Community Organizer - Prevention & Coalition Engagement

Position Title: Community Organizer Prevention & Coalition Engagement

Location: Metro Detroit MI

Organization: The Youth Connection

Reports To: Director of Community Outreach / PSUPS Director (2 positions open)

Date Written/Revised: September 2026

Salary: $40000 $42500 Benefits

Type: Full-Time FLSA Status: Exempt

Make a Real Impact in Your Community:

Are you passionate about empowering youth and creating real change in your community

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Organizer helps move coalition activities from planning to action by recruiting and engaging members coordinating prevention activities and campaigns supporting youth and parent leadership collecting required data and documentation and assisting with implementation of DFC and PSUPS grant work plans.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Coalition & Community Engagement:

• Recruit engage and retain youth parents residents and community partners in coalition and prevention activities. Build and maintain relationships with key community sectors.
• Conduct outreach within targeted Detroit neighborhoods and ZIP codes to increase resident awareness and participation.
• Attend community meetings school events neighborhood activities resource fairs and other events to represent The Youth Connection and its prevention initiatives.
• Assist with coalition meetings workgroups community forums listening sessions and other engagement activities.
• Develop relationships with individuals and organizations that may not traditionally participate in substance use prevention efforts.

Prevention Strategies & Community-Level Change:

• Assist with implementation of DFC and PSUPS goals objectives strategies activities and required deliverables.
• Support community-level environmental prevention strategies addressing alcohol marijuana/cannabis tobacco/vaping prescription drugs opioids and other emerging substance use concerns.
• Help organize and implement prevention campaigns community education activities Red Ribbon Week DEA Drug Take Back activities medication safety initiatives and other coalition-sponsored activities.
• Work with coalition members to identify community conditions that contribute to youth substance use and develop appropriate prevention responses.
• Support strategies designed to change community norms practices policies access and other environmental factors associated with youth substance use.

REQUIRED JOB KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and comfortably in Detroit neighborhoods and community settings.
• Ability to establish authentic respectful relationships with youth parents residents community leaders and organizational partners.

• Knowledge of or interest in substance use prevention public health community organizing coalition development or youth development.
• Strong interpersonal verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings small groups community discussions and presentations.
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills.
• Ability to manage multiple activities deadlines and community commitments.
• Ability to work independently in the community while functioning effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and complete required documentation in a timely manner.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word Outlook PowerPoint and Excel.
• Ability to learn grant-specific data collection and reporting systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in community development public health social work psychology sociology education communications human services or a related field preferred.
• Relevant community organizing prevention youth development or community engagement experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience working with community-based organizations youth-serving organizations schools faith-based organizations coalitions public health programs civic organizations or similar community initiatives preferred.
• Experience working with youth and families strongly preferred.
• Experience with substance use prevention coalition development community organizing or grant-funded programs is preferred.
• Knowledge of Detroit neighborhoods organizations institutions and community culture is highly desirable.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Must be willing and able to work regularly in Detroit neighborhoods and community-based settings.
• Work primarily forty (40) weekday hours including occasional evenings and weekends for coalition meetings community events and outreach activities.
• Must have reliable transportation auto insurance and be able to travel throughout Detroit and Wayne County as required.
• Valid unrestricted Michigan Drivers License required.
• Local and occasional out-of-state travel for meetings conferences and training may be required.
• Must meet all organizational requirements for working with youth and community partners.

EXPECTED SALARY:

Salary Range: $40000 - $42500 annually commensurate with education and experience.

Ready to Apply

If youre ready to make a difference and grow your career we want you to apply!