Director of Neighbor Engagement

The Director of Neighbor Engagement will help COM achieve our mission of “eliminating food insecurity in Polk County by empowering our neighbors” through overseeing the development and engagement strategies with individuals using COM’s food pantry and through leading community development efforts around food security in high-needs geographic areas. The Director will oversee asset-based mentoring programs, life skills education programs, and other initiatives focused on working alongside neighbors to address the underlying causes of material, relational, and spiritual poverty in their lives. A key focus will be on establishing relationships with local residents to determine their needs and gifts and empower them to lead solutions in their own communities. This job will require an outgoing individual with the skills to spend time in neighborhoods and communities conducting outreach and engagement.

Job Type:       Full-time, non-exempt, 35-40 hours per week

Schedule:       Mon-Fri (occasional Saturdays)

Wages:           $16.50-$20.00/hr depending on experience

General Duties:

• Identify and track key outcomes related to food security and neighbor relational development to determine COM’s measures of success in accomplishing its mission; Review and assess for modifications regularly.
• Work with staff and volunteers to communicate with and build relationships with food pantry shoppers and supervise efforts to educate shoppers on opportunities to engage with COM in ways that foster individual and community development;
• Supervise Class Coordinator and life skills classes to ensure education efforts address needs and result in verifiable outcomes and positive improvements in neighbors’ lives;
• Coordinate with Class Coordinator and Volunteer Coordinator to identify Neighbors with potential, stability, and desire for additional engagement with COM and develop processes for working with these neighbors on individual gift/talent/interest identification and skill development focused on community engagement and growth.
• Work with Executive Director on a community outreach plan to local apartment complexes or specific neighborhoods with high food insecurity with a focus on strengthening relationships with residents and engaging them in creating food security solutions using the principles of equal exchange and asset-based community development;
• Work with existing churches and neighborhood leaders to create partnerships with adopted geographic areas and apartment complexes that lead to Christian discipleship and relational healing;
• Coordinate for and accurately track the disbursement of applicable grant funds and supplies for received grant programs executed through the Pathways office;
• Coordinate with The Salvation Army to respond to and assist with requests for financial assistance in the areas of utilities, rent, fuel, laundry, and hotels in accordance with COM benevolence policies and while emphasizing long-term stability, resilience, and personal responsibility in the individual’s life;
• Ensure Christian discipleship is woven into all programs supervised;
• Work with Assistant Executive Director to identify and engage volunteers as needed to accomplish Pathways program goals;
• Communicate potential community needs or gaps in services to COM Executive Director;
• Other duties as assigned.

​Required Qualifications & Skills:

• High moral character, strong Christian faith, and able to promote the values of Community Outreach Ministries with Christ-like attitude and actions;
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Development, or related field required;
• Minimum of two years of social work, community outreach, or related experience required;
• Missouri driver’s license and reliable transportation required;
• Self-motivated, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial attitude;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to be genuine and empathetic. Willing to be a team player;
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills with attention to detail;
• Exceptional organizational skills to execute the vision of the organization;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and computer databases
• Able to prioritize self-care with job responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Social Services, or related field
• Three or more years of social work or community development experience
• Prior experience or knowledge using the principles of Asset-Based Community Development or Christian Community Development.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish

Application Requirements

1. Professional resume, including at least 3 references
2. Cover letter that addresses the following questions:

• Why are you interested in the position?
• What is your approach and experience in working with high-needs or marginalized communities?
• What aspects of your career do you believe make you a good candidate for this position?

Application materials may be sent to Micah Titterington, Executive Director at [email protected] or to PO Box 181, Bolivar, MO 65613. Interested candidates may also call 417-326-2769 ext. 1502 with questions.