ORGANIZATION SUMMARY: The Whittier Alliance is a 501c3 non profit neighborhood organization serving the south Minneapolis neighborhood of Whittier. The WA facilitates meetings, opportunities and events and does outreach to Whittier residents and businesses to encourage participation in grassroots discussions and decisions. Through a committee process, the WA oversees the contracting and implementation of Phase 2/5 year $1.7 million Neighborhood Revitalization Funds. The WA advocates on behalf of the Whittier neighborhood to governmental agencies. The WA is not a direct service provider.

SALARY: DOQ
Health and dental plan
TYPE: Full Time / 40 hours
Accountable to the Executive Director
DEADLINE: Friday, December 19, 2008

TO APPLY: Submit letter of interest and resume to:
Marian Biehn, Executive Director
Whittier Alliance
10 E. 25th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Please: no phone calls; no electronic submissions

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Community Organizer is responsible for outreach to a broad audience to build neighborhood awareness and participation. The Community Organizer helps to implement the Whittier Alliance Neighborhood Revitalization Action Plan (NRP) and other funded programs by working in partnership with the neighborhood and its volunteers, organizations, corporations and government agencies. The Community Organizer supports the Whittier Alliance Mission and the strategies of the Board, and works to ensure the organization's future and is responsive to new issues identified as critical to the future livability of the Whittier Neighborhood. This is a full-time exempt position that requires evening and occasional weekend work.

RESPONSIBILITES

Community Outreach and Organizing
* Works with assigned committees, organizations, task forces, property owners and residents to enlist participation in WA committees, neighborhood process, programs and events.
* Builds knowledge & recognition of the Whittier Alliance and its work and the Whittier neighborhood
* Builds community involvement by creating, planning, facilitating & promoting outreach activities, opportunities, programs, projects and events.
* Build relationships with all stakeholders of the Whittier neighborhood: residents, businesses, property owners, elected officials, schools, churches, parks, etc.
* Supports and actively engages in community information, communication and outreach efforts - eg: door knocking, fliering, electronic communications, mailings, press releases, etc.
* Plans and assists with implementation of community building events, debates, educational forums, festivals, fundraisers, etc. that build positive relationships and recognition for the Whittier Alliance and Neighborhood.
* Fosters relationships and collaboration with other organizational entities such as the 5th Precinct, Minneapolis Park & Rec, Restorative Justice Community Action, fellow neighborhood organizations and institutions to represent the neighborhood's interests.
* Responds to and acts on community inquiries regarding livability issues
* Coordinates volunteers for activities, event planning and implementation and other initiatives
* Acts as coordinator for Whittier youth by overseeing contracts, maintaining database of and networking with youth serving agencies and promoting youth engagement.
* Promotes safety and livability for the neighborhood by synthesizing crime data, working with block clubs, 5th Precinct partners, Whittier Walking Patrol, community impact statements, graffiti removal programs, etc.
* Helps maintain and build resource lists for referrals
* Advocates for formal positions taken by the Board of Directors
* Encourages participation by diverse populations in Whittier Alliance
* Organizes &/or attends community & governmental meetings relevant to position
* Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Financial & Fundraising
* Researches & evaluates funding sources & prepares funding proposals
* Continually works to enlist financial support from businesses, organizations and corporations
* Coordinates annual fundraisers and appeals as directed by the Whittier Alliance Board
* Keeps and submits monthly expenses relating to WA businesses and funders

Office and Administrative
* Perform administrative functions for the assigned committees/task forces as needed.
* Assist staff and volunteers with managing all aspects of NRP action plan implementation.
* Provides monthly reports about work and the work of the various committees to Whittier Board and attends Board meetings as requested.
* Data base maintenance
* Duties as assigned to maintain an organized, efficient office

Shared Responsibilities
* Neighborhood Annual Meeting
* Fundraising

SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

* Previous nonprofit and community/neighborhood organizing experience.
* Ability to work in a team situation with all stakeholders of the Whittier Alliance.
* Ability to generate interest in community and committed to all community issues.
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to prioritize and manage large quantities of information, take direction, and complete projects in a timely manner. * Relevant computer skills.
* Basic knowledge of general office procedures.
* Ability to celebrate and work in partnership with the diverse voices of the Whittier Neighborhood.
* Personal commitment to community is essential.

PREFFERED REQUIREMENTS:

* Four-year degree, but will substitute relevant experience
* Bi-lingual
* Familiarity with NRP processes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

* Able to operate a PC keyboard, view a PC monitor, sit at a desk and talk/listen on the telephone for long periods of time.
* Access to a car and legal driver's license.