Community Development Coordinator

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Community Development Coordinator

Department: Development

Reports to: Development/Marketing

POSITION PURPOSE

The Community Development Coordinator builds and maintains strategic relationships with employers, community leaders, and stakeholders across Arkansas to promote ACCESS’s comprehensive vocational services. This position works to expand employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, foster collaborative partnerships, and engage business leaders in advisory and advocacy roles to support workforce inclusion.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

• Relationship Development & Community Engagement
• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, chambers of commerce, industry associations, and community organizations statewide to expand ACCESS’s reach and influence.
• Serve as a visible, trusted representative of ACCESS, promoting vocational programs to diverse audiences through business and community networking events, forums, meetings, and other public engagements.
•  Community & Business Development
•  Identify and research potential partners aligned with ACCESS’s mission and vocational services.
•  Conduct outreach—both proactive and through referrals—to generate leads and build a robust pipeline of opportunities.
• Engage in consultative selling to match employer needs with ACCESS’s vocational programs and participant skillsets.
• Assist program and development team members in securing commitments for job placements, internships or externships, training opportunities, and sponsorships.
• Relationship Management & Retention
• Provide ongoing support to existing business and community partners, ensuring satisfaction and long-term engagement.
• Identify ways to expand relationships with current partners into new service areas or initiatives.
• Advisory & Advocacy Engagement
• Develop and facilitate Business Advisory Councils (BAC) locally and/or statewide to guide program growth and advocate for inclusive employment practices.
• Serve as the liaison between the BACs and program teams.
• Program Support & Collaboration
• Partner with ACCESS program team members to support client goals and success.
• Strengthen collaboration with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS) counselors and other funding or service partners.
• Tracking and Reporting
• Maintain accurate documentation of employer contacts, partnership activities, and participant employment outcomes.
• Ensure timely completion of required paperwork and reporting for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide regular progress reports to leadership, highlighting achievements and areas for growth.
• Operational and Compliance Requirements
• Travel as necessary across Arkansas; occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license, safe driving record, and reliable personal vehicle.
• Meet any host business requirements for site access (e.g., background checks, immunizations, appearance policies).
• May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to SO pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, Social Work, Human Services, Workforce Development, Business, or related field (preferred) or equivalent experience.
• Experience in job development, vocational rehabilitation, employment services, or working with individuals with disabilities.
• Proven ability to network, cultivate relationships, and influence community stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM/case management systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Competencies

Ethics & Integrity:

• Acts with professionalism, respect, and honesty.
• Builds trust through transparency and ethical decision-making.

Relationship-Building & Networking:

• Connects effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Builds long-term partnerships to advance vocational opportunities.

Communication

• Presents confidently to diverse audiences.
• Listens actively and responds thoughtfully to questions and feedback.

Planning & Organization

• Manages multiple priorities and travel schedules effectively.
• Anticipates resource needs and adapts plans as necessary.

Problem-Solving & Innovation

• Identifies challenges and creates practical, innovative solutions.
• Encourages collaborative problem-solving with team members and partners.

Physical & Travel Requirements

• Statewide travel required.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.