Position Summary

The Community Connector serves as a regional representative of Methodist Healthcare Ministries (MHM), responsible for building, maintaining, and facilitating relationships and networks that promote community transformation and health equity. This role connects organizations, faith communities, and residents to MHM's initiatives, fostering collaboration and capacity-building to improve health and well-being within their assigned region.

Salary

The hourly rate for this position starts at $28.27, with a midpoint of $36.05. Most new hires begin within this range, based on their years of directly related experience and education. Candidates with exceptional qualifications that exceed the minimum requirements may be considered for compensation above the midpoint, in alignment with internal equity and IPM (Individual Pay Model) compensation guidelines.

Scope and Impact

This position plays a key role in advancing MHM's mission of "Serving Humanity to Honor God" by working at the intersection of community engagement, equity, and organizational collaboration. The Community Connector operates regionally, influencing local coalitions, faith-based networks, and nonprofit organizations to align efforts that address inequities and improve population health outcomes. The role has a broad impact on relationship management, program coordination, and community development but does not have direct budgetary oversight.

Decision-Making Authority

The Community Connector exercises independent judgment in coordinating partnerships, prioritizing community needs, and facilitating initiatives. While major strategic or funding decisions are made by leadership, this role independently manages regional activities, outreach approaches, and scheduling.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Internal: Collaborates closely with MHM departments including Community Investments, Policy, Community Health & Wellness, Strategy, and Church Connections.
• External: Develops and maintains strong partnerships with faith communities, community-based organizations, schools, coalitions, and local leaders.
• Frequency: Daily interaction with local partners and frequent communication with internal stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serve as the regional liaison and primary point of contact for MHM's initiatives within the assigned area (15%).
• Build, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, schools, and faith-based groups (15%).
• Facilitate local collaboration between coalitions and organizations working to close equity gaps (10%).
• Support inclusion of individuals with lived experiences of inequities into leadership and decision-making structures (10%).
• Co-design and implement community capacity-building and asset-mapping initiatives (10%).
• Provide coaching, facilitation, and technical assistance to residents and coalitions to support local goals (10%).
• Represent MHM at regional events, meetings, and community gatherings (10%).
• Coordinate communication across MHM departments to identify alignment opportunities (10%).
• Organize and facilitate local convenings and group planning sessions (5%).
• Perform other duties as assigned (5%).

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others. However, the Community Connector may provide leadership and facilitation in coalition or community settings.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social/behavioral sciences, public health, or a related field; OR high school diploma plus 5 years of community outreach or organizing experience.
• Experience: 3 years of experience in community outreach, organizing, or development, including engagement with persons with lived experiences of inequities.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver's license and auto liability insurance.
• Other Required Skills/Knowledge: Strong relationship management, community engagement, facilitation, and conflict mediation skills. Must have experience working with marginalized or under-resourced populations.
• Location: Must live in Duval, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Live Oak, or McMullen counties. Must also be rooted in that region, having lived in that area for at least 5 consecutive years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) models.
• Experience working with grassroots or faith-based organizations.
• Familiarity with community transformation, health equity, and systems change frameworks.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills; strong community-building, public speaking, and conflict resolution abilities. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and think strategically about social, economic, and cultural issues affecting communities.

Language Skills

Must be bilingual in English and Spanish. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

Technology and Tools

Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Zoom, and MS Teams. Must be able to navigate online collaboration tools and virtual communication platforms.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work Setting: Regional field-based position with both office and community engagement environments.
• Travel: Frequent travel (up to 75%) within assigned region and to San Antonio as needed.
• Physical Requirements: Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift up to 25 pounds.