A Community or Political Organizer works to unite citizens around a concern, ranging from reducing environmental pollution to fighting prejudice. Can be involved in organizing and working on political campaigns to advance social goals.
Are you a connector? Do you light up when meeting new people? Are you someone who can walk into a room of strangers and leave with a dozen new contacts and then actually follow up with them? Do you have a knack for telling a story, whether in person or in a well-crafted social media post? If that sounds like you, read on! Family Service is looking for an energetic, people-first Outreach Coordinator to help us grow our presence in the community, connect with other agencies, and make sure the people who need us can find us. This role now includes leadership of our Self-Help Center, which means you'll also be a go-to resource for the network of community support groups across Champaign County.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Attracting Clients to Family Service You'll think creatively and strategically about how we reach people who need our services but don't know we exist yet. That might mean tabling at a community event, partnering with a local organization, or finding an unexpected channel to get the word out. This is a role where your initiative and imagination will matter. Representing Family Service in the Community You'll speak on behalf of Family Service at community events, panels, and public gatherings. You'll also host an annual workshop for community members and professionals who lead or want to start support groups. You don't need to be a polished orator, but you do need to be comfortable with a microphone and confident talking about who we are and what we do. (Of course, you'll get plenty of guidance and materials to craft your messaging.) Building Relationships with Other Agencies A big part of this role is cultivating relationships with caseworkers and staff at neighboring social service agencies. You'll be our ambassador in the professional community. This entails making calls, attending meetings, and nurturing the kind of mutual trust that leads to great referral partnerships. If you love networking and find it energizing rather than exhausting, you'll thrive here. Supporting the Self-Help Center Family Service runs the Self-Help Center, a community resource that connects people with self-help groups, supports group leaders, and helps new groups form and grow. You'll be the primary contact for self-help group leaders across the county by consulting with them individually and helping them solve problems. You'll also maintain our database and printed directory of local support groups, develop informational materials and resources, and organize CEU-granting events for professionals. Finally, you will host Advisory Committee meetings and use their recommendations to guide the direction of the Self-Help Center. Running Our Social Media You'll manage our social media presence, which involves planning, writing, and posting content that reflects our mission, promotes our services, and keeps our community engaged. Experience with Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and similar platforms is a must. Bonus points if you can record and edit short videos.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in communications, social work, public relations, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent experience Experience in outreach, community engagement, social services, or a closely related field Strong written and verbal communication skills Comfortable representing an organization in public settings and one-on-one with community members Hands-on experience managing social media accounts for an organization or cause Ability to work independently, manage your time, and balance multiple priorities Genuine warmth and respect for people of all backgrounds, cultures, and circumstances Basic database management skills (e.g., data entry, running reports) Preferred Qualifications Experience in the nonprofit or social services sector Familiarity with self-help groups, peer support, or community mental health resources Existing connections within the Champaign-Urbana social services community Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva) and basic video editing Bilingual a plus You must also be able to pass a background check.
The small print:
Any individual who is the subject of a pending investigation by the Department of Children and Family Services for child abuse or neglect, or who has been the subject of an indicated abuse or neglect report which has not subsequently been overturned on appeal, is not eligible for employment at Family Service. Current investigation by or substantiation of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation by an adult protective services agency also disqualifies a person for employment at Family Service until and unless allegations are found to be unsubstantiated.
THE FAMILY SERVICE CULTURE
Family Service has a culture that is reflected in our name: We are both family-focused (both the families we serve and the families we are from), and we pride ourselves on being strongly service-oriented. We are cultivating a workplace that is humble and diligent, a place where you can enjoy your coworkers, be proud of your impact, and always look for new and better ways to enhance our community. We train our people thoroughly and consider ourselves a training ground for being the best humanity has to offer. If you are looking for a position in an organization that values kindness, fresh ideas, hard work, and going the extra mile to help our clients and our community, Family Service might be the place for you. (Of course, we're an Equal Opportunity Employer.)
THE PACKAGE
$19-22/hr, 37.5 hours per week 12 paid holidays Paid time off after 90 days — can accrue up to 200 hours Life insurance Mileage reimbursement for community travel
QUALITY-OF-LIFE PERKS
Fantastic work-life balance Great work mission: you will genuinely make a difference here Family Service is an institution with an excellent reputation as an employer We're evolving from a local to a regional nonprofit. Things are moving fast, and it's exciting.
Work location:
In person at 405 South State Street, Champaign, IL If we're describing you, let's get the ball rolling. Send a résumé and cover letter in PDF format to hr@familyservicecc.org.
