Department: Community Relations DepartmentSalary: $81,226.00 - $116,762.94 Commensurate with Experience

SUMMARY

The Community Relations Lead performs advanced professional work in community relations, outreach, and engagement; investigates discrimination complaints; and carries out program administration to support community initiatives, resident services, public engagement, and partnership activities. Leads complex community relations programs, serves as a subject matter resource on community issues and engagement strategies, facilitates resolution of sensitive concerns, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to improve community outcomes and service delivery.

• Administer the local Fair Housing Ordinances and Nondiscrimination Ordinance (NDO).

• Under the direction of the Fair Housing manager, serve as the supervisor of the NDO team.

• Serve as the primary quality-control reviewer for NDO investigations before Fair Housing Manager review, ensuring each case is complete, accurate, grammatically and structurally sound, properly documented, jurisdictionally eligible, and supported by sufficient investigation and evidence; identify and resolve deficiencies, inconsistencies, or missing information before advancing the case for management review.

• Responsible for NDO team management to include establishing performance metrics, providing performance feedback, monitoring caseload and completing annual evaluations.
• Receive, investigate, and seek resolution to complaints of discrimination, or unfair treatment in housing, employment and public accommodations.

• Administer fair housing and NDO training programs, fair housing real estate testing programs, and serve as subject matter expert and resource for subcommittees, task forces, and community coalitions.
• Prepare and present reports, presentations, correspondence, recommendations, and program documentation for leadership, stakeholders, community groups, and governing bodies.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with residents, community organizations, advocacy groups, educational institutions, governmental agencies, businesses, and partner organizations.
• Respond to complex community concerns, complaints, inquiries, and sensitive issues requiring independent judgment and resolution.
• Develop campaigns and community outreach initiatives to increase awareness about rights and protections under Fair Housing and NDO.
• Identify community needs and work with staff across the department to meet those needs.
• Serve as staff liaison to the assigned subcommittee of the Community Relations Committee.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge of:

• Community relations, public engagement, and community outreach practices
• Mediation, conflict resolution, conciliation, crisis intervention, and stakeholder engagement strategies
• Related federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations regarding civil rights and discrimination
• Program administration, program evaluation, and service delivery practices
• Community resources, human services programs, and partnership development principles
• Research, data collection, analysis, reporting, and performance measurement methodologies
• Public presentation, facilitation, training, and community education techniques
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to assigned programs
• Organizational and community engagement practices that support collaborative problem-solving and service delivery

 

Skills in:

• Leading community programs, initiatives, and engagement efforts

• Leading teams, overseeing team outcomes, and identifying growth opportunities

• Analyzing information, evaluating program performance, and developing recommendations
• Building partnerships and collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Facilitating mediation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving activities
• Preparing reports, presentations, correspondence, and program documentation
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholder groups
• Providing training, guidance, and technical assistance
• Exercising sound judgment and independent decision-making
• Managing multiple priorities and sensitive situations simultaneously
• Developing strategies that improve program effectiveness and community outcomes

 

Ability to:

• Analyze, investigate and conciliate complaints of individuals or groups
• Make decisions independently within general policies and guidelines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse community groups and stakeholders

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, Community Relations, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field and five (5) years of experience in community relations, community engagement, mediation, human services, public outreach, program administration, social services, public administration, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience as determined by Human Resources.

 

Preferred Experience:

Experience working with legal, regulatory, or compliance matters, including interpreting policies, agreements, regulations, and requirements and coordinating with internal or external stakeholders to ensure compliance.

BENEFITS

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.