Senior Manager, Community Building & Engagement

Purpose of Division:

The National Initiatives Division is comprised of multiple program areas that focus on progressive research and program development to support and enhance the critical lines of business of NeighborWorks organizations in homeownership, real estate and neighborhood development, and community building and engagement. Within the National Initiatives Division, the Community Initiatives Department supports efforts to build vibrant local communities that provide equitable opportunities for people to thrive. Community Initiatives is comprised of NeighborWorks America’s Community Building and Engagement, Rural, Healthy Homes and Communities and Shared Equity Housing Initiatives. The Department supports (1) place-based community stabilization strategies aimed at creating a strong and balanced real estate market, safe and attractive conditions, and a positive neighborhood image; (2) community building and engagement strategies aimed at building resident leadership, collective capacity and social connections; and (3) systems-level strategies that bring together community stakeholders to address complex challenges. Community Initiatives accomplishes this vision through grant making, technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning, demonstration projects, trainings and workshops, research, sharing best practices, and convening practitioners and experts.

Position Summary:

The NeighborWorks America Community Building and Engagement (CB&E) program supports organizations across the NeighborWorks network to collaborate with residents to realize their shared visions. The program ensures that network organizations are positioned to achieve impact in their efforts to strengthen social connections, develop resident leaders, and support resident-driven groups. Under the supervision of the CB&E Director, the Senior Manager develops resources and implements programming to support the effectiveness of the NeighborWorks network and the community development field in community building and engagement activities, with a primary focus on resident leadership development.

“Due to the current pandemic circumstances and our commitment to provide the highest care for our community, NeighborWorks America requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before being hired. Candidates should be prepared to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination upon hire or discuss accommodations in line with COVID-19 safety protocols.”

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Co-lead overall planning, design, and delivery of the Community Leadership Institute (CLI), a resident leadership program which consists of team building, training, peer-learning, and grants to support team projects.

2. Manage the Dorothy Richardson Award for Resident Leadership, including the nomination and selection process, and design of a national award ceremony.

3. In partnership with NeighborWorks America’s Training Division, promote and coordinate implementation of network-led resident leadership development programs, including the Building Leaders, Building Communities (BLBC) training curriculum (a 10-session resident leadership development program).

4. Lead quarterly review of CBE report data; identify key themes, trends, and questions for planning and cross divisional efforts.

5. Develop and deliver pilots, technical assistance, grants, convenings and peer-learning opportunities to strengthen resident leadership models across the NeighborWorks network.

6. Ensure that CB&E programs, resources, and communications employ a racial equity lens to direct resources to benefit historically marginalized communities.

7. Support the design, planning and facilitation of monthly CB&E Collective meetings and the annual CB&E Member Meeting.

8. Cultivate and maintain strong cross-divisional relationships to advance CB&E goals and priorities in the NeighborWorks network.

9. Identify scopes of services, procure, and manage consultants to design and facilitate convenings, develop tools and curriculum, and to provide direct technical assistance. Actively seeks opportunity to diversify consultants.

10. Represent NeighborWorks America and Community Building and Engagement at internal and external events and on working groups or task forces.

11. Stay up to date on trends, challenges and opportunities that affect local and national efforts aimed at promoting resident leadership.

12. Other job-related duties as assigned to advance the goals and objectives of the Community Initiatives Department, NeighborWorks America, and the NeighborWorks network.

Nature of Work Contacts:
The Senior Manager will interact with a diverse group of NeighborWorks staff, NeighborWorks network members, community residents, consultants, external partners, funders, and other stakeholders from within and outside NeighborWorks America.
Fiscal Responsibilities:
The Senior Manager will be responsible for managing project budgets, and supporting grantmaking processes and procurement activities.