Community Development Coordinator Jobs in Illinois

Description

 SUMMARY: The Employment & Inclusion Coordinator is responsible for developing a network of community partners, coordinating employment and community inclusion opportunities, and expanding pathways that connect individuals to meaningful, community-based experiences and integrated employment. This position promotes meaningful community participation, volunteerism, independence, skill development, and integrated employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The Coordinator will develop community partnerships, create individualized pathways to community engagement and employment, and facilitate program outcomes. The position serves as a liaison between the Community Opportunities Professional, employers, community organizations, and agency staff to ensure participants have meaningful opportunities to engage, contribute, and thrive within their communities.

ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES: All employees of Community Link are expected to advocate and demonstrate the values of the organization. These values include: Dignity - We respect and celebrate all individuals; Integrity - We earn trust through honesty and accountability; Compassion - We treat everyone with kindness and empathy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.  Other duties may be assigned.

Develop a network of community partners and coordinate employment, volunteer, skill-development, and community inclusion opportunities.

Establish and maintain partnerships with businesses, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, civic groups, and community agencies to expand opportunities for community engagement, volunteerism, skill development, and integrated employment.

Support the Community Opportunities Professional and collaborate with agency staff to ensure person-centered, community-based service delivery consistent with agency goals and regulatory requirements.

Maintain accurate documentation, monitor program performance and outcomes, ensure compliance with applicable regulations and funding requirements, and prepare reports for agency leadership and external stakeholders. 

Collaborate on an ongoing basis with the Community Opportunities Professional to develop and implement plans that connect participants' interests, preferences, and goals with meaningful opportunities and needs within the community.

Requirements

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

The successful candidate must possess strong relationship-building, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to develop strategic partnerships and represent the organization professionally within the community. The individual must be highly organized, capable of managing multiple priorities, proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and able to travel throughout the service area with a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, Communications, Human Services, or a related field is preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered. Candidates should have at least three (3) years of experience in business development, sales, marketing, employer relations, community engagement, or workforce development, with demonstrated success building partnerships and expanding community opportunities. Experience in supported employment or disability services is preferred but not required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and prepare clear and effective reports, business correspondence, proposals, presentations, and procedural documents. Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information, build relationships, and respond to questions from agency leadership, staff, participants, families, employers, community partners, customers, and the general public in a professional and persuasive manner.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain an acceptable driving record. The employee is expected to use an agency vehicle for business travel whenever one is available. When use of a personal vehicle is necessary for authorized business travel, the employee must maintain legally required automobile insurance and provide proof of coverage upon request. 

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: 

Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with employers, businesses, community organizations, and other stakeholders. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to changing priorities, and work independently. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn agency software for participant documentation, data tracking, reporting, and program management.

Ability to identify opportunities, think strategically, and develop creative solutions that expand employment, volunteer, and community inclusion opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Demonstrated initiative in promoting the agency through networking, public presentations, community events, volunteer engagement, and other marketing and outreach activities that enhance Community Link's visibility and reputation.

Supports the growth and visibility of the agency by promoting volunteerism, participating in outreach and promotional activities, and providing education and awareness to the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, driving, and verbal and written communication. The employee must be able to travel throughout the service area, attend meetings at a variety of community and business locations, navigate stairs when necessary, and use a computer and other standard office equipment. The employee may occasionally be required to lift or carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. 

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.