Community Engagement Manager

About the role

Prairie State Legal Services, Inc. is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to oversee community engagement efforts across a 36-county service area. This role includes supervising Community Resource Specialists and other outreach staff who engage with residents by establishing communications, educating about legal remedies, distributing outreach materials, and helping provide accessible services. The manager will maintain relationships with community partners and collaborate with PSLS' leadership team on community engagement activities.

Responsibilities

• Manages the work of each PSLS Community Resource Specialist and other outreach staff, including interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and performance reviews of direct reports
• Facilitates the creation of PSLS' annual community engagement plan with the leadership team to align outreach decisions with legal capacity, organizational abilities, and grant needs
• Oversees the development, maintenance, and sharing of a database of current community partners, including contact information and services provided by each partner
• Works with the Director of Legal Operations, Manager of Marketing and Communication, and Community Resource Specialists to develop community outreach event materials (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, scripts, handouts, flyers)
• Collaborates with the Manager of Marketing and Communication to order and distribute swag for community events
• Coordinates the purchase of food for community engagement events in collaboration with the PSLS Finance Department
• Collaborates with PSLS' leadership team on community engagement activities, including trainings, funding opportunities, MOUs, and community needs studies guiding service delivery

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent and 3+ years of training or relevant education
• 3+ years of community organizing experience
• People management experience
• Understanding of diversity, equity, and the issues underserved communities face navigating the legal system
• Firm understanding of how people learn and the ability to create effective outreach materials
• Exceptional collaborative management skills; proven record as a team builder and leader
• Knowledge of non-profit funding, including private fundraising and grants
• Experience and passion for working with low-income and underserved populations
• Frequent travel throughout the northern and central Illinois service area (approximately weekly)

Benefits

• Health insurance, including the opportunity to qualify for a wellness credit
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 403b Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Training and education program
• Flex scheduling and partial remote work available
• PTO starting at 3 weeks/year, increasing with tenure
• Paid sick leave
• 6 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
• 12 paid holidays

Pay

Salary range: $60,000 to $84,067 annually. Starting salary determined based on prior relevant experience.

Schedule

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Office location will be based on the candidate’s preference within the service area.