Vice President Community Development Jobs in Springfield, MA

Job Summary:

The Vice President of Community Engagement leads Connecticut Public's statewide community engagement strategy, building meaningful partnerships, expanding audience engagement, and activating Connecticut Public's Public Square as a hub for civic and cultural connection.  

This role strengthens Connecticut Public’s relationships with organizations, institutions, and communities across the state, creating opportunities for people to engage with ideas, connect across differences, and participate in civic and cultural life - especially engaging new, younger audiences, children and families. 

Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Vice President develops strategic collaborations, community-based programs, and engagement initiatives that advance Connecticut Public’s mission, expand impact, and support organizational growth. The role oversees the development of The Public Square as a destination for community gatherings, events, and partnerships that foster connection. 

Strong existing relationships with community organizations across the state strongly preferred. 

Essential Functions

Partnerships 

• Builds bridges with external people and organizations including community organizations, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and civic leaders throughout Connecticut - and exposes them to various internal departments, capabilities, personalities and people within the organization. 

• Convenes community conversations, forums, and engagement opportunities aligned with our content and priorities. 

• Contributes to statewide Kids & Families strategy through partnerships that connect families to PBS Kids educational resources and programs. 

• Ensures implementation of key activities included in grants supporting engagement projects. 

• Partners with the CEO to determine Connecticut Public priorities in engagement and outreach. 

The Public Square 

• Leads community events model to program the Public Square Project events space. 

• Oversees a multi-year plan for community events, partnerships, and revenue generating opportunities. 

• Oversees the creation and execution of events that position The Public Square as a vibrant gathering place for civic and cultural engagement. 

New Audience Engagement 

• Collaborates on initiatives to reach underrepresented communities including Latino communities, for the Somos CT initiative. 

• Develops engagement opportunities that specifically resonate with younger audiences, historically underrepresented communities, and children/families. 

• Evolves and grows community engagement strategy to build awareness and relationships with audiences across Connecticut. 

• In collaboration, works with intradepartmental teams to offer program development insights/advice. 

Responsibilities

• Programs community events for CT Public and attracts new partners to co-host events. 
• Builds pathways from in-person experiences to deeper relationships and membership. 
• Connects community organizations to PBS screening opportunities and resources. 
• Develops engagement strategies that expand Connecticut Public’s reach and deepen relationships with priority growth audiences. 
• Ensures strategy supports all depts company-wide (Content, Development, Marketing, Underwriting, Membership, Operations, Finance). Identifies and builds relationships with community, civic, cultural, educational, and non-profit organizations and partners. 
• Leads the activation and programming of Connecticut Public’s Public Square to drive community engagement and organizational impact.  
• Oversees engagement and collaborates with Operations team to successfully execute community events. 
• Seeks and aligns with CT Public revenue priorities. 
• Works alongside volunteers to serve as community ambassador. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Key Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Connecticut-based community organizations or stakeholders in non-profit or adjacent organizations. 

• Event management, marketing, and/or project management. 

• Leading large complex projects, working in a fast-paced environment and handling multiple and changing priorities simultaneously. 

• Microsoft Office 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Smartsheets.  

• Navigating complex organizations and making the right connections to drive work forward, while anticipating potential shifts in work. 

Skill In: 

• Attention-to-detail, scheduling, and strong organizational capabilities. 

• Community engagement and relationship building. 

• Effectively communicating and connecting with others interpersonally.  

• Managing programs, partnerships, budgets, and staff. 

• Strategic planning and organizations leadership. 

Ability to:  

• Build authentic relationships with diverse communities and ensure engagement strategies are inclusive, equitable, and representative of Connecticut's residents. 

• Define problems, collect data, and establish facts to anticipate needs and address issues proactively. 

• Lead multiple projects concurrently while paying close attention to detail. 

• Possess a visceral distaste of office gossip and politics, engaging in neither. 

• Possess initiative and self-motivation, and work with minimal supervision. 

• Solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in diverse situations. 

• Work​ ​in​ ​fast-paced​ ​environment​ making smart, fast, solid decisions under pressure​ and under​ ​deadline. 

Physical Requirements

The physical activities of this position include frequent in-person or virtual interactions.  IMust be able to remain at a desk/computer workstation for prolonged period.  Must have close visual acuity to perform an activity, such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, or extensive reading.  The typical physical requirements are: medium work—exerting up to 25lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 25lbs of force frequently and may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.  Noise levels may vary depending on the event setting.  Regular statewide travel and evening/weekend event participation are expected. 

Working Conditions

Job functions are typically performed under conditions such as those found in general office or administrative work.  Position may be exposed to adverse environmental conditions, depending on the venue. Travel within the state of Connecticut is required.  Duties are routinely performed Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. However, after-hours event management and work is required.  

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Community Development, Human Services, or a related field AND/OR a minimum of ten (10) years of direct and sustained professional experience in community or family engagement, outreach, convening, AND/OR any similar combination of education and experience.