The Ruth Mott Foundation (RMF), based in Flint, Michigan, is a non-profit philanthropic organization offering grants and programs that serve the Greater Flint community. As part of its new strategic plan, RMF seeks to strengthen its community engagement capacity in order to increase its overall impact. The Community Engagement Officer, a new position at RMF, will require a creative and entrepreneurial disposition while maintaining flexibility and a highly collaborative style in connecting to and working with north Flint residents, teams and organizations that span sectors. 

The Community Engagement Officer will be a position of leadership in developing and facilitating relationships between the Foundation and community leaders and stakeholders at both the area wide and neighborhood level in north Flint. The Community Engagement Officer is responsible for ensuring that programming pursued by the Foundation is informed by and driven by the community. To facilitate effectiveness and efficiency in this role, the Community Engagement Officer position will be physically embedded in the community through partnership with an appropriate community-based organization.

Job Purpose:

To develop, manage and implement the Ruth Mott Foundation’s community engagement activities and services, including grantmaking, identifying, and nurturing opportunities for affecting positive change at the neighborhood level through efforts that are aligned with the RMF strategic plan, and working closely with other RMF staff and volunteers to ensure integration and coordination of efforts. 

Primary Responsibilities include:

• Work with the President and Managers Circle to identify and advance issues impacting the Foundation’s overarching goal of assisting residents of north Flint neighborhoods create and sustain opportunities to contribute and thrive.
• Serve as a thought leader with respect to program staff around methodologies and best practices in authentic and effective community engagement.
• Work with the President and Director of Communications to present Applewood as a welcoming and diverse place of beauty, contemplation, fun and learning that supports the normal course of work of the Foundation with and in the community.
• Develop and maintain strong, authentic relationships with grant seekers and grantees, ensuring understanding of the Ruth Mott Foundation strategic plan, goals, and expectations.
• Create an outreach plan in line with the RMF strategic plan.
• Understand and effectively communicate the Foundation’s mission, vision, core values and strategic direction to external groups, including key stakeholders and intermediaries.
• Stay current on the processes and implementation activities related to the City of Flint Master Plan.
• Identify strategic opportunities and connections between RMF and the community and prospect for ideas and initiatives.
• Consult and collaborate with Applewood staff (Collections and Horticulture) on program development carried out within the community and/or at Applewood.
• Act as a conduit for two-way communication of priorities and strategies between RMF and the community.
• Provide and/or broker technical assistance to non-profit or resident-led organizations in north Flint, including consultation on model development, partnership negotiations, leadership development and fund development.
• Work closely with the Learning Officer to incorporate assessment components into program efforts to measure progress and impact.
• Work closely with the Learning Officer and Director of Communications to identify and prioritize the knowledge and learning from the Foundation’s grantmaking, networking and convening.
• Provide staff support to the RMF Community Advisory Council and assist with related reporting to the Foundation trustees.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, public policy, business administration, community organization or related field required; Master’s degree preferred
• Minimum five years of experience in non-profit community development, community organizing foundation, or government setting; 8 years preferred; specific training and/or certification in strategies and tactics of community organizing is a plus, though not required
• Experience in fields related to the Foundation’s mission and grantmaking, with demonstrated experience in strategy and program development
• Knowledge of current relevant theories and best practices in community building, outreach, community relations, capacity building, convening and meeting facilitation
• A strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission and values
• A solid understanding of, or direct experience working collaboratively with individuals from all sectors of the community and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Superior written and verbal communications skills
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing and/or competing priorities
• Ability to work independently as well as in a collegial, mutually supportive team environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide variety of people both internally and externally
• Flexibility and willingness to take on a variety of tasks, as is often required in small organizations

Ruth Mott Foundation recruits team members that are as economically, culturally and ethnically diverse as the community we serve. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms, including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, height, weight, marital status, sexual orientation, protected genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To Apply:  Email resume to [email protected] or mail to Sheryl Johnston, Ruth Mott Foundation, 111 E. Court Street, Suite 3C, Flint, MI, 48502. Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.