Community Organizer

The Initiative Community Organizer of the Muskego Way Forward Initiative works with the Initiative Coordinator and Program Administrator as a team responsible for leading diverse neighborhood residents and other partners in a collective process to strengthen the Muskego Way Neighborhood. The work includes identifying, coordinating, and enhancing the assets of the neighborhood in order to achieve stronger families, safer streets, more beautiful spaces, greater economic vitality, and ultimately a neighborhood that is united around a collective desire to move Muskego Way revitalization efforts forward.

These positions act as the primary community organizer for the Muskego Way Forward Initiative, working to advance the strategies outlined in the Muskego Way Neighborhood Revitalization plan. This person will be responsible for resident engagement and recruitment, support communication and follow up for meeting events, oversight of housing survey efforts related to RON, and serve as primary contact for community members regarding evolving efforts on identified community priorities. The work is done in a highly collaborative environment and built upon the hopes and dreams of residents for their neighborhood and catalyzed by the strengths of the neighborhood – businesses, families, parks, churches, schools, artists, the neighborhood association, and most importantly the neighbors who lead the progress of the initiative.

Muskego Way Forward Initiative

Milwaukee Christian Center’s work to build strong neighborhoods full of opportunity can be seen in Muskego Way where Muskego Way Forward has strengthened the neighborhood, created new connections and opportunities, and built on the leadership of dedicated residents. This work is neighbor driven, staffed and supported by Milwaukee Christian Center.

Reports to: Executive Director

Schedule: Full-time, nonexempt position with frequent evening and weekend meetings/events

Pay Rate: $42,000 – $46,000

Benefits: 403(b) retirement plan match (3%) after one year of service, pre-tax flexible spending account for eligible health and childcare expenses, paid vacation and time off, paid holidays, dental insurance.

Duties and Responsibilities Include:

1. Build strong relationships with neighbors, initiative partners, and funders that guide and care about achieving stronger families, safer streets, more beautiful spaces, greater economic vitality, and ultimately a neighborhood that is united around a collective desire to move Muskego Way forward.
2. Develop a housing resident led committee that prioritizes how to address housing and rental stock issues in the Muskeg Way neighborhood.
3. Assist with facilitation of Safety and Association meetings, diaper pick up, and participate as a member of critical partner meetings that include Mitchell, CSTL, and RON.
4. Engage stakeholders/residents in advancing the strategies outlined in the community- developed Muskego Way Forward Revitalization Plan including the following priority areas: community safety, housing, health & wellness, education, beautification, and economic vitality.
5. Canvas community as needed to assess needs and build strategies around those needs.
6. Connect residents with necessary identified resources and create informational materials and reports, as needed.
7. Develop member leaders through one-on-ones, participation in Association meetings, and other forms of member engagement that address community needs.
8. Meet regularly with the Muskego Way Forward team, prioritizing goals and specific support needed to carry out the work of the Initiative.
9. Assist with the newsletter informing keeping residents of activities and prioritized issues being addressed

Qualifications Desired Include:

1. Bilingual (Spanish/English) language skills required.
2. Knowledge of and experience in the Muskego Way Neighborhood and Milwaukee’s near south side is highly valued.
3. Experience in community development, organizing, human services, or related field.
4. Ability to build strong relationships.
5. Experience managing projects/initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
6. Able to collaborate with diverse team of neighbors, staff, partners, and volunteers.

Work Environment

Milwaukee Christian Center is a multi-service organization that works to build strong neighborhoods full of opportunity. We approach that work through four core areas: housing, youth development, older adults, and food security – serving over 7,500 people each year. What began with American Baptist roots providing outreach to immigrants on Milwaukee’s south side in 1921, MCC now serves youth, families, and older adults of all races, ethnicities, religions, and ages throughout the city of Milwaukee.

Work for the Muskego Way Forward Initiative takes place largely in Muskego Way (16th to 27th St., Greenfield to Becher) and surrounding neighborhoods. Staff offices are located within Milwaukee Christian Center’s main site.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Milwaukee Christian Center does not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, or client because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. Milwaukee Christian Center is an equal opportunity employer.