Director of Community Engagement

Description

• Title:  Director of Community Engagement 

Department:  Community Access

• Reports To: Associate Vice President, Community Access  
• Location:  2134 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10302 
• Position Status: Full Time, 

FLSA Status: Exempt

• Work Schedule: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday  9am-5pm AND Wednesday 10am-6pm  

Pay & Benefits: The pay range for this role is generally $64,350 - $69,350 annually, commensurate with relevant experience and qualifications and in alignment with internal equity. Additionally, we offer an excellent benefits package that includes generous paid time off (4 weeks of vacation plus paid holidays, personal, and sick time), medical, dental, vision, supplemental benefits including employer provided basic life insurance and employee assistance programs, tuition reimbursement and fitness reimbursement after 1 year of employment, a retirement plan that includes employer matching, and more!    

Community Health Action of Staten Island (CHASI) drives dramatic improvements in the health of New Yorkers by feeding people who are hungry, healing families broken apart by violence, and bridging the gaps between people and the compassionate health care they deserve. CHASI serves the most vulnerable individuals, families, and communities with critical services and programs. CHASI provides outreach, education, prevention, and direct support services for populations most affected by health disparities – the poor and working poor, low-income people with chronic illnesses, persons with criminal justice involvement, substance users, domestic violence survivors, people of color, and the LGBTQ community. 

Position Summary:

The Director of Community Engagement serves as a strategic leader and operational anchor for CHASI’s community-based initiatives, with a central role in advancing equitable access to essential services offered at the Community Access Center. This position demands a dynamic and compassionate professional who thrives in a fast-paced, service-oriented environment. The Director oversees day-to-day operations, supervises a multidisciplinary team including Community Health Workers, Information and referral specialist and the Pantry engagement Specialists and fosters collaborative relationships with service providers, donors, and stakeholders. They are responsible for developing efficient systems to screen clients, identify unmet needs, and implement best practices for rapid, high-quality support. Services provided at the Center include food security, Harm reduction services, Health related social needs, Snap enrollment and Health Insurance. 

This mid-management role ensures that programs are effectively run, adequately staffed, and aligned with CHASI’s mission and values of dignity, respect, and empowerment. They maintain high standards of program delivery, compliance, and reporting, while continuously seeking opportunities for innovation, quality improvement, and strategic growth. The Director also establishes and maintains relationships with food resources and community providers to bring in free or low-cost services, expanding the range of support available to clients. These partnerships spanning community organizations, healthcare providers, and social service agencies are essential to enhancing the impact and reach of the Community Access Center. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Community Outreach and Partnership Development: Engage with community members to inform them about CHASI's services, identify new locations for SNAP and health insurance enrollment, and establish partnerships with service providers to share information and potentially offer direct access at the Community Access Center. 
• Supervision: Provide direct individual supervision to various staff members, including Pantry Specialist, Community Health Workers, and CHAMP program Navigator at the Community Access Center. 
• Food and Supplies Orders: Order food and supplies for emergency feeding programs while tracking all purchases and monitoring grant budgets. 
• Inventory: Design an inventory system that practices first in, first out (FIFO).  Conduct internal audits to ensure that the storage area follows food safety and funder guidelines. 
• Performance Targets: Develop and maintain a robust plan to achieve performance targets related to program delivery and outcomes. 
• Program Analysis: Analyze program performance, forecast future demand, and determine resource requirements to ensure efficient program operations. 
• Quality Assurance/Improvement: Conduct ongoing quality assurance and quality improvement activities to ensure that engagement methods have the desired impact and yield positive outcomes. 
• Client Documentation: Conduct regular, comprehensive reviews of client documentation to ensure quality and completeness. 
• Reporting: Complete service delivery reports for all funders as required. Also, responsible for data collection, documentation, and reporting to senior management staff and funders. 
• Training: Direct, coordinate, and implement training programs for staff, both internal and outsourced, focusing on SNAP and health insurance enrollment activities. 
• Performance Management: Conduct performance management activities for direct reports, including performance appraisals, documentation, coaching, and, if necessary, performance improvement and corrective actions. 
• Team Building: Foster unity among staff, ensure alignment with the program's mission and vision, and promote the adoption of agency values. Motivate staff to work together as a cohesive team. 
• Communication: Provide regular updates to senior management and all program staff on key program performance indicators. 
• Mission and Values: Perform all functions in alignment with CHASI's Mission, Vision, and Core Values. Uphold and advance the values, ethics, knowledge, and mission of the profession. Respect the privacy of clients in accordance with HIPAA and hold in confidence all information obtained in the course of professional service. 
• Donor Relations: Solicit donations of goods and services from Staten Island community businesses, establishing and maintaining relationships with these entities to increase their contributions to the Pantry. 
• Funding Opportunities: Collaborate with the Fundraising and Administration teams to identify and respond to potential funding sources, including government and foundation grants. 
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties as assigned by the organization. 

Requirements

Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of experience providing community-based services required. 
• At least 2 years of experience with program management and staff supervision. 
• Maintain valid Food Safety Training Certification. 
• Ability to work independently or work in a team setting and use effective leadership and communication skills.  
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal/external sources as well as the ability to relate effectively to clients, front line staff, middle, and executive management.  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint. 
• Must be able to respond in person to an on-site emergency within 2 hours as needed. 

CHASI is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring and supporting a diverse staff. People of color, LGBTQ, women, and people with disabilities strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability or marital status.