Community Engagement Specialist

ORGANIZATION: Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI)

CATEGORY: Community and Economic Development

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY:
NACDI is a non-profit community development intermediary organization working within the urban American Indian community focusing on community and economic development, planning, training and education, research, and technical assistance.

SALARY: DOQ    TYPE: Full Time / 40 hours    DEADLINE: 08/21/09

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Community Engagement Specialist will provide consistent community engagement and facilitation on community building strategies and development, and ensure that American Indian community voices are central to the development of the American Indian Cultural Corridor. This individual must be highly organized and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of and working experience in the American Indian community is essential.

REPORTING PROTOCOL: President of NACDI
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt, regular and full-time
SALARY: DOQ

Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Design and implement strategies that will grow and strengthen community and entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Distribute information related to NACDI’s work, and gather community input to raise awareness and increase participation in community building.
• Build relationships with American Indian community members and organizations, tribal governments, Twin Cities local governments, and with other organizations by attending meetings, phone contacts, and direct person-to-person interaction.
• Develop and maintain database and contact lists.
• Organize community gatherings and civic participation activities and ensure community participation.
• Provide communication and liaison assistance between community members and other stakeholders.
• Foster collaborative projects within the American Indian community and organizations.
• Encourage the creation of and participation in citizen committees.
• Conduct research to forward American Indian community development by organizing and facilitating focus groups, and designing and implementing special studies and assessment.
• Develop culturally engaging and motivating media (print, presentations, video, etc.) and web-based content that engages and informs American Indian community members, particularly young people, about community-centered development.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Qualifications
• Strong commitment to NACDI’s vision of ensuring all American Indian people have a place, purpose, and a future strengthened by sustainable community development.
• Four-year degree preferred, equivalent experience reviewed
• 2-4 years experience working in community organizing and/or public affairs.
• Ability to motivate community members to take action.
• Excellent meeting planning and facilitation skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated, ability to multi-task, provide quick responses and highly organized.
• Proficient knowledge of the American Indian urban and tribal communities, particularly in Minnesota and the region.
• Computer literacy with basic proficiency in database management, web-based communications, MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated success in public policy advocacy
• Proven ability to work effectively with board members, colleagues, donors and volunteers.
• Ability to work independently.
• Comfort and skill working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to listen to and respect all people.
• Ability to rationally and calmly handle conflict.

HOW TO APPLY:
Send cover letter and (3) references no later than Friday, August 21, 2009 to:

Justin Huenemann, President & CEO
Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI)
1404 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55404-2134

Or via email to: jkhuenemann@nacdi.org