Job Description
The Community Partnership Associate will support the implementation of Heron's core program, which focuses on identifying and engaging community partners to form a collaborative national network. This network will work to enhance capacity and promote prosperity in communities across the country. The Associate role focuses on ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and coordination across the network and on supporting the identification, underwriting, and onboarding of community partners. The ideal candidate is a skilled, organized communicator and connector with a strong commitment to community prosperity and agency, especially in regions that experience historic extraction and disinvestment.
Summary of Key Responsibilities:
1. Support the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of community partners
- Collaborate with Heron research staff and external partners to identify and evaluate prospective communities.
- Assist in the evaluation of potential community partners and the development of funding recommendations.
- Provide administrative support throughout the community partner identification, evaluation, and onboarding process.
2. Support Network Coordination and Communication
- Maintain regular communications with all community partners, including updates on upcoming events, trainings, and a monthly newsletter to share resources and opportunities.
- Oversee the development and implementation of a Community Partner communication platform, ensuring it serves as a communications hub for networking and resource sharing.
- Support curriculum design for Network convenings and coordinate and facilitate online and in person learning sessions.
- Contribute to the design and facilitation of an annual summit to bring all partners together for a multi-day convening focused on strengthening relationships, collaborating, and learning from outside experts on timely, relevant topics to advance community vitality.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mutual learning environment across all Network activities.
3.Coordinate Connections to Network Resources and Supports
- Facilitate connections between community partners and consulting experts as needed.
- Curate and share relevant research, tools, and resources that benefit the Network via email, web, and other communication channels.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Strong passion for and commitment to the mission and values of Heron.
- Proficiency with a range of digital communications tools including Zoom, Canva, Asana, Microsoft Office, shared online platforms, email listservs, and scheduling tools.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organized, detail-oriented problem-solver, able to manage multiple priorities with care and follow-through.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by organizations serving marginalized communities.
- Knowledge in areas such as community development, project management, community planning, government, nonprofit management, community foundations, and other related fields.
- Commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making and shared learning.
- A collaborative co-creation mindset that supports participatory and equitable processes.
- Comfort working in evolving contexts and a willingness to adapt as needs shift.
- A willingness to travel 1-3 times per month to community field locations and for in person team meetings.
Position Salary and Benefits
Salary range $78,500-$91,000 based on skills and experience. Heron offers an attractive benefits package. The Community Partnership Associate will be based in our Birmingham, AL office. This position is expected to travel up to 30% of the time.
