Community Engagement Manager

CHAI: Comprehensive Housing Assistance, Inc. is a nonprofit housing and community development organization serving northwest Baltimore. For almost four decades of community service, CHAI has been forging deep connections and helping residents of all ages thrive, making our neighborhoods a stronger, better place in which to live, learn, and grow older.

Community Engagement Manager

Cheswolde, Cross Country & Glen Communities

Build Stronger Neighborhoods. Strengthen Community Connections. Make a Lasting Impact.

CHAI is seeking an experienced and passionate Community Engagement Manager (CEM) to lead community-building efforts in the Cheswolde, Cross Country, and Glen neighborhoods of Northwest Baltimore. The CEM will also oversee the implementation of the community School Strategy at Cross Country Elementary/Middle School. This position is ideal for a skilled macro social worker or community organizer who thrives on building relationships, fostering partnerships, supporting schools, and helping residents turn community goals into action.

As the primary CHAI representative for these neighborhoods, you will work closely with residents, neighborhood associations, schools, elected officials, city agencies, and community partners to advance initiatives that improve quality of life, strengthen civic engagement, and support neighborhood revitalization.

About CHAI

CHAI is a nonprofit community development organization dedicated to helping people of all ages thrive by strengthening neighborhoods, supporting housing stability, and fostering vibrant, connected communities across Northwest Baltimore.

What You'll Do

Community Engagement & Neighborhood Development

• Serve as CHAI's primary community engagement representative in Cheswolde, Cross Country, and Glen.
• Build relationships with residents through outreach, meetings, events, and neighborhood initiatives.
• Partner with neighborhood associations and community leaders to identify priorities and develop solutions.
• Coordinate community improvement projects, cleanups, revitalization efforts, and neighborhood events.
• Promote CHAI programs and connect residents to relevant resources and services.
• Manage CHAI's Facade Improvement Matching Grant Program, including administration, reporting, and financial tracking.

School & Community Partnership Leadership

• Oversee implementation of the Community School Strategy at Cross Country Elementary/Middle School.
• Supervise the Community School Coordinator and support school-community partnerships.
• Serve as CHAI's liaison with Baltimore City Public Schools and the Family League of Baltimore City.
• Expand partnerships that bring resources, volunteers, and opportunities to students and families.

Coalition Building & Community Leadership

• Represent CHAI at neighborhood, civic, and multi-agency coalition meetings.
• Support community committees through meeting coordination, communications, and documentation.
• Collaborate with residents and stakeholders to strengthen neighborhood leadership and engagement.

Grant & Program Management

• Manage community development grants and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Track program outcomes, expenditures, and performance metrics.
• Assist with budgeting, purchasing, reporting, and identifying future funding opportunities.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Community Development, Public Administration, Education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in community engagement, organizing, or community development.
• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with public schools and community-based organizations.
• Strong project management and relationship-building skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, SharePoint, and Zoom.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support meetings and community events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Knowledge of Northwest Baltimore neighborhoods and community networks.
• Experience managing grants and community-based programs.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Community outreach and coalition building
• Leadership and staff supervision
• Problem-solving and sound judgment
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
• Strong organizational and administrative abilities
• Ability to build trust with diverse stakeholders

Why Join CHAI?

At CHAI, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents while helping strengthen vibrant and connected communities. You'll join a dedicated team committed to collaboration, innovation, and neighborhood impact.

CHAI believes that Black lives matter. We are committed to fostering a safe, anti-racist environment. Together, through open dialogue, we will continually learn and grow with a goal of achieving a culture that promotes justice and pushes for systemic change. We commit to ensuring that the voices influencing our actions are inclusive and representative. We stand firm in our belief that racial equity is essential to strong community.