Community Builder

COMMUNITY BUILDER

Full-Time

Hybrid in Northern Virginia/ DMV

Are you a self-motivated, creative community organizer? Are you passionate about fostering Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) through hands-on initiatives? Do you thrive in being part of a growing, grassroots, community-centered nonprofit? If you answered yes to these questions, then we invite you to join our dynamic team of colleagues dedicated to advancing the disability-forward movement!

ABOUT OSG

OSG (formerly Our Stomping Ground) is dedicated to supporting adults with developmental disabilities (DD) in affordable housing across Northern Virginia, offering over 100 hours of inclusive programming each month. From walks and yoga, to art sessions and movie nights, our diverse activities foster community and inclusion among all neighbors. Expanding beyond our immediate communities, OSG's services reach over 500 individuals of all ages, abilities, and cultures.

Our programming fosters belonging and provides valuable resources to individuals and families in need, reflecting our commitment to community support and inclusion. To better understand OSG, read Our Why and watch the first segment of this Voice of Americabroadcast .

THE OPPORTUNITY

Central to OSG's mission are our Community Builders, who customize programming that promotes inclusion and interdependent living. These dedicated individuals serve as the linchpin of our organization, facilitating connections and ensuring the well-being of our members.

As our new Community Builder, you will serve roughly 100 residents across Alexandria. A typical day will involve engaging with residents through community walks, art classes, informal dinners, and movies. You will also help with data collection, reporting, and social media.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide support for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
  • Lead in-person programming for 20 hours per week with an additional 20 hours dedicated to online meetings and coordination.
  • Lead apartment tours and housing presentations.
  • Connect residents with appropriate services and resources to address their individual needs.
  • Foster partnerships with relevant organizations to enhance support services and opportunities for residents.
  • Provide educational resources and guidance on health, safety, and well-being within the community.
• Foster Inclusion
  • Lead engaging activities and events that cater to the diverse interests of OSG residents and community members.
  • Actively promote and encourage participation in events through various channels, including in-person interactions and digital communication.
  • Conduct regular surveys within the community to gauge interest and ensure high turnout for activities.
  • Maintain a self-motivated and proactive approach to community organizing, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt in a startup, grassroots environment.
• Program Outreach, Education, Coordination and Administration
  • Complete research, reporting, and additional projects as requested by leadership.
  • Outreach with community organizations and establishments for possible partnerships, education, and new ways of engaging with the local community
  • Participate in Community Education activities aimed at promoting events and affordable housing
  • Participate in advocacy efforts to promote resources and funding for individuals with DD
  • Utilize NEON CRM (our database) to populate events and track participation
  • Stay informed and abreast of research, best practices and information related to working with adults with disabilities
  • Procure supplies and materials needed for relevant programming within allocated budget
  • Participate in other duties as assigned

WHAT YOU BRING

• Deep prioritization of the well-being of others, continued demonstration of empathy and compassion
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively connect with adults with developmental disabilities, their families, caregivers, OSG staff, and community partners
• 2- 3 years of volunteer or work experience in community organizing
• Previous experience working with marginalized or at-risk populations, such as individuals with disabilities, unhoused individuals, people of color (POC), and/or LGBTQ+ communities
• Experience working with adults with DD preferred
• Adept problem-solving skills to address challenges effectively
• Strong planning and organizational skills, detail oriented and reliable
• Ability to work hybrid with personal laptop and cell phone (tech stipend provided), reliable internet, and video capability
• Ability to work independently and asynchronously
• Access to own car to regularly attend programming and community events and to perform administrative related functions
• Availability to work 2 evenings per week

WHAT WE OFFER

• Starting salary: $60,000
• Annual healthcare stipend: $6,000
• IT stipend: $500
• Transportation stipend: $100/month
• 401k retirement plan with employer match of up to 3.5%
• 11 paid federal holidays, 10 days of paid time off (PTO) for vacation, 5 days of sick-leave
• A small, highly collaborative, caring team
• The opportunity to be part of building a growing, grassroots, community-centered organization

HOW TO APPLY

This position is hybrid with on-site work at community-based locations in Northern Virginia. Employees must be based in the DMV area, with preference for living in or near Alexandria.

We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If this job excites you and aligns with your values and aspirations, we strongly encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

OSG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, religion, ideology, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, military status, medical condition, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws. All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and organizational need. OSG is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and complies with federal and state disability laws to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the interview process, please provide the request when offered an interview.