Community Specialist

City of Minneapolis
$66,491.36 - $93,048.80 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, pension
United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis
Mar 08, 2025
Position Description Create access and equity to City services ensuring that barriers to participation are removed for African American communities and lead the development and maintenance of trusted relationships with African American communities to engage them into the decision-making processes for the development and implementation of programs and policies for the City of Minneapolis and neighborhood organizations. This position will report to the Community and Cultural Engagement Manager. Salary: The anticipated salary range for this position is $66,489 - 93,048/annually, depending on qualifications Work location: This position may be eligible for flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work with some days working remotely and some days working in the office. The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas. The Neighborhood & Community Relations department will be holding a virtual information session to answer any questions regarding the Community Specialist position.* Topic: Community Specialist Info Session Time: Mar 19, 2025 4:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89094624817?pwd=PAtNfvI2h8bk69PfTCBPtkY2e6uUC7.1 Meeting ID: 890 9462 4817 Passcode: 680458 --- One tap mobile +19292056099,,89094624817# US (New York) +13017158592,,89094624817# US (Washington DC) Job Duties and Responsibilities Engage and establish relationships within African American communities and provide leadership within African American communities to enhance access to City services Represent the City of Minneapolis in strategic partnership and solution strategies for increasing trusted relationships between African American communities and the City of Minneapolis enterprise Represent the city of Minneapolis and serve as the staff person on task forces established by City Council and African American communities on issues that impact access and equity for residents Review, evaluate and implement City programs and services to determine methods to make them more accessible, equitable and useful for African American communities Facilitate decision making processes between African American communities and government to increase knowledge and utilization of City services Create and maintain open channels of communication between the City of Minneapolis and African American communities to increase knowledge and utilization of City services Assist other city departments in making and sustaining relationship connections within African American communities, including neighborhood organizations and other community-based organizations Lead community relationship development with all stakeholders within assigned neighborhoods Assist other City Departments in developing programs and services that support increased access to African American communities Provide recommendations, strategies and intent of policy development on local and state government levels Provide engagement, recruitment and outreach strategies to other departments to increase access and participation of the African America community in government decision making processes Participate in Public Health Emergency Preparedness planning, training, and response as needed and assigned by the department WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal Required Qualifications MINIMUM EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree in African American Studies, Southeast Asian Studies, African Studies, Communications, Public Administration, Public Relations, Urban studies, or Equivalent and some positions are bilingual and require the ability to read, write and translate other languages fluently as deemed necessary and where applicable (Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, or Amharic) MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Three years of related experience which has included program and project management, and community engagement work in African American Communities. LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: N/A Desirable Qualifications -- Cultural competency Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds. Selection Process The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience and/or an oral examination (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process. Background Check The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position. Union Representation This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the [MPEA (CPE)] . For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit our website. Eligible List Statement The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two months after it has been established. Interview Selection The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Ability to read, write and translate other languages fluently as deemed necessary and where applicable (Hmong, Spanish, Somali, Oromo, or Amharic) * Knowledge of the needs of African American communities at macro and micro levels * Knowledge of computer operations, applications and software * Strong oral and written communications skills * Good knowledge of neighborhood engagement system (neighborhoods and community-based organizations) * Ability to collaborate and work across multiple communities and leadership levels within community * Ability to create consensus across diverse populations and solve complex social/community issues * Ability to collaborate and work across City of Minneapolis Council, Hennepin County, Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, Minneapolis Public Schools and other governmental agencies * Ability to analyze information and make policy recommendations * Ability to implement conflict resolution strategies * Knowledge of cultural norms and values of African American communities * Knowledge of principles and best practices of engagement, outreach and resident participation As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.