Community Engagement Organizer job

Agency Overview

The Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on economic‑justice issues by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth so that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperity. CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency, a public agency created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act to receive Community Services Block Grant funding.

Position Summary

The Community Organizer builds neighborhood coalitions, coordinates meetings and collective‑engagement activities, conducts canvassing and phone‑banking, and performs general administrative duties. Working with the Community Engagement Supervisor and the Place‑Based Initiatives team, the organizer creates and executes individualized plans for neighborhoods using the “BRIDGES” organizing model, meets collective‑engagement goals, and collaborates on outreach strategy.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with staff to identify neighborhoods/areas of focus through data‑driven processes.
• Initiate outreach efforts to establish strong connections with community members.
• Conduct needs‑based assessments and asset‑mapping with community members and leaders.
• Conduct surveys, interviews, and focus groups to understand community needs, concerns, and challenges.
• Recruit and build partner networks through one‑on‑one meetings, stakeholder engagement, and referrals; identify, recruit, and assist in training trusted voices in targeted communities.
• Work with community and staff to create strategic plans with SMART goals, clear deliverables, and timelines.
• Integrate special projects and City initiatives into neighborhood strategic engagement and outreach plans.
• Host community meetings that align with objectives set forth in neighborhood strategic plans.
• Organize community forums, town hall meetings, or small‑group discussions to encourage active participation and dialogue.
• Plan and execute events that align with neighborhood strategic plans.
• Support canvassing and phone‑banking teams to achieve unit‑wide outreach goals.
• Apply best practices from past work to new neighborhoods and areas of focus.
• Continuously engage with the community, monitor progress, and adjust strategic plans as needed.
• Produce regular updates and reports on work products and progress.
• Provide resources, training, and support to empower community members to own their neighborhood’s strategic plan.
• Strategize with Place‑Based Initiatives staff on expansion plans and new areas of focus.
• Provide administrative support for projects and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Available to work a flexible schedule.
• Passion for advocacy and social change.
• Ability to work collaboratively and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and social‑media engagement; VAN experience preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to engage diverse audiences including community members, civic organizations, elected officials’ staff, faith communities, students, volunteers, and the general public.
• Prior experience organizing and managing volunteers (strongly preferred).
• Bilingual ability preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a car.
• Project‑management skills: ability to create high‑level strategy, detail‑oriented, persistent in pursuit of goals.
• Mission‑oriented and dedicated to alleviating poverty’s immediate impact.
• Critical thinker with ability to prioritize and multitask under deadlines.
• Deep community connections and trusted presence within target neighborhoods.
• Adaptable: able to respond quickly to changing directions, toggle between big picture and details, and work independently or as part of a team.
• Effective communicator with high emotional intelligence.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite; strong Excel and PowerPoint skills; experience with VAN a plus.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation year‑round through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for discounted medical plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness to accelerate student‑loan repayment.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships at over a dozen local colleges and universities (10 %–40 % savings, sometimes extending to spouses and dependents).

Pay

Salary Range: $50,000 – $60,000