Southwood Microenterprise Community Engagement Specialist

Description

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville is currently seeking a full-time Microenterprise Community Engagement Specialist to partner with existing small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in Southwood Mobile Home Park.  Through community outreach and engagement, this position will develop pathways to achieving community members’ goals in microenterprise that will directly impact the master planning and redevelopment process.  Fluency in Spanish and English and a commitment to asset-based community development are required.

Please send a full resume AND detailed cover letter to apply. No telephone calls, please. Applications will be accepted until an outstanding candidate is identified.

HFHGC is an EOE. Women, minorities and protected individuals such as those covered by Section 3 are encouraged to apply.

If you are asked to interview and require modifications, please let us know. We regret that due to the anticipated volume of applicants, we will not be able to communicate with everyone.

Job Duties

• Coordinate microenterprise outreach and engagement efforts with current or aspiring small business owners
• Develop strategies to effectively link Southwood residents to existing microenterprise resources within the Albemarle-Charlottesville area
• Research, develop and leverage new microenterprise resources for Southwood residents through collaboration with other organizations
• Set program outcomes and track progress with regard to resident enrollment and participation in community resources
• Recruit and engage current or aspiring small business owners in the design and planning process for the redeveloped Southwood
• Assist with community engagement and outreach initiatives with a non-exclusive focus on microenterprise development
• Assist in the coordination of community meetings and participate in meetings as directed
• Implement communication strategies focusing on micro-enterprise, including utilizing social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as traditional communication efforts such as door to door community canvasing
• Communicate directly with community members, establishing rapport and trust in a warm and respectful manner
• Be knowledgeable about Habitat’s mission and communicate HFHGC redevelopment plans in Southwood
• Support special projects and initiatives at Southwood and within the wider HFHGC organization
• Convey professional and positive image of HFHGC and Southwood at all times
• Perform other tasks as assigned by supervisor

Skills Required

• Bilingual fluency REQUIRED: English and Spanish. This will be assessed.
• 1-3 years of proven social services, non-profit or community organizing experience
• Microenterprise or small business experience
• Lived experience, or 4 year college degree in relevant discipline
• Familiarity with Asset Based Community Development and Appreciative Inquiry
• Ability to learn quickly and take initiative with limited direction while functioning within a collaborative team environment
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office software
• Strong organizational skills including ability to multi-task effectively
• Ability to manage confidential materials and exercise strong discretion and judgment
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a constantly changing environment
• Flexibility to work frequent evenings, weekends and extended hours as required
• Strong interpersonal and business communication skills
• Ability to build meaningful relationships of trust and mutual respect
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with volunteers, colleagues, and service providers
• Commitment to Habitat for Humanity’s mission of service to others
• Sensitivity to the needs of people from multiple cultures and backgrounds
• Excellent sense of humor
• Outgoing, friendly, positive and “can do” attitude
• Driver’s license and insurable driving record