Manager of Community Engagement

Manager of Community Engagement

Issue Area Team – Impact Division

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.  United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need.

Position Summary

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes that the key to success is a strong and cohesive team that works through shared values to achieve our mission. The Manager of Community Engagement’s primary responsibilities include project management and grants portfolio management that relies on working in partnership with community stakeholders and grantees, identifying and providing technical assistance coordination and support, facilitating shared learnings amongst stakeholders and grantees, and more. Additionally, this position works in a collaborative and integrated manner with team members across the Impact Division as well as across all other areas of UWCI to ensure that organizational goals and strategies are realized, and to assist Central Indiana in making significant progress toward meeting its poverty reduction goals.

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Grantmaking & Relationship Management: Collaborate with the Director of Impact Funds to support the Impact Funds grantmaking cycle; Review and assess grant proposals to reflect UWCI’s values and impact priorities; Convene internal and external stakeholders as part of a grants review team to make funding recommendations; Conduct site visits to grantees to assess program relevance, organizational integrity, and stability; Review and approve funded grantees’ evaluation reports and monitor grantees’ progress in achieving key objectives; Provide technical assistance to grantees to develop strategic approaches to systemic issues.
• Community Engagement and Thought Leadership: Facilitate and manage issue-area focused community events and engagements; Regularly convene and engage with community-based organizations and other community stakeholders to uplift best practices, identify new solutions, and inform and shape strategy and impact.
• Peer Learning and Technical Assistance Management: Manage UWCI’s Peer Learning calendar including content identification and creation with CBO partners, partnership spotlights, and facilitation of bi-monthly virtual meetings; Identify training needs and supports that allow grantees to progress in achieving key goals and objectives; Identify and provide technical assistance to grantees in partnership with and supplemental to other bodies of work.
• Parent Advisory Council Management: Manage UWCI’s Parent Advisory Council including internal and external stakeholder management and facilitation/coordination of monthly in-person meetings; Serve as liaison for council to UWCI leadership and community stakeholders; Lead all aspects of PAC grantmaking including facilitation of RFP, application process and review, and execution of contracts and grant payments
• Integration and Collaboration: Collaborate in an intentional and forward-thinking way with team members within UWCI’s Impact Division and across the organization to maximize the impact of UWCI’s resources.
• Research and Evaluation: Stay abreast of key issues, evidence-based best practices, and research to inform and shape current and future investments, initiatives, and programs that support outcomes for individuals and families. Connect with Strategic Information & Intelligence Team to understand reports, adapt approach/strategy in response to reports, and give feedback on reports.
• Performs special assignments and other work, including temporary and/or back-up support of other Issue-Area or Impact Division functions and priorities, on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. United Way also values innovative thinking, and a successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work within the team to achieve goals and objectives. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to multi-task and be open-minded in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent partnership building skills with forming and maintaining external relationships are required. Ability to manage multifaceted projects across multiple environments is required. Must possess effective organizational and interpersonal skills, the ability to work independently, and an attitude toward achieving outcomes. Initiative, attention to detail, and a sense of urgency are essential.

Reads and interprets documents such as operating instructions and procedure manuals. Routinely writes detailed reports and correspondence and responds to questions. Routinely speaks effectively before groups of customers, clients, and managers and/or employees of UWCI and external partner organizations.

Routinely solves practical problems and deals with a variety of concrete variables in situations where standardization exists. Able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Makes decisions on how to carry out specific day-to-day tasks. Typically consults with supervisor on anything out of the ordinary.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, or similar related area, with a focus on nonprofit management and/or governance preferred*
• Minimum of five years of relatable experience in the education, nonprofit or public sector preferred*
• Project and/or program management experience with a demonstrated ability to develop, implement and execute to achieve intended results by working in collaboration with team members, following through on commitments, prioritizing work, and managing time and resources well
• Must possess excellent interpersonal, writing, and oral communication skills, as well as a sense of humor, diplomacy and discretion, critical thinking, and judgment
• Experience working within and across a broad range of human service providers including interfacing with community-based organizations, government institutions, and/or system stakeholders preferred
• Experience with large-scale (e.g., community-wide) program and/or project management across a broad range of stakeholders highly preferred
• Ability to and/or experience in facilitating convenings, workshops, focus groups, etc.
• Knowledge of the Central Indiana region is highly preferred.

*Work experience may substitute for education requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Position Leader: Impact Funds Director

Position Leads: n/a

FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried, Full-time

Salary Range: Low to mid-$60’s

Benefits: Complete Benefits Package Available

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply at uwci.org/careers

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or a guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. UWCI employees are employed on an at-will basis. In addition, nothing in this position description restricts UWCI’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.