Community Advocacy Manager

The Community Advocacy Manager plays a vital role in advancing Groundwork RVA's community-based initiatives and ensuring holistic support for program participants. This grant-funded position (for the life of the 4-year grant) focuses on supporting youth and apprentices in moments of crisis, while building systems of care and community connection that promote resilience, thriving, and long-term success. In addition, the Manager will support Groundwork RVA's broader mission by: Building a supportive services resource guide for program participants and families. Developing relationships with key partners to ensure warm referrals to community-based resources. Providing trauma-informed, equity-focused support to staff and youth and families engaged through Groundwork RVA's programs and initiatives. The role requires professional experience in social work, and trauma-informed care with resilience, equity, and culturally relevant lens. This position is grant-funded for the life of a current grant (four years), with continuation dependent on future funding. Responsibilities Provide case management-style support for apprentices and youth participants experiencing crises, connecting them with appropriate resources. Build and maintain a supportive resource service guide with community-based organizations and agencies. Develop strong partnerships with nonprofits, schools, social service agencies, and healthcare providers to enable warm referrals for participants and their families. Support families and youth engaged through Groundwork RVA's urban farm at Hillside Court, Green Team, Bike Shop, Highland Park community initiatives, and Parent Café programs, ensuring culturally relevant and trauma-informed practices. Integrate community feedback into program design, ensuring participant needs are met holistically. Collaborate with program staff to incorporate life skills and advocacy training into the apprenticeship curriculum. Mentor and cultivate leadership among youth and family participants to strengthen their capacity for community and youth-led advocacy and civic engagement. Track and document participant engagement, referrals, and outcomes to meet grant reporting requirements and internal evaluation benchmarks. Support preparation of program impact reports for funders, including data, outcomes, and success stories. Attend evening and weekend community events as needed to engage youth, families, and partners across neighborhoods. Collaborate with internal program teams (Green Workforce, Green Team, Bike Shop, and Farm) to ensure wrap-around support for all participants. Other duties as assigned. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in social work or related field strongly preferred; Minimum 3-5 years of experience in community engagement, case management, youth development, or advocacy work. Knowledge of trauma-informed practices, with equity, resilience, and culturally relevant lens. Strong relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders including nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and families. Experience working with vulnerable communities impacted by social, economic, and environmental inequities. Familiarity with grant-funded program structures, including reporting and compliance. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to assist with outreach and informational materials. Ability to track, evaluate, and report participants and outcomes. Commitment to celebrating diversity across race, ethnicity, gender identity, and expression. Spanish language proficiency is preferred but not required. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for community events. Compensation This is a full-time, grant-funded position for the life of the 4-year grant (2025-2028). Salary range: 55,000 to 65,000 based on experience. Benefits include 4 weeks of personal leave, 75% paid medical, dental and vision coverage, as well as access to a retirement savings plan with employer match. Groundwork RVA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to maintaining and growing a diverse team, and an anti-racist organization committed to doing business in keeping with core values of relevance, equity, diversity, and inclusion. #J-18808-Ljbffr Virginia Conservation Network