Community Specialist

QVCDC is a non-profit community development organization located in Ware, Massachusetts that serves the Quaboag Region. QVCDC is an alternative small business lender. QVCDC offers an array of programs to support small businesses and benefit low-income residents by reducing unemployment, providing education and career training, and creating job opportunities. POSITION TITLE: COMMUNITY SPECIALIST Job Type: In the office and in the community - 35 hours weekly Location: 23 West Main Street, Ware, MA POSITION SUMMARY: The Community Specialist will promote the programs QVCDC/QVBAC offers, specifically those that pertain to small businesses and/or employment and career readiness for individuals. The Community Specialist will spend time in the office, at Education to Employment (E2E), and at various community meetings and events where they represent QVCDC/QVBAC. This is a temporary position, funded by a grant through June 2027. Specific areas of responsibility of the Community Specialist are: • 1. Outreach about our programs to the businesses, the general public and various organizations in the communities QVCDC serves. Represent the QVCDC at various community events, including tabling at National Night Out. Plan and coordinate promotional events to increase awareness of our programs. Build and maintain relationships with community members. Help determine what kind of job-and-business-related resources the community needs. • 2. Maintain accurate files, ensuring that records are compliant with federal, state and local regulations for grant-funded activities. Document daily data and oversee periodic collection of information. Gather data on program participation, such as sign-in sheets, and track progress related to program goals. • 3. Prepare reports on programmatic activity. Maintain confidentiality as appropriate. Participate in and provide feedback for the development of future programs for the organization. Create and deliver presentations as needed. • 4. Produce monthly newsletters promoting QVCDC programs and events and provide written content as needed. Promote our programs on social media. • 5. Help teachers and consultants set up and break down for various classes. Assist teachers, consultants and staff with technology needs. Organize and prepare materials for classes and meetings as needed. • 6. Coordinate the Senior Outreach Program. Take phone calls from seniors and assign chore providers. Fill in as a chore provider as necessary. Complete chore paperwork and submit chore providers’ timecards/mileage for payment. • 7. Participate in regular staff meetings. Assist other team members with tasks such as answering the office phone, sorting the mail, etc. Support other team members as needed by helping to plan and attending events such as Local Impact and MACDC Lobby Day. Attend periodic trainings, regional or statewide meetings or other events. Other tasks or activities as assigned. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS • Associate’s Degree preferred • Attention to detail is crucial. Ability to take initiative and ownership of projects • Ideal candidate will be proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel • Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment with an open office • Ability to effectively interact with the public. Some public speaking is required. • Ability to speak, read and write in fluent English. • A valid driver’s license and daily use of a reliable vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed. • Being bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus. • Knowledge of computers and technology a plus • Ability to pass a CORI check SALARY DESCRIPTION: Starting hourly rate: $20 - $22 (commensurate with experience) BENEFITS: • Paid time off (up to 10 vacation days and up to 10 sick days for the first year, plus twelve holidays) • Subsidized Health & Dental Insurance after 90 days • CORE Retirement Plan with Employer Match • Flexible Hours/Days – some evening and weekend work required PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. • Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, talk, use a keyboard. • Sitting for long periods • Working in an open office environment • Some bending and stretching required. • Extensive use of telephone required • Manual dexterity required for use of calculator and computer keyboard. • Occasionally required to lift and/or move 20-30 lbs. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The work environment includes indoor office environments or comparable spaces and community spaces with occasional exposure to outdoor weather when traveling to meeting sites. The noise level may vary Send Cover Letter and Resume to: Melissa Fales at melissa@qvcdc.org The Quaboag Valley CDC/BAC is an equal opportunity employer, lender and provider and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, family/parental status, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender identity (including expression), sexual orientation, marital status, income derived from public assistance programs, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. The QVCDC is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization, certified by the State of Massachusetts and CDFI (U.S. Treasury)." In accordance with federal law and US Department of Treasury policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Submit a complaint of discrimination, by mail to US Department of the Treasury, Office of Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity, 1500 Pennsylvania Ae., N.W., Washington, DC 20220, (202) 622-1160 (phone) (202) 622-0367 (fax) , or email crcomplaints@treasury.gov.