Join our team.

Description:

The Haven’s Community Engagement Coordinator manages our volunteer program and develops community partnerships that support our people and programs. With the Development team, you will coordinate The Haven’s community messaging through a variety of formats and platforms. You will promote the principles of trauma-informed care and harm reduction, as well as the Housing First model. You will embody the ideal of radical hospitality.

The Haven is an equal opportunity, second chance employer. We encourage people who have experienced oppression or were formerly incarcerated to apply, as well as those who feel particularly called to The Haven’s mission even if you do not yet possess all the preferred skills for this role.

Applicants should provide a resume and a cover letter that demonstrates your interest and your relevant experience working alongside marginalized communities. Candidates will not be considered without these items. Submit applications by email to careers@thehaven.org by July 11.
We will begin reviewing applications on July 1.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Consistently embody the guiding values of The Haven when interacting with human beings

• + Respond to human beings with radical hospitality, unconditional positive regard, and a commitment to the principles of the Housing First and Harm Reduction models
  + Practice and promote antiracist, trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based responses to human beings
  + Foster a culture of collaboration, mutual support, creativity, and excellence within The Haven

  2. Coordinate Day Shelter & Kitchen volunteers

  + Maintain and expand volunteer recruitment and retention strategy
  + Provide orientation, training, and regular support for volunteers
  + Support day shelter and kitchen staff in holding volunteers accountable to expectations in Haven Volunteer Manual
  + Engage with and organize community groups, in particular, local student and faith-based groups
  + Maintain online volunteer schedule and database
  + Develop ongoing learning opportunities for volunteers in line with organizational values and facilitate as needed

  3. Maintain and expand community partnerships

  + Work to build new connections and partnerships within the community that benefit Haven guests, staff, and programs
  + Implement community partner programs for Day Shelter guests; communicate and coordinate with those partners; and routinely evaluate needs, efficacy, and mutual benefit of such programs
  + Surveying Day Shelter guests to better understand their needs
  + Make presentations to and participate in small group discussions with university/primary school classes, local clubs, businesses, etc.
  + Attend local volunteer fairs and community expos, providing information and outreach

  4. Coordinate community messaging

  + Consistently demonstrate basic understanding of the programs and services of The Haven and the local Continuum of Care for people experiencing homelessness
  + Coordinate internal and external marketing (promotion to staff, service providers, and guest engagement wherever appropriate)
  + Update and maintain website and social media accounts
  + Create and design regular email newsletters
  + Create PSAs and images/ads to promote Haven news and fundraising events through email and social media, working in conjunction with staff members, guests, and clients when appropriate
  + Connect with local media outlets to provide accurate information about Haven services and advertise community events
  + Create bi-annual newsletter, including conducting guest/staff interviews and working with graphic designer

Preferred Skills:

Work Schedule:

Benefits:

• + Demonstrated success in a community engagement and/or volunteer coordination role
  + Compassion for all people, especially those in crisis
  + Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  + Aware of and able to articulate the issues and challenges people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity face
  + Possesses emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and a sense of humor
  + Is inclusive, self-directed, adaptable, flexible, and creative
  + Ability to provide clear direction, instruction, and feedback to volunteers and staff
  + Understanding of personal/professional boundaries and self-care practices and ability to consistently implement them
  + Experience working with marginalized populations
  + Possesses trauma-informed and racial equity lenses
  + Ability to improvise and adapt to changing circumstances
  + Comfortable with computers and able to learn new software programs
  + Reliable, punctual, detail-oriented, and organized
  + Physical stamina, i.e. carrying large boxes up to 25 pounds and standing for long periods of time
  + Access to reliable transportation

The Haven's mission is to provide a safe and welcoming space for people experiencing homelessness or extreme poverty, supporting individuals and families as they pursue stability through connections to resources and creative housing interventions. Located in downtown Charlottesville, Virginia, trained staff and dedicated volunteers at The Haven practice radical hospitality, opening the doors wide for any and everyone, no matter their circumstances.

At The Haven, we value the diversity of backgrounds, experience, perspectives, and skill sets that we collectively provide to our community, Clients, and colleagues. We celebrate and thrive on our differences and welcome everyone’s unique contributions.

• 40 hours, Monday – Friday

• Primarily in-person, with remote work option 1 day / week

• Evening and weekend availability required for occasional events

• Health insurance premium stipend + HSA contribution

• 30 days of PTO + 14 paid holidays per year

• Wellness reimbursement 

• Child care reimbursement 

• Paid parental leave

• Retirement fund matching

• Sabbatical program