Community Outreach Specialist (Bilingual, English/Español)

WHO WE ARE: VIA CDC (formerly Layton Boulevard West Neighbors, or LBWN) is an innovative community development corporation that is a partner in building strong, healthy neighborhoods, where we all can thrive. We are anchored on Milwaukee’s near south side, surrounding the neighborhoods of our foundresses, the School Sisters of St. Francis. Since 1995, VIA has leveraged more than $51 million in neighborhood improvements and has grown in size, budget and impact.

VIA seeks a highly-motivated, bilingual (English-Spanish) Community Outreach Specialist, who will engage diverse neighborhood stakeholders to plan and implement a variety of community improvement initiatives that enhance neighborhood pride and safety, strengthen the local economy, and contribute to our neighborhoods’ strong identity as a great place to live, work and play! This position will be responsible for achieving many of the goals outlined in the Neighborhood Action Plan, a shared vision for the neighborhoods’ continued growth that over 250 neighbors and stakeholders created in 2011.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Outreach in Silver City (40%)

Make personal contact with neighborhood residents through door-to-door activities and one-on-one conversations.
Actively listen and plan with neighbors to ensure that neighborhood initiatives yield participation of a diverse group of residents, business owners and other stakeholders in the Silver City neighborhood.
Collaborate with existing community partners (nonprofit, government, etc) to address specific challenges and foster neighborhood leadership on solutions.
Cultivate new partnerships that achieve goals of VIA’s Quality of Life Plan.
Build neighbors’ capacity and leadership to manage community initiatives in order to ensure long term sustainability of neighborhood projects.
Organize neighborhood groups, leadership training, and networks and for neighbors.
Connect, teach, and train neighbors by providing civic education and engagement resources to build political power.
Alongside neighbors, facilitate the identification and implementation of neighborhood projects that address community safety, neighborhood pride or physical conditions.
Facilitate and support project planning and meetings to address concerns and opportunities.
Foster social engagement among neighbors through organized gatherings and parties.

Community Outreach in Clarke Square (40%)

Make personal contact with neighborhood residents through door-to-door activities and one-on-one conversations.
Actively listen and plan with neighbors to ensure neighborhood initiatives yield participation of diverse groups of residents, business owners and stakeholders in the Clarke Square neighborhood.
Collaborate with existing community partners (nonprofit, government, etc) to address specific challenges and foster neighborhood leadership on solutions.
Cultivate new partnerships that achieve the goals of Clarke Square’s Quality of Life Plan.
Build neighbors’ capacity and leadership to manage community initiatives in order to ensure long term sustainability of neighborhood projects.
Organize neighborhood clubs, leadership training, and networks and for neighbors.
Connect, teach, and train neighbors by providing civic education and engagement resources to build political power.
Alongside neighbors, facilitate the identification and implementation of neighborhood projects that address community safety, neighborhood pride or physical conditions.
Facilitate and support project planning and meetings to address concerns and opportunities.
Foster social engagement among neighbors through organized gatherings and parties.

Programmatic Success (15%)

Ensure the collection of anecdotal, qualitative, and quantitative community feedback (data) to better shape VIA’s work.
Ensure programs and events  adhere to allotted program budgets.
Support with grant reports, newsletter, and other publications, in coordination with the Director of Community Outreach and/or the Communications Manager as appropriate.
Attend committee and/or community meetings relevant to crime and safety, civic engagement, etc.
Provide support with events that foster social engagement, enhanced neighborhood identity and increased economic activity such as the Silver City International Festival, Trick or Treat Street, Annual Gathering and others.

Organizational Operations (5%)

Apply organizational best practices to leverage technology tools that make VIA a more effective organization (e.g. Asana, Salesforce, DocuSign, etc).
Participate in staff meetings, quarterly team building and other staff planning and retreats.
Ensure appropriate financial records are completed.

WHO YOU ARE:

The ideal candidate will have lived experience in VIA’s anchor neighborhoods (on Milwaukee’s near south side) or similar communities. You are a strong team player and collaborator. You get excited about developing leaders. You like to learn, solve problems and think critically. You manage deadlines and your time well. You are comfortable with and adapt to technology. You motivate and inspire others to take action. You take initiative and follow through on your commitments. You also exhibit:

Alignment with VIA’s mission and values (strength-based, community-led, listening, justice, teamwork & results), with a commitment to continue working towards racial, economic & social equity;
Strong communication skills in both English and Spanish;
Ability to create & develop relationships with people of all backgrounds, treating people with dignity;
Ability to conduct evening and weekend work activities on a regular basis (we offer flex scheduling).
Must live and maintain residence in the City of Milwaukee throughout employment to uphold grant requirements.

These would be a plus, but are not required:

Knowledge of Google Apps, Salesforce, Hustle, and Asana (technology tools for our work).
Experience in community development, community education, or related fields (professional or volunteer).
Studies community education, urban planning, political science, or other related fields.
Interest in working with public officials and community-serving organizations.

BENEFITS:

Starting at annual 21 days PTO + 10 holidays (of your choosing), flexible hours, retirement/pension account with employer match, 100% covered short/long-term disability and life insurance, 75% employer-paid health/vision/dental insurances; and professional development funds.

WORK SETTING:

VIA offers a hybrid work environment. Community facing roles are required to hold 3 (self-selected) in-office work days as agreed upon with their direct supervisor. This position also requires a high level of being out in the community—we encourage all employees to take health & safety precautions. In compliance with our funding and contracts, VIA is a drug-free workplace.

TO APPLY:

To ensure full consideration for the position, submit this form. This position will remain open until filled by the right candidate. Please direct any questions about this position to VIA’s Community Outreach Director, Brisa E. Van Galen at brisa@viacdc.org.

BACKGROUND CHECK:

A criminal background will not automatically eliminate you from consideration. A criminal history background check will be conducted on the final candidate prior to beginning employment.