Community and Volunteer Engagement Specialist - Church World Service

Overview:

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster.  CWS Harrisburg Office works with refugees and immigrants to provide services to communities in need. We are a highly motivated, mission-driven team eager to create a welcoming California for all neighbors. CWS is a fun and supportive organization, with competitive salary and benefits.

About CWS:

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. 

Purpose:

The Community and Volunteer Engagement Specialist will support the implementation of CWS’s Harrisburg Preferred Communities programming through providing community outreach and stakeholder engagement activities. The position is responsible for connecting with community organizations and congregations that work with and support refugees, including churches, community centers, service providers and other entities. The Community and Volunteer Engagement Specialist is also responsible for connecting with a broad range of local groups, educational institutions, church congregations, and other community organizations for the purposes of engaging the local community and soliciting volunteers and donations. The position will also be responsible for gathering information and resources available to Ukrainians and other asylum seekers and creating written informational packets for Pennsylvania’s newcomers.  Lastly, the position will help coordinate the outreach efforts of the Harrisburg office through its social media and digital presence. This position reports to the Volunteer Coordinator Associate.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the office director, serve as lead for community engagement activities; Support the director with planning and implementing engagement events;
• Create and implement an effective local community engagement strategy for the benefit of the community and CWS clients.  Community engagement includes general support of CWS mission and clients, outreach for volunteers, in-kind donations, and co-sponsorship of IRC clients by community-based groups, including but not limited to businesses, universities, civic and faith-based organizations.
• Directly oversee Ukrainian Outreach Specialist, performing weekly supervision, oversight of tasks, and ongoing staff training and development;
• Collaborate with direct service staff in coordinating volunteers and distributing donations; Supervise and coordinate volunteers in all donations-related activities, including the coordination of appreciation events;
• Develop and facilitate volunteer and donation opportunities to leverage community interest including solicitation, distribution, valuation, and tracking of in-kind donations, ensuring appropriate documentation and maintaining up-to-date records;
• Maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with local community organizations and stakeholders. Speak to community groups, congregations, and other organizations about the work of CWS;
• Coordinate local social media pages, including updating the website, Facebook, and Instagram accounts;
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements;
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. 
• 3 years’ experience coordinating volunteers and donations.

Other Skills:  

• Experience speaking to community groups and large audiences.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills are required.  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Self-direction and initiative, when needed, to take the lead and to follow through to completion.
• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word and Excel) and internet applications. 
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Special Requirements:

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: CWS is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.  

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts