Community outreach manager

Help us Build a Thriving New England! Ascentria Care Alliance has been transforming underserved communities for over 150 years, providing a wide range of services to children, families, and seniors across five states. Recognized as one of the largest human services nonprofits in New England and one of the top 100 women-led businesses in Massachusetts, we envision vibrant communities where all individuals have access to resources to support one another to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.

Summary: The Community Outreach Manager provides leadership by supporting the mission of the program and agency as well as in overseeing the operations of community outreach/awareness and the recruitment and development of foster parents and volunteers across the Children and Family programs including Adoption, Unaccompanied Refugee Minor, Division of Children’s Services, Intensive Foster Care and Teen Parenting Programs. The Community Outreach Manager works collaboratively with many social and community settings/venues to identify potential resources (families, volunteers), provide comprehensive family assessment and preparation as well as training with the goal of retention of families and volunteers. He/she leads a team to attract potential families/volunteers and supports them through the journey of fostering and/or adopting and/or becoming a social connection.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic marketing plan for family and volunteer recruitment and retention that has objectives, outcomes and impact across programs
• Oversee the development of a marketing and communication strategy and assure implementation to recruit qualified volunteers and families
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with leaders in community settings (ie: congregations, hospitals, libraries, schools, businesses) for the purpose of recruiting families and volunteers
• Consult to and collaborate with Managers to assess individual program needs as well as population/community needs
• Work with the Children and Family service teams for the recruitment and retention of families and volunteers; identify barriers and implement inclusive methods for successful recruitment
• Oversee and directly promote awareness, education and training to the community to prepare families and volunteers for understanding the process of caring for and/or working with children, adolescents and young adults.
• Oversee and assure the coordination of and team participation in special event opportunities within the community for the purpose of recruiting families and volunteers
• Work with the Ascentria Marketing Department to update materials as needed
• Effectively recruit and assist with the development of enough qualified families and volunteers to meet or exceed the growth targets for the program
• Effectively manage resources and maximize departments performance and effectiveness
• Oversee and directly promote awareness, education and training to the community to prepare families and volunteers for understanding the process of caring for and/or working with children, adolescents and young adults
• Maintain an excellent relationship with state or private funding sources and other state authorities responsible for regulating foster/adoptive homes, volunteers and child placing agencies
• Maintain expertise on permanency for children/youth, family development, and licensing and funding regulations
• Assure that coordination of MAPP training as need across foster care and adoption departments as well a volunteer orientations
• Conduct home studies on new families and/or child assessments as needed
• Assure that all regulatory requirement are accounted for and ensure that required documentation is completed maintained and meets contractual guidelines
• Provide positive role modeling and leadership to direct supervisees as well as within the team setting.
• Assure that supervision of staff is done on a weekly basis and in a professional manner taking into account individuals needs
• Responsible for assuring the hiring of and disciplining of employees as well as completion of performance evaluations for those that he/she supervises
• Function consistent with all agency policies, including confidentiality and client rights and responsibilities
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on call responsibilities for nights, weekend as needed

Non-Essential Responsibilities:

• Participate in agency wide committees or initiatives as necessary

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• Bachelor Degree required Masters preferred in Marketing, Public Relations, Human Services or related field
• Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience
• Experience in understanding child welfare systems and community relations work
• MAPP TOT certification to be obtained within 6 months of date of hire with support of the agency
• Valid Driver’s License, positive driving record, and proof of automobile insurance to transport children & families in own vehicle throughout Massachusetts.
• Excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite. FamilyNet/Virtual gateway experience is preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain a calm, energetic and positive presentation

Physical/Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. Required to sit for long periods of time. Infrequent light physical effort required. Requires driving own vehicle to various sites.

Here’s why you should join us:

We prioritize our employees' wellbeing with a comprehensive benefits package, for those who qualify, and a supportive workplace culture where all are encouraged and empowered to drive change, make a difference, and enjoy life outside of work. Ascentria offers the following employee benefits:

• High quality/affordable health, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall wellness
• Flexible Spending Account to help manage eligible expenses
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match
• A full-service Employee Assistance Program with many free and accessible services and supports
• Generous tuition reimbursement to invest in your professional growth and development
• Paid time off which increases as your tenure grows and holidays for work-life balance
• A workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where all voices are heard and respected

When you join Ascentria, you’re not just taking on a job—you’re stepping into a role that empowers you to grow personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful mission. Transform lives and communities with Ascentria Care Alliance. Apply today to be a part of our mission-driven Team!