Community Outreach Specialist

Job Title: Community Outreach Specialist
Department: Community Impact
Reports To: Director of Financial Stability Programs
Position Type: Non-exempt, Part-Time (25 hours per week)

Salary: $25 hourly  
Location: Tacoma, Washington

This is a temporary grant-funded position (through June 30, 2025). Position term will be extended based on successful performance and additional grant funding.

Description:

United Way of Pierce County in partnership with United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) and other local United Way organizations in Washington state will engage in activities to deliver Community Reinvestment Account dollars to Black, Latine, and Tribal communities in Washington State to “address racial, economic, and social disparities in Washington communities” intended for “individuals disproportionately harmed by the historical design and enforcement of state and federal criminal laws and penalties for drug possession.”

Job Summary:

The United Way of Pierce Community Outreach Specialist will be one of six positions working in each of the six priority counties. The United Way of Pierce County Community Outreach Specialist will be responsible for:

• Working with local By/For organizations to identify community needs, provide technical assistance, support community engagement, and identify collaboration opportunities. Technical assistance may also include grant writing, program guidance, data collection, etc.
• Supporting By/For organizations associated with Local Advisory Teams (LATs) formed under the Community Reinvestment Plan. LATs consist of individuals with lived experience and representatives of By/For organizations representing the communities prioritized in the Plan who were most impacted by the war on drugs (Black, Latine, and tribal communities). 
• Partnering with the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation to identify collaboration opportunities. 
• Providing small grants from the Community Outreach Grant Fund pool to By/For organizations for technical assistance, outreach, incentives, or asset-building programming work not provided by community outreach positions. 
• Identifying community leaders and organizations connected to local communities who can develop and execute plans to meet the needs of the community. 
• Assisting By/For organizations with connections to and promotion of other asset-building programs (e.g., homeownership, financial coaching, Individual Development Accounts, Free Tax Preparation, etc.).
• Submitting monthly reports that include demographic information and narrative about community outreach activities.

Qualifications:

• Education Desired: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Administration, Social Work, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred. 
• Experience Required: Experience in community outreach, engagement, or a related role, preferably within a non-profit or community-based organization. Experience working with diverse communities, particularly Black, Latine, and tribal populations.

Skills:

The ideal candidate will possess some or all of the skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and interact with people; this includes both verbal and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with community members, stakeholders, and partner organizations. Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.
• Public Speaking and Presentation: Ability to effectively present information to community groups, stakeholders, and funders. 
• Passion for Community Engagement: Strong commitment to improving community well-being and addressing social inequalities. Understanding of social justice principles and practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, handle unexpected challenges, and work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data to inform program development and decision-making. Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to community issues and challenges. Ability to think strategically and implement innovative approaches to community engagement.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using Microsoft Office Suite, data collection software, and grant management tools. Familiarity with data analysis and reporting.

Competencies:

• Cultural Competence:
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate and effectively interact with people across cultures, ranges of ability, genders, ethnicities, and races.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the history of systemic barriers in the U.S., particularly as it relates to race and racism, and how this history has led to disparities experienced by marginalized communities such as BIPOC, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and others.
• Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic plans that align with community needs and organizational goals.
• Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and navigate complex project dynamics.

Additional Requirements

• Bilingual or Multilingual Abilities: Proficiency in multiple languages is highly desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License: Required for travel to various community locations and partner agencies.
• Background check: Successful completion of a background check is required

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Keith Banks @keithb@uwpc.org by August 31, 2024.