United Way of the Lakeshore is a social change organization working to improve the lives of people in Muskegon, Oceana and Newaygo counties. Our mission is uniting to inspire change and build thriving communities. Our regional aspiration is that the people of the lakeshore region will have the educational and economic opportunities needed to succeed and thrive. We work collaboratively with private companies, employees and non-profit partners to create and promote supports to cause lasting change in conditions for our community. Our bold goal issue is reducing poverty – more specifically – 10,000 more working families will meet their basic needs by 2025. Our targeted focus is ALICE – families who are asset limited, income constrained, and employed, sometimes referred to as the “working poor”.
The Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network (Network) is the collaborative and coordinating system that increases awareness and acts to promote and support services to prevent or eliminate homelessness in Muskegon County. The Network Coordinator facilitates the community initiative, prepares state and federal grant proposals, and coordinates a data information system.
Under the general supervision of the President/CEO of United Way of the Lakeshore and the Network Chairperson, this position will be a key collaborative team lead focused on raising awareness in the community and driving results to end homelessness. This position will serve as the key point of contact for United Way, the Network, and the community around housing and homelessness. This person will exhibit excellent interpersonal skills, technical writing skills, diplomacy, hospitality and professionalism. This is an upper-level program position that will provide thought leadership to the entire United Way and Network team. He/she should be a team player, a problem solver and calm under pressure in our high energy work environment.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with the Network Chairperson and Steering Committee to create an annual work plan designed to achieve goals established by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grants.
• Coordinate the implementation of the Network work plan through the organization of taskforces and/or committees, outlined in the Network Governance Charter, including but not limited to: the Membership, Executive Committee, Review Committee, Nominating Committee, Coordinated Entry System Committee (and its subcommittees).
• Write and submit the Emergency Shelter Grant Exhibit 1 document with assistance from other Network members.
• Write and submit the HUD Continuum of Care Program Applications with assistance from other Network members.
• Provide oversight to ESG, SHP and other appropriate grantees.
• Assist the HMIS Coordinator plan and manage the Point in Time Count and corresponding data analysis with assistance from the Outreach Committee and Data Committee.
• Coordinate Homeless Awareness activities with assistance from the Outreach Committee.
• Facilitate communication within the Network; distribute/disseminate all pertinent information sent by MSHDA, HUD, etc., to Network members.
• Support the Network through creating agendas and minutes for meetings.
• Represent the Network at appropriate community meetings and events.
• Participate in relevant trainings and informational meetings offered by HUD, MSHDA, etc.,
• Disseminate information to Network members as applicable.
• Facilitate communication at the regional level.
• Develop strategies and actions steps to accomplish countywide goals by using HMIS and other sources of data.
• Conduct other assignments as identified by the Network Chairperson and Steering Committee.
• Other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS:
• Excellent writing and speaking skills.
• Proficient in the use of computer programs for accounting, word processing, database, spreadsheets, email and internet.
• Must be able to work with a team to accomplish projects.
• Experience with facilitation.
• Experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
• Experience with US Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Michigan State Housing and Development Authority (MSHDA) contracts and reporting systems preferred.
• Proven management skills, including staff and volunteer supervision.
• Bachelor’s degree and relevant education, work, volunteer or life experience required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
1. Mission-Focused: Top priority is to create real social change that leads to better lives and healthier communities. This drives performance and professional motivations.
2. Relationship-Oriented: Understands that people come before process and is astute in cultivating and managing relationships toward a common goal.
3. Collaborator: Understands the roles and contributions of all sectors of the community and can mobilize financial and human resources through meaningful engagement.
4. Results-Driven: Dedicated to shared and measurable goals for the common good; creating, resourcing, scaling and leveraging strategies and innovations for broad investment and impact.
5. Brand-Steward: Understands his/her role in growing and protecting the reputation and results of the greater network.