Program Director, Community Building Center

Position Announcement:

Community-Building Center Program Director

ORGANIZATION

Ripple Community Inc. (RCI) in a nonprofit organization created in 2015 with the mission to nurture community and connection in Allentown by fostering a sense of community among our neighbors who have traditionally been marginalized and by cultivating connections across social boundaries. We are focused on reducing the rates of homelessness, housing instability, and social isolation in Allentown through our two core programs - the Community-Building Center (CBC) and the RCI Village housing program. These programs provide inclusive day services, permanent housing, and community connections for many of Allentown's most vulnerable residents. RCI's activities are guided by the principles of Restorative Practices.

POSITION

: As a member of RCI's senior staff team, the Community-Building Center Program Director will have programmatic and operational responsibility for the Community Building Center (CBC) and Service Hub. The CBC is a day center that opened in November 2015. The CBC serves between 60 and 80 community members daily, most of whom are adults who are socially or economically marginalized due to homelessness or housing instability, histories of trauma, mental illness, or related challenges. The Service Hub is a dedicated space within the CBC where our partner organizations provide specialized services in a comfortable and accessible location.

HOURS AND SALARY

This is a full-time position with a salary of $68,000-$73,000. Benefits include a generous paid time off policy, eligibility for RCI's Healthcare Reimbursement Account plan, and a retirement benefit plan. This is an in-person position at our facility in Allentown, PA and follows a Tuesday through Saturday work week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

: The Community Building Center Director will be responsible for creating a safe, thriving, resourceful space for our community members. They will oversee and provide leadership for the CBC and Service Hub, including management and operations within the approved budget. They will hire and oversee support staff, recruit volunteers and community partners, and develop connections in the community that will help the center flourish. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage and mentor the CBC team.

o Hire, supervise, and mentor CBC staff, ensuring that all staff members are equipped and supported to carry out the responsibilities of their roles and the mission of RCI. o Manage the weekly staff schedule, ensuring adequate staff coverage during operating hours, Tuesday through Saturday. o Recruit, supervise, and train CBC volunteers. o Recruit, supervise, and train student interns, many of whom rotate regularly. This involved maintaining good working relationships with area universities and completing required reporting forms. o Ensure all CBC personnel complete appropriate training and on-boarding, including on-going reviews of policies and procedures.

• Manage CBC facilities.

o Ensure smooth and consistent operation of CBC facilities, creating a welcoming, safe, clean, and comfortable environment. o Manage the kitchen. Ensure all health and safety guidelines and protocols are carefully maintained. o Oversee the ordering and managing of supplies and donations. o Maintain active SafeServ certification and ensure all CBC personnel consistently follow proper kitchen maintenance and food service protocols. o Prepare for and oversee periodic Health Department inspections and food service licensing procedures. o Coordinate cleaning and pest control services. o Prepare the community center for the daily schedule of programs and gatherings, including seasonal decorating. o Maintain organized storage and supply areas.

• Maintain the CBC as a safe and welcoming community space for all.

o With assistance from program support staff, create and oversee the daily schedule for the CBC, including developing the calendar of activities and events. o Maintain an environment that connects people to resources, but with a primary emphasis on creating and maintaining a community culture that is deeply welcoming, nonjudgemental, friendly, peaceful, and fun. o Provide direct support and care to community members and coordinate with other staff members to provide appropriate support for participants. o Curate a schedule of meaningful community activities. Current examples include poetry circle (including monthly trips to a local open mic poetry night), a workforce readiness program, art circle and yoga. o Serve as the primary point of contact for service provider partners at the Service Hub, including recruiting new provider partners that can help meet the needs of the RCI community. o Develop partnerships with local organizations and businesses that can provide opportunities for CBC participants to engage with the community and develop new relationships. o Follow the principles of restorative practices in all community member interactions needed (training in restorative practices will be provided).

• Work with the Executive Director and other senior staff for on-going development of RCI.

o Represent RCI at community meetings, including daytime and evening meetings. o Oversee regular program monitoring and evaluation, including contributing to report writing for funders and other entities. o Contribute to strategic planning and on-going program expansion, helping to develop and implement annual goals. o Contribute to the overall success of the organization through active participation in community events, fundraising, data collection, and related activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

: Required qualifications for this position include:

• A bachelor's degree in human services, social work, public health, adult education, or a related field, or equivalent.
• 5+ years of staff supervision and program management experience.
• A demonstrated commitment to walking alongside and being in community with people who have traditionally been marginalized.
• Ability to develop genuine rapport with community members as well as staff and community partners.
• Ability to respond appropriately and with compassion to challenging situations and crises.
• Ability to be flexible in a demanding and dynamic environment.
• A genuine enjoyment of people and a deep valuing of community and connection.
• Administrative skillset which includes personal time management, managing logistics for the center, and an ability to follow through on commitments.
• Ability to supervise staff and volunteers in ways that develop teamwork and delegate responsibilities to ensure smooth day-to-day operations of the CBC and Service Hub.
• Ability to represent the organization in the community, including through public speaking engagements.
• This position requires limited on-the-job travel. A valid driver's license is required.
• Fluency in English.

Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ripple Community Inc. is committed to creating and maintaining diversity and inclusion in the workforce. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. RCI is a growing organization, and we work to remain flexible and responsive to our community's needs. As such, our staff positions are subject to evolve along with our organization.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$68,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year

Benefits:

403(b) matching Health savings account Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

staff supervision and program management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location:

In person