Community Design Manager

Community Design ManagerHelp Shape Creative, Resident-Centered Communities in the East BayAt EBALDC, we believe affordable housing is more than housing — it is the foundation for healthy, vibrant, and connected communities. We are seeking a mission-driven, collaborative, and creative Community Design Manager to help bring that vision to life through community-centered design, arts and culture initiatives, placemaking, and resident engagement across the Bay Area.This is an opportunity for someone who thrives at the intersection of community development, creativity, relationship-building, and project management. You will help lead projects that uplift local culture, amplify resident voice, and strengthen neighborhood identity in and around affordable housing communities.We are looking for someone who believes deeply in equity, cultural humility, and the power of creative practice to build belonging and community resilience.About the RoleThe Community Design Manager leads the planning, coordination, and implementation of creative community development projects that support EBALDC’s place-based initiatives throughout the East Bay. This role partners closely with residents, artists, community organizations, development teams, and neighborhood stakeholders to co-create spaces, programs, and experiences that reflect and celebrate community identity.Projects may include:Community art installationsPublic space activationsResident engagement and outreach effortsCommunity visioning and planning processesCreative placemaking initiatives connected to real estate development projectsStorytelling, cultural programming, and neighborhood activation effortsThis role is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable coordinating logistics, facilitating community conversations, managing consultants, and thinking creatively about how spaces can foster connection and belonging.What You’ll DoProject ManagementLead and support multiple creative community development projects simultaneously across a variety of settingsCoordinate project timelines, scopes, budgets, consultants, volunteers, and implementation logisticsSupport physical placemaking and design-related projects from concept through executionCollaborate across departments to align community design efforts with broader organizational goalsCommunity Engagement & OutreachDesign and facilitate inclusive community engagement strategies rooted in arts, culture, and relationship-buildingPartner with residents and local groups to co-design placemaking elements connected to affordable housing and neighborhood initiativesCreate opportunities for resident leadership, creativity, and participationPartnership DevelopmentBuild and sustain strong relationships with artists, community organizations, schools, small businesses, fabricators, faith communities, and neighborhood leadersRepresent EBALDC at community meetings, events, and neighborhood gatheringsFoster collaborative partnerships that strengthen local impact and cultural connectionCommunications & StorytellingHelp tell the story of projects and communities through creative and digital mediaSupport communications efforts that engage residents, partners, and stakeholdersContribute to visual storytelling, presentations, and community-facing materialsWhat We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications4+ years of relevant professional experience, including community design, placemaking, project coordination, or community development workStrong project management and organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities and timelinesExperience managing projects end-to-end, including scopes, timelines, contracts, and coordination of diverse stakeholdersAbility to work independently while exercising sound judgment and elevating issues appropriatelyExperience facilitating public engagement activities, meetings, or community-centered design processesExcellent interpersonal, collaboration, and communication skillsCommitment to equity, cultural humility, and working alongside low-income and BIPOC communitiesFamiliarity with design-related fields connected to the built environment such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, urban design, civil engineering, or construction managementComfort communicating with a wide range of audiences, from grassroots community members to institutional and public-sector partnersFlexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings or eventsReliable transportation throughout Oakland and the Bay AreaPreferred QualificationsWe especially encourage candidates to apply who bring:Written or spoken Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, or Vietnamese language skillsDeep familiarity with East Bay neighborhoods, especially Oakland ChinatownPassion for community-centered creative practice such as public art, graphic design, filmmaking, storytelling, activations, zine-making, data visualization, or digital mediaExperience supporting working artists, small businesses, or community entrepreneursExperience collaborating with real estate development teams, artists, fabricators, or design consultantsDemonstrated leadership in grassroots, school-based, or neighborhood organizationsWhy Join EBALDC?At EBALDC, you will join a mission-driven organization committed to building healthy, vibrant, and safe neighborhoods in the East Bay. You’ll work alongside passionate colleagues who care deeply about community impact, resident leadership, equity, and creativity.This role offers the opportunity to:Shape meaningful, community-centered projectsCollaborate across disciplines including housing, design, resident services, and community developmentBuild authentic relationships with residents and neighborhood stakeholdersHelp create spaces and experiences that reflect the culture, identity, and strengths of East Bay communitiesIf you are energized by creative collaboration, community engagement, and equitable development, we encourage you to apply.Salary - $70,000 - $85,000 doeAdditional InformationEBALDC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds, including those from the communities we serve, to apply.In accordance with the City of Oakland’s Fair Chance Hiring Ordinance, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment. A background check may be conducted after a conditional offer, consistent with applicable law.EBALDC participates in the federal E Verify program to confirm work authorization for all new employees. At this time, we are not able to sponsor employment visas. #J-18808-Ljbffr