Brightside Community Homes Foundation (“Brightside”) is a private-sector, non-for-profit organization that has been providing affordable rental homes in Vancouver for over 70 years. Much more than just an affordable housing provider and property manager, Brightside is committed to creating inclusive communities for folks who value social-purpose renting and who are looking for a safe and secure place to call home. All of Brightside’s new properties are carbon neutral and sustainable, and our goal is to maintain affordability over time.
COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
At Brightside, we envision a future where all people have access to homes within a safe, vibrant and healthy community. We are committed to recognizing and reflecting the diversity of the people we house, the communities we build, and the talent we employ. Brightside fosters an inclusive workplace culture where ideas, individual abilities and diverse perspectives are valued and each person is encouraged to learn, develop, and contribute in a meaningful way.
OPPORTUNITY
Brightside is seeking to fill a full-time, permanent position in the role of Community Engagement Coordinator, reporting directly to the Manager, Housing Services & Engagement.
MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS
- To encourage and enable residents to connect and engage within their housing communities, to minimize isolation and help promote stable tenancies.
- To network with community-based organizations to ensure we have strong partnerships in the community, whose services we can leverage.
- To facilitate resident-led and/or community-led social events and activities.
- To connect and refer residents to community support services within the framework of Brightside’s independent-living mandate.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create welcoming spaces and opportunities for engagement between residents and the community at-large.
- Communicate with residents on a regular basis to promote engagement opportunities and respond to needs or concerns expressed by residents.
- Provide information and referral to residents as appropriate for high level health, wellbeing and safety related inquires.
- Assist with resident communications such as property-related matters, health & safety updates, and special bulletins.
- Network with community-based organizations to ensure strong and strategic partnerships in the community whose services we can leverage.
- Advance resident-driven engagement initiatives including recycling education, community garden programs, and emergency preparedness.
- Ensure consistent engagement practices in alignment with Brightside’s role as an Independent Living housing provider.
- Coordinate the ongoing use of amenity rooms and community spaces at Brightside buildings.
- Identify needs, requirements, and opportunities for improvement in amenity spaces for optimal use (eg. furniture).
- Collaborate and assist with documenting and maintaining all equipment in amenity spaces, reviewing security systems (eg. locked cabinets for storage), and report damaged or non-functioning equipment.
- Assist in the development and delivery of education and training programs for residents and staff, as directed.
- Research and assist in preparing grant applications.
- Work collaboratively across functional areas to optimize opportunities for residents and staff to engage in social and/or formalized programs (eg. Oasis), research initiatives, and new program development.
- Plan, coordinate, and host Brightside community events as required.
- Represent Brightside at community events, presentations, and conferences
- Provide ad-hoc support to other resident-facing roles, as required
- Assist with projects/assignments and other duties, as assigned.
The preceding job description is not exhaustive and may change from time to time depending on the needs of the Foundation. This role is resident-facing, in-community requiring a consistent presence in the buildings and engaging with residents. Additional responsibilities may be assigned as the role develops and priorities shift.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Proven experience and understanding of asset-based community development practices and community outreach.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate professionally with residents, colleagues, and external stakeholders both verbally and written.
- Previous experience with community engagement and relationship building.
- Previous experience working with diverse populations, including those who are vulnerable and/or living at risk, those who are aging and experiencing increasing frailty, people with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ and BIPOC populations.
- Ability to demonstrate patience and tolerance and exercise tact, diplomacy and good judgement when dealing with people of diverse cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds and those who use challenging behaviors.
- Must be resourceful and independent, with good interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
- Strong command of Microsoft Office Suite and overall ability to learn and use new technology and software, including CRM databases.
- Must possess a clear understanding of how to set boundaries and knowing when to escalate concerns and communicate information that may impact others or may require collaborative decision-making.
- Group facilitation skills and experience would be a strong asset.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- A criminal record check for working with vulnerable children and adults is required for this position.
- A valid BC Driver’s license is also required for this position.
- Must have the ability to maintain a flexible schedule, as some meetings/events may necessitate scheduling outside regular business hours.
- A high level of comfort with ambiguity is required for this position, as the housing environment changes frequently.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Brightside has pledged a “Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion”; the successful incumbent will be aligned with this commitment and the Foundation’s core values. Brightside is proud to be a certified Living Wage employer. Expected salary range for this position: $53,000-$60,000/yr (to commensurate with experience). A competitive extended health, dental and vision package is provided to qualified employees upon hiring. Employer-Matching RRSP program is offered after three (3) months of successful employment.
HOW TO APPLY
Brightside is an inclusive employer and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. All qualified individuals who would contribute to the further diversification of our organization are encouraged to apply. If you think you’d be a good fit for Brightside and this position, we invite you to submit your resume and cover letter in PDF format to careers@brightsidehomes.ca with “Community Engagement Coordinator + {Your Name}” in the subject line. Postings will remain open until the specified submission deadline or until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest in these career opportunities, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest.