Community & Business Development Specialist

Description

Job Description:

The Community Connection Specialist serves as a vital ambassador for The Independence Center (The IC), helping to drive awareness, engagement, and interest in our programs and services. This role is focused on outreach efforts designed to grow our client base by actively connecting individuals, caregivers, and referral sources with the resources and support available through The IC. The Connection Specialist will participate in community events and outreach efforts, though the primary responsibility is to generate awareness and referrals to motivate new Consumers, Clients, Veterans, and Caregivers to utilize the IC’s services. This individual will act as a bridge between The IC and the broader community to build relationships that support access, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key connector between The IC and potential Clients, Caregivers, Veterans and referral sources.
• Proactively identify opportunities to increase referrals and grow participation in The IC’s programs and services.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community partners, healthcare professionals, and service agencies.
• Represent The IC at community events and networking opportunities, ensuring messaging is consistent with The IC’s mission and values.
• Deliver presentations to organizations and groups about The IC’s services and impact.
• Seek out and pursue speaking engagements and opportunities to increase visibility.
• Work closely with internal teams to understand program offerings, capacity, and consumer needs.
• Support marketing initiatives which raise awareness of services and engage new audiences.
• Participate and engage in any required program, committee or IC meetings with or in place of leadership.
• This position may also require the performance of other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates The IC’s core values of Adaptability, Collaboration, Inclusion, Integrity and Person First.
• Commitment to co-creating a culture that fosters diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Extraordinary customer service skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Self-motivated, persistent, and flexible.
• Strong organizational skills and detail oriented.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities as well as deadlines.
• Takes responsibility for high-quality work.
• Capacity to work individually and as a member of a team in a team-oriented, inclusive environment.
• Possess decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• The capacity to empower individuals to advocate for themselves to maximize independence.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and work within the confines of HIPAA regulations.
• Proficiency with computers, including MS Windows, MS Office, Adobe Suite, (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams), Zoom and other common computer programs.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, Human Services, or related field.
• Minimum three years’ experience in community engagement, outreach, business development, or a similar role.
• Experience working with people with disabilities is preferred.
• Lived experience with a disability preferred.

Travel:

• Local travel to partners, collaborators, and vendors for official IC-related business, trainings, presentations, and events may be required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and car insurance.

Working Conditions:

• Office environment requiring ongoing computer use and extended amount of time sitting or standing.
• Frequently lift, push, pull, up to 10 lbs. 
• Internet access to work remotely if protocols are issued for remote work.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to empower the qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position.