Community Engagement Specialist

Community Engagement Specialist (CES) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-Exempt  

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) seeks a committed, self-motivated, and innovative Community Engagement Specialist to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. We set the bar high and lead by example, putting our values of respect, collaboration, and open communication into everything we do. When you work at BUILD, you make an essential difference to the thousands of youths and families we serve.   

Our Core Values are Empathy, Passion, Persistence, and Innovation.

The Community Engagement Specialist will play a critical role within the Community Engagement Department by fostering significant relationships in the Humboldt Park neighborhood served by BUILD. The Specialist will establish and lead the Community Response and Engagement Workgroup (CREW) in Humboldt Park. This position involves maintaining active engagement among CREW members through structured monthly meetings, during which organizations will share updates, analyze trends in violence, and coordinate targeted interventions.

The objective is encouraging community members to become civically and socially involved in their neighborhoods. The work aims to cultivate a welcoming and engaged environment where residents can engage in meaningful restorative discussions, activities, and collaborative projects that enhance the peace and well-being of the community.

Reporting to the Manager of Community Engagement, the Specialist will be instrumental in creating and sustaining BUILD’s strong public presence. We are eager to welcome you to the team and are confident in the valuable contributions you will make.

Responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Establish monthly CREW meetings with community stakeholders  
• Coordinate Services and prevent duplication of resources without overlapping gaps 
• Set clear objectives, track progress, and engage stakeholders throughout the planning process to ensure the plan accurately reflects the community's needs and priorities.  
• Establish a structured timeline for the plan development with milestones for stakeholder input, draft reviews for finalization 
• Contribute to and support the Community Engagement programs and activities, including, but not limited to, Access to Justice (A2J), Community Family Nights, Hoops on the Block, and other community engagement activities. 
• Must maintain a robust calendar of ongoing training requirements. 
• Assist in developing and carrying out plans for community outreach initiatives and departmental programs. 
• Collaborate internally with other departments to plan and support community events and activities in Humboldt Park 
• Engage in door-to-door canvassing to promote BUILD events throughout the targeted areas. 
• Lead volunteer teams to ensure successful outreach initiatives. 
• Assist in designing and implementing community surveys to collect and measure public opinion about Community Engagement initiatives. 
• Represent the organization in community meetings and forums to gain insight and report on the immediate community needs and trends. 

• Able to work evenings and weekends. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Knowledge of community engagement initiatives and objectives. 
• Knowledge of Restorative Justice practices and experience leading Peace Circles.  
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks. 
• Ability to create and execute ideas. 
• Exhibit a welcoming and hospitable attitude among co-workers, youth, partners, and community members.  
• Enjoys working with people from all backgrounds. 
• Experience in event planning and execution. 
• Flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the organization. 

Benefits:

• 401(k) + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Account

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.