Community Engagement Specialist

CPCDC- Community Engagement Specialist -Job Description-2025

Organization: Centennial Parkside CDC

Position Title: Part-time Community Engagement Specialist

Location: Philadelphia, PA

Organization Description

Centennial Parkside Community Development Corporation (CPCDC) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community development corporation located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The organization responds to a long-standing need for a Community Development Corporation in East Parkside that can align resources and leverage partnerships to spur equitable revitalization in the community. Our Board of Trustees includes leadership from existing neighborhood associations, business owners, local institutions, long-time residents and residents who are newly invested in the area.

CPCDC was established in 2015 with the intention of promoting an equitable development strategy that sustains an economically and culturally diverse community, improves the health and well-being of residents, strengthens the community’s identity and connectivity to Fairmount Park, and enhances the quality of the physical environment. The organization’s activities are focused in the community bounded to the west by Belmont Avenue, to the east by the Schuylkill River, to the north by Fairmount Park, and to the south by the Amtrak Harrisburg corridor.

Our Vision

We envision an equitable, revitalized and growing East Parkside. A premier place to live, work, and play. We have the opportunity to serve as a shining example for other Philadelphia communities who are also on the cusp of really big things.

Our Mission

Our mission is to preserve, promote and revitalize East Parkside through partnerships with businesses and institutions and programs that engage residents, increase opportunity, and grow a diverse, thriving community.

Our Values

Our work will be guided by our commitment to honesty, transparency, respect, fairness, consistency, accountability and effectiveness.

Role Overview

CPCDC is seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Community Engagement Specialist to lead our Resident Services and Programming initiative. The Part-Time Community Engagement Specialist will play a vital role in fostering and strengthening relationships between our nonprofit organization and the community. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing community outreach activities that build awareness, promote participation in our programs, and advance our mission. The ideal candidate is a proactive, personable, and detail-oriented professional who is passionate about community development and adept at engaging diverse groups.

This role is critical in supporting the neighborhood’s residents by providing resources and services that enhance housing and financial security. The Specialist will work to connect residents with necessary services, organize educational workshops, and foster collaborative relationships with service providers. This role will support the implementation of the strategic vision of CPCDC as outlined in the 2023 - 2028 strategic plan.

The role is structured as a Part-Time Contract position and reports directly to the Executive Director and will collaborate with all CPCDC Staff. 

Key Responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following 

• Outreach and Engagement: 
• Develop and execute outreach plans to increase community awareness of the nonprofit’s mission, programs, and events.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with community partners, local leaders, and stakeholder organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, forums, and meetings to foster goodwill and brand recognition.
• Develop and implement targeted outreach strategies to connect with East Parkside residents, business owners, property owners, and organizations, and institutions with the goal of increasing CPCDC’s ability to directly connect with our community. 
• Coordinate with local organizations to host workshops and drop-in clinics on financial wellness, home buying, tenant rights, and more.

• Partnership Development:
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with organizations offering financial wellness, homebuyer education, and emergency housing support.
• Organize workshops and 1:1 counseling sessions in the neighborhood and virtual platforms.
• Partner with existing IDA programs to launch a program tailored for East Parkside residents and small business owners.

• Program Coordination:
• Collaborate with home repair providers to connect residents with needed resources.
• Plan and execute home repair, property maintenance, and sustainable upgrades workshops.
• Manage emergency financial support programs, including IDA matching funds, emergency home repair grants, and down payment assistance.
• Establish and maintain a data management system to track community interactions and needs.

• Community Support:
• Provide individualized assistance to residents seeking to improve their housing conditions and achieve financial stability.
• Facilitate connections between residents and available social welfare programs.

Preferred Experience 

The ideal candidate will be a compassionate, community-centric individual with excellent communication and organizational skills and the ability to seamlessly manage multiple project workstreams and stakeholder groups.

Individuals with related professional experience in neighborhoods with characteristics comparable to those of East Parkside are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience:
• Proven experience in community outreach, engagement, or nonprofit program coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain positive community relations.

• Skills:
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to convey information clearly and persuasively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a friendly, energetic demeanor.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, content management systems, and basic graphic design is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and community engagement tools.

• Personal Attributes:
• Passionate about community service and social impact.
• Innovative problem-solver with a keen attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and project demands.

• Other Requirements: Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends, as needed. Ability to travel throughout the East Parkside neighborhood with outreach materials.

Compensation

• Hourly Rate: $30 per hour
• Hours: 20 hours per week
• Contract Duration: Initial 6-month contract with potential for extension based on performance and funding.

Location

• East Parkside Neighborhood, Philadelphia, PA. This will be primarily an “in the field” position with opportunity for some weekly hours worked remotely. 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to info@centennialparkside.org with the subject line “Part-Time Community Engagement Specialist Application.” In your cover letter, please describe your experience with community engagement and how it aligns with CPCDC’s mission and goals. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. 

Join our team and help make a meaningful impact in our community. We value innovation, collaboration, and the shared commitment to driving positive change through community engagement.