Programs Coordinator for Community Development Works

*THE RAPIDES FOUNDATION* *PROGRAMS COORDINATOR FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKS* *JOB DESCRIPTION* *REPORTS DIRECTLY TO PROGRAM OFFICER* *Job Summary: *The Programs Coordinator for Community Development Works leads the planning, coordination, and delivery of Community Development Works programming. This position manages nonprofit management and leadership development programs, facilitates trainings, oversees program logistics, maintains data and systems, and supports resource dissemination to strengthen Central Louisiana’s nonprofit and civic infrastructure. This is an in-office position with frequent local travel throughout The Rapides Foundation’s nine parish service area. *PROGRAM OVERVIEW:* Community Development Works (CDW) Community Development Works is a program of The Rapides Foundation focused on strengthening community engagement, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness for nonprofits. Community Development Works programs include: · Staffbuilders Training Calendar: Delivers professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers of nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and municipalities, with a focus on nonprofit management, governance, and community development. · Cenla Execbuilders: Provides leadership development for current and emerging Executive Directors through intensive training, executive coaching, and peer networking. · Cenla Boardbuilders: Offers leadership training for current and prospective nonprofit board members, with tracks designed for both new and experienced board leaders. · CDW Learning Lab: Serves as a civic engagement and capacity-building resource hub offering access to research and funding tools, community data, technical assistance, newsletters, and best practices. *Typical Responsibilities:* *Training and Program Management* * Work with Program Officer to plan, manage, and implement the training calendar, including in-person and virtual workshops, Cenla Boardbuilders, and Cenla Execbuilders programs. * Identify and contract with subject-matter experts to deliver specialized trainings, while also designing and facilitating select trainings directly, ensuring trainings emphasize interactive learning and real-time application. * Coordinate all program logistics, including participant recruitment and enrollment, scheduling, presenters, contracts, materials, food, marketing, evaluations, and follow-up. * Facilitate and manage contracts and relationships with consultants, trainers, vendors, and subscription-based nonprofit resources. * Create structured opportunities for peer learning, networking, and relationship-building among participants. * Monitor program timelines and deliverables to ensure key milestones are met. * Collaborate with Program Officer to analyze community needs to develop and implement new resources and make program improvements. *Community Engagement and Relationship Building* * Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with nonprofit organizations. * In conjunction with Program Officer, facilitate community convenings. * Attend community meetings to understand nonprofit needs, share CDW resources, and strengthen relationships across the service area. · Represent Community Development Works through public speaking engagements, presentations, media opportunities, and community events as assigned by the Program Officer and in coordination with the Director of Communications. * Share insights from the community, including emerging needs, challenges, and opportunities, with the Foundation’s Programs Department. *Technical Assistance and Resource Support* * Provide referrals and resources to nonprofit organizations on topics such as organizational capacity building, fundraising strategies, resource development, and grant readiness. * Manage and support the CDW Learning Lab, including maintaining a resource library related to fundraising, strategic planning, volunteer management, organizational development and other topics of interest. * Respond to inquiries by phone, email, and in person; research solutions when needed and follow up proactively. * Monitor nonprofit sector trends and curate a resource bank of tools, models, and best practices. * Develop and distribute a regularly scheduled Community Development Works newsletter to share nonprofit resources, funding opportunities, sector trends, training announcements, and relevant community information in coordination with the Program Officer and Director of Communications and in accordance with the Foundation communication standards. · Research and monitor grant funding opportunities; prepare concise summaries of findings and distribute to appropriate audiences. * Assist in the development of grant proposals for programs or services for CDW. * Provide technical support to Foundation staff related to CDW databases and audio/visual and computer equipment in the shared training space (the Mezzanine). *Content, Communications, and Data Management* * Develop and curate content for digital resources and social media in collaboration with the Program Officer and Director of Communications and in accordance with Foundation communications standards. * Collaborate with the Program Officer and Director of Communications to maintain and update the Community Development Works website. * Collaborate with the Program Officer and Director of Communications to support marketing and outreach through presentations, email campaigns, social media, and storytelling that highlights community impact. * Maintain participant and program data in the CDW database/CRM, tracking engagement, attendance, and outcomes. * Collaborate with the Program Officer and Director of Evaluation to collect and analyze data such as surveys to support evaluation, learning, and continuous program improvement. * Provide input on the CDW operational budget and manage program-related expenditures, including tracking expenses, processing and submitting invoices, and ensuring alignment with approved budgets. *Perform other duties as assigned.* All activities will be carried out in accordance with the established Foundation policies, procedures and approval processes. *QUALIFICATIONS* · Bachelor’s degree required in a related field such as Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Community Development, Social Sciences, Social Work, Education, Organizational Leadership, or similar. · Minimum of five years of relevant experience in program coordination, design, and implementation, including planning, managing, and evaluating programs or initiatives. · Demonstrated experience designing and facilitating trainings, workshops, or leadership development programs for adult learners. · Ability to assess organizational needs and provide practical capacity-building support or referral to resources and tools. · Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with confidence in public speaking and community engagement. · Self-directed, highly organized professional with strong initiative, follow-through, and a growth mindset. · Proficiency with technology and data systems, including CRM platforms, spreadsheets, virtual meeting tools, and digital communications; ability to learn new systems independently. · Ability and willingness to travel and regularly engage in the community, including attending meetings, events, and building relationships across the service area. · Demonstrated ability to take initiative, solve problems independently, and follow through on projects with minimal supervision. · Preferred: Experience with nonprofit capacity building, including starting or leading a nonprofit, and knowledge of effective nonprofit leadership, governance, and best practices. *Additional Requirements* * Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license required for regular travel throughout The Rapides Foundation’s nine-parish service area (Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon, and Winn parishes). * Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends to support training and community events. Job Type: Full-time Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Retirement plan * Vision insurance Application Question(s): * 1. INCLUDE IN COVER LETTER: What interests you about the Programs Coordinator position and the mission of Community Development Works? * 2. INCLUDE IN COVER LETTER: Describe an experience where you helped individuals, organizations, or community groups build skills, solve challenges, or strengthen their effectiveness. What was your role? * 3. INCLUDE IN COVER LETTER: What strengths you would bring to this position that involves coordinating programs, building relationships, and supporting nonprofit organizations? * 4. INCLUDE IN COVER LETTER: Is there anything else you would like us to know? Work Location: In person