Community Advocate Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title

Community Advocate Manager

Reports To

SSH Director, Standing With Our Neighbors (“SWON”)

Department

SSH - Standing With Our Neighbors

Supervision

Community Advocates and Intake Coordinator

Work Location

Hybrid

FLSA: Exempt 

Position Summary

The  Community Advocate Manager is a full-time position in the  Standing With Our Neighbors™ Program (“SWON”)in Atlanta, Georgia. Standing With Our Neighbors is a part of the Safe and Stable Homes project that addresses housing instability for families residing in geographic areas at the heart of the City of Atlanta’s Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative and Atlanta Public Schools attendance zones. AVLF is devoting considerable volunteer resources to improving living conditions and housing stability in the target neighborhoods to reduce student enrollment turnover and enhance student attendance and performance. SWON focuses on outreach and tenant education, close coordination with community partners, advocacy, and direct legal representation of tenants. Specifically, AVLF’s legal advocacy aims to halt evictions and resolve underlying issues – including heading off evictions before they are filed, forcing repair of deplorable conditions, preserving housing subsidies, and/or securing compensation for lost property and other damages. Clients access legal services through AVLF’s existing programs and clinics.

The Community Advocate Manager supervises and supports the SWON Intake Coordinator and the Community Advocates at schools and offices within the SWON geographic zones. Additionally, the Community Advocate Manager works directly under the SWON Director to manage SWON programs, events, meetings, volunteers, and community partners. Moreover, the Community Advocate Manager supports Community Advocates in planning and executing SWON community education efforts, school and community events, training, and building and maintaining relationships with community partners/organizations.  

The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to creating organization and systematic training and support for Community Advocates to make an impact on housing and transiency in schools and communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Staff Supervision & Team Management

• Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance, and support to SWON Community Advocates and the Intake Coordinator. 
• Conduct regular team check-ins to address program needs and concerns, communicate AVLF and SWON updates, and provide relevant training and guidance. 
• Conduct individual site visits, one-on-one check-ins, and virtual meetings to review goals, assess program progress, address concerns, and identify support needs. 
• Support the SWON Director in conducting performance reviews and providing ongoing performance feedback to supervised staff. 
• Review and approve routine staff requests, including PTO, in coordination with the SWON Director and in accordance with AVLF policies and procedures. 
• Coordinate the onboarding and integration of new Community Advocates and other assigned SWON staff. 
• Support the planning and execution of SWON events and activities, including coordinating staff participation and addressing operational needs. 
• Facilitate communication regarding client, school, and program needs and coordinate requests involving other AVLF departments

Program Management & Community Engagement

• Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of SWON program activities and initiatives. 
• Coordinate community outreach efforts, including Know Your Rights presentations, legal clinics, community tours, and other community-based events. 
• Attend meetings and events with school staff, community partners, and stakeholders in the communities served by SWON. 
• Assist the SWON Director with developing, reviewing, and updating program policies, procedures, and other program-related documents. 
• Assist with the development and updating of SWON outreach and marketing materials. 
• Coordinate and maintain SWON marketing materials, office supplies, and event supplies. 
• Represent AVLF and the SWON program at community meetings, coalitions, and other external events, as needed. 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience. 
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of relevant professional experience in community engagement, advocacy, outreach, human services, or a related field.
• Experience working in a nonprofit, legal services, housing advocacy, or community-based organization preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with low-income individuals, tenants, or historically underserved communities strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising or managing direct reports, preferably in a nonprofit, legal services, education, or social services environment preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in community advocacy, community engagement, or organizing. 
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice and providing services to low-income individuals and communities. 
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including comfort with public speaking and presenting to groups. 
• Ability to communicate and build effective relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and across a range of constituencies, including clients, community partners, school personnel, volunteers, and legal professionals. 
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities. 
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt in a fast-paced and changing environment. 
• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and sound judgment in carrying out responsibilities. 
• Ability to receive and incorporate constructive feedback and seek guidance or clarification when appropriate. 
• Demonstrates emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and professionalism in workplace interactions. 
• Comfortable learning and using new technology; proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel preferred.

Working Conditions: 

Fast-paced hybrid work environment requiring the ability to multi-task, prioritize competing responsibilities, and communicate effectively. The position may require travel to and from meetings with clients, community partners, and AVLF colleagues. Work may also involve bending and prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.