Community Engagement Officer (Hybrid)

At Ohana of Howard County, we empower Howard County students to overcome barriers and achieve self-defined success, and we build community by developing relationships with people who are outside of our social circles. We do this so everyone in Howard County will have the opportunity to thrive and pursue happiness, while segregation and isolation are reduced for all.

We are looking for a culturally competent and community-centered person to join our team. Is that you? Do you have a passion for meeting new people, finding exciting ways to connect and partner, and working with diverse groups of people? If so, please apply today!

When you join Ohana of Howard County, you are joining a team that is committed to supporting the next generation of young people’s transition into adulthood while helping the community become a place that truly embraces them. We are a young organization that is rapidly growing and constantly learning. We are still building the organization and its programming, but we have a dedicated and mighty group of mentors, mentees, and community members supporting the work and its progression.

This position reports to the Executive Director and works closely with other committees, board members, and many other internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to our mentees, mentors, the school community, and other local non-profits. Our ideal candidate is:

• Passionate about Ohana’s mission of empowering Howard County students and building community.
• Committed to racial equity and centering the perspectives, work, and leadership of communities of color.
• A skilled relationship-builder looking to make a difference.
• A culturally competent and trust-based connector experienced with working across generations, as early as high school students.
• A high-performing, initiative-taker who knows how to work independently and efficiently.
• Able to work independently and as a team member in a small group, collegial environment where differing viewpoints and give-and-take are expected and encouraged.
• Exceptional writing and oral presentation skills.
• Comfortable making “cold calls”, visiting new places, working with a diverse set of people, presenting Ohana’s vision to people, and leading meetings and group discussions.
• A creative and intuitive problem solver who can tackle challenges with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Willing to work occasional non-traditional work hours (nights and/or weekends)

Job Responsibilities

The Community Engagement Officer will report to and work alongside the Executive Director while supporting the recruitment and events committees. They will support outreach and awareness efforts, while also bridging partnerships with other organizations in order to move the OhanaHC mission forward.

• Develop and execute effective recruitment plans that identify, recruit, engage and mobilize county residents to support Ohana’s needs.
• Research and connect with other local organizations and nonprofits to learn about their mission, vision, and hopes.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with key leaders and organizations in the community, as well as local residents, particularly among residents of color and lower-income residents.
• Build and support brand awareness for OhanaHC, by working with Ohana’s marketing consultants to develop, circulate, and communicate OhanaHC’s mission, vision, needs, successes, and any additional collateral to community partners and leaders, school communities, and potential funders.
• Organize individual and group meetings/listening sessions to further improve the programming OhanaHC implements.
• Coordinate programming and logistics for public events and other activities. ● Identify, document, and encourage others to share stories relevant to OhanaHC’s work.
• Represent OhanaHC at local meetings, committees, task forces and events.

Other Qualifications

• Strong project management skills including the ability to effectively manage time, and meet multiple competing deadlines.
• Experience working with a broad array of community organizations, particularly organizations representing communities of color and/or lower-income populations.
• High energy, maturity, and creativity.
• Tolerance for occasional ambiguity and unplanned changes in the environment that may shift day-to-day task priorities.
• Experience with CRM’s, Google Workspace, WordPress, and Slack ● Knowledge of the nonprofit sector and mentorship programs are a plus

Compensation and Benefits

The Community Engagement Officer is a 32-hour-a-week, full-time position, with a salary range from $42,000 – $50,000. Excellent benefits include 10 days of paid time off and 11 paid holidays with a paid holiday break between Christmas and New Year’s. If needed, insurance is provided.

Hybrid Work Environment

Candidates must be comfortable with a hybrid work environment (i.e., a mix of remote work with scheduled in-person days and in-person community meetings, as needed).

Physical Job Demands and Working Conditions

While completing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, listen, and type. The employee will be in front of a computer screen for half of their weekly hours, and out in the community for the other half. The employee must complete assigned areas of the project, and attend project-related meetings and job reviews as required. They will meet with the executive director to discuss performance, and provide mentoring and coaching. This job is 50% remote, with the expectation of some meetings and events being in person and requiring physical presence.

Ohana of Howard County is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, religion, sexual preference, or national origin. People of color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Ohana of Howard County, Inc. operates in accordance with Executive Order 13985. The organization prioritizes intentionality throughout all its processes so that it does not contribute to the disparities that continue to perpetuate society today. To further advance equity within the organization, Ohana of Howard County, Inc. must cultivate a workforce that draws from the full diversity of the community, and is representative of the community it services. The organization is fully committed to providing an equitable employment process, to all qualified applicants, without discriminating based on race, color, religion, sex, ancestry or national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. In addition, the company provides reasonable accommodation to any disabled applicant in connection with the employment process, as well as to its employees in connection with all aspects of their employment.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.