Lead Organizer, Opportunity Neighborhoods
Mt. Vernon
Program Purpose
The mission of Opportunity Neighborhoods (ON) is to unite residents, community organizations and UCM in
securing school and career success for every child in the communities we serve. This is a combined effort to
address the needs of children and youth while also focusing on reinforcing the healthy function of families. The
tenets of this program are spread throughout UCM’s two community centers (Creekside and Sacramento), our
Stepping Stones Program (basic needs), Healthy Families, Housing, Progreso Literacy & Citizenship and our
Early Learning Center. We work by engaging residents in identifying strengths and needs in their
neighborhoods, and in then developing the appropriate strategies to address community and individual
concerns.
Position Overview
The ON Lead Organizer is responsible for engaging residents, property managers, business owners, the police,
county and school staff, elected officials, faith leaders and service providers in the opportunities and
strategies involving the five focal areas of the Opportunity (ON) Neighborhoods; 1) family and community
engagement, 2) connecting with and motivating youth, 3) assisting children and families with school readiness,
education and literacy, 4) family-wide service referrals and navigation, and 5) workforce readiness and student
career preparedness. The Lead Organizer, utilizing community building and organizing techniques, will be a
critical member of the ON team, working to ensure children, youth and adults have the access to resources
needed to thrive.
Performance Measures
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Annually increases the list of partners/stakeholders and upcoming events and organizes strategic
outreach to that list, successfully connecting with and actively engaging new partners/stakeholders.
Supports the ON Strategy Manager, in the gathering, entry and analysis of data created by ON
activities and events.
Ensures the coordination of volunteer services and resources.
Actively participates in the collaborative process for addressing issues that arise in the neighborhood
teams and through outreach with partners/stakeholders.
Serves as a liaison to stakeholders in community organizing activities
Meets regularly to assist with UCM’s team of program managers to inform of current ON activities,
obtain information, provide training opportunities, and respond to program needs with respect to ON
strategies. Documents all progress and expressed concerns.
Assists with the creation and distribution of communications regarding ON to
partners/stakeholders/community residents.
Builds and documents knowledge of appropriate community services and resources to make
appropriate referrals for clients. Distributes this information on a consistent and effective basis with
members of UCM’s program teams.
Keys/Predictors of Success
A successful Strategy Manager will demonstrate the following results:
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The applicable theory and principles of ON will be woven throughout all UCM programs and UCM
program managers will be thoroughly informed as to the workings of ON in their respective programs.
Implementation challenges will be understood and comprehensive solutions will be developed in
partnership with all stakeholders to ensure solution.
Successfully assists, working in collaboration with UCM’s Development Team, in securing additional
funding (beyond Fairfax County ON funding), to ensure continued development of the ON program.
Assists in increasing both the number of communities served and the number of individuals who are
assisted by ON initiatives through new outreach strategies.
Increases annually the number of partners and stakeholders in ON program delivery.
Job Scope
Position reports to:
Supervisory Accountability:
Organizational Accountability:
Client Accountability:
Strategic Manager, ON Mt. Vernon
None
Assists in the success of one of ten UCM
program areas. Also responsible for training
UCM program managers.
Individuals and families served throughout
UCM’ service area and all UCM program
clients
Preferred Qualifications
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Level of Education – Bachelor’s degree in social work, community organizing or a related field
Level of Experience – Minimum of 2-3 years of relevant professional experience in community
development
Skills Required
o LEADERSHIP - Proven ability to foster collaborations across diverse constituencies in a low
income community and inspire confidence and motivate all ages and ethnic groups to
collectively meet common objectives. Strong experience in participatory leadership.
o RESULTS ORIENTATION - Demonstrated strong skills and a track record for sustained
measurement of program outcomes, ability to work independently and with and through
others to achieve desired results.
o Experience with community organizations
o Great analytical, negotiation and problem-solving skills
o Respect for economic and cultural diversity and past experience working with diverse
groups.
o Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) is required
o Proficiency in database use (entry and report analysis) and Microsoft Office Suite
(particularly Word and Excel)
o Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
o Ability to work flexible hours if needed and limited evenings and weekends
o Able to meet U.S. Department of Justice and Virginia Child Protective Service
requirements for employment verification and background checks.
Travel
Travel to and from satellite UCM location and meeting sites with a 3-5-mile radius is expected. Mileage
reimbursement is provided.
EEO Statement
UCM provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without
regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law
requirements, UCM prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on any legallyrecognized basis, including, but not limited to veteran status, uniformed service member, status, race, color,
religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability or any other consideration protected
by federal, state or local law. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons
involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and
co-workers.
Other Duties
Such other duties needed to help drive our Vision, fulfill our Mission and abide by our Organization’s Values.