The Community Engagement Manager will lead outreach, relationship-building, and resident engagement efforts to strengthen community participation in programs, events, and initiatives connected to GPRWC and the Sankofa Village Wellness Center. This role will serve as a key liaison between community members, partners, stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure programming reflects community priorities and fosters meaningful engagement. The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder, strong communicator, and strategic thinker with experience in community organizing, public engagement, and partnership development.
Key Responsibilities:
- Community Engagement & Outreach
- Develop and implement community engagement strategies that increase awareness and participation in programs and events.
- Designs and manages outreach plan and calendar, working with MOCS staff members across the Community Safety Coordination Center in coordinating City and other agency participation in outreach activities.
- Serve as liaison to the Community Advisory Council (CAC) comprised of 9 community members with regular meetings to provide a feedback loop for the community, in collaboration with key stakeholders.
- Build and maintain relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, faith institutions, healthcare partners, and local businesses.
- Represent GPRWC at community meetings, events, and outreach activities.
- Coordinate resident feedback opportunities, listening sessions, and community forums.
- Lead the staff, board and Community Advisory Board in dialogue about a community focused mission statement for GPRWC.
- Create an outreach event plan and calendar that supports community endeavors and shares GPRWC resources; recruit volunteers to assist at outreach events.
- Program & Event Support
- Support planning and execution of community events, wellness initiatives, workshops, and public programs.
- Assist with volunteer recruitment, coordination, and engagement.
- Communications & Partnership Development
- Help develop outreach materials, newsletters, presentations, and social media content.
- Maintain ongoing communication with partners and stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration that align with organizational goals and community needs.
- Data & Reporting
- Manages data and reporting on community engagement and outreach activities to inform colleagues and leadership across the CSCC of community engagement progress, ensuring compliance and best practices in data management and reporting.
- Track community engagement metrics, attendance, and outreach activities.
- Maintain accurate records of partnerships, contacts, and engagement efforts.
- Assist with reports and storytelling efforts for grants and organizational communications.
Qualifications:
- Priority for applicants who currently or formerly reside in Garfield Park; secondary priority goes to applicants who currently or formerly reside in North Lawndale, West Humboldt Park and Austin.
- 3+ years of experience with community outreach, organizing, or developing community focused programs.
- Microsoft Office Proficient.
- Must be an enthusiastic and charismatic representative of our organization and love working with people from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
- Strong relationship-building skills & excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Strong understanding of community-centered and equity-focused practices.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience coordinating events and managing partnerships.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends for community events.
- Familiarity with Garfield Park and Chicago community networks is strongly preferred.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience with CRM or community engagement databases.
- Knowledge of public health, wellness, or community development initiatives.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary range: $95,000 – $100,000 (commensurate with experience)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@gprwc.org.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who reflect the communities we serve, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience in Garfield Park.