Garfield Park and Back of the Yards communities
· Demonstrated commitment to professional development and to bettering yourself
· Ability to take initiative, work as a self-starter, and lead by example
· Possess an inclusive leadership style based in empathy, patience, equity, consistent support, accountability, and the ability to relate well to a variety of individuals and groups
· Demonstrated experience serving as a problem-solver in a complex environment
· Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma-informed practices
· No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
· Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, and good driving record
· Access to a vehicle to be able to move between neighborhoods served by the Institute
Salary & Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $78,000.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.
Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K.
About Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of gun violence in Chicago using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using five major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, Behavioral Health and Nonviolence Training.
To apply, send a cover letter along with your resume to hiring@nonviolencechicago.org and please enter the job title in the email subject line.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.