Groundwork
Location: Arkansas (Hybrid – significant in-state travel required) Full-time, Exempt

About Groundwork

Groundwork – the housing vertical of the Northwest Arkansas Council—works to ensure every Arkansan has access to safe, affordable, and attainable housing. We engage communities, empower leaders, and advance policies that expand housing choices across the state.

Position Overview

The Community Outreach Manager leads Groundwork’s statewide community engagement strategy, ensuring community voices inform and strengthen the organization’s housing policy agenda. The manager will lead in building partnerships, and represent Groundwork with civic leaders and community organizations, and eventually work to establish and manage pro-housing coalitions and organizations across the state. This individual will set engagement priorities, allocate outreach resources, and decide which communities/partners to prioritize.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Mobilization

• Design and implement an annual community outreach plan with clear objectives, KPIs, and resource allocations aligned to Groundwork’s statewide priorities.
• Determine the scope, format, and messaging of listening sessions, community forums, and outreach campaigns, exercising discretion to adapt based on local context.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with grassroots groups, civic leaders, and community organizations, with authority to commit Groundwork to joint outreach efforts.

Administrative & Operational Duties

• Create and manage engagement toolkits, volunteer pipelines, and advocacy resources to expand Groundwork’s reach.
• Shape how community input is collected, synthesized, and reported so that it meaningfully informs policy development.
• Lead planning and execution of advocacy campaigns, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Design and implement frameworks to establish and support pro-housing coalitions across Arkansas, exercising discretion in setting priorities, allocating resources, and aligning local efforts with Groundwork’s statewide agenda

Community Engagement

• Design and implement a community outreach plan with clear objectives, KPIs, and resource allocations aligned to Groundwork’s statewide priorities.
• Determine the scope, format, and messaging of listening sessions, community forums, and outreach campaigns, exercising discretion to adapt based on local context.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with grassroots groups, civic leaders, and community organizations, and establish pro-housing.
• Conduct in-person, direct, outreach and relationship-building with community members, grassroots groups, faith leaders, civic leaders, and local organizations.
• Plan and facilitate educational listening sessions, community meetings, and tabling events that encourage broad participation.
• Collect and document community input to inform Groundwork’s policy and advocacy agenda.
• Through collaboration provide consultation and expert advice to Groundwork and NWA Council leadership

Organizing & Mobilization

• Recruit and train volunteers and community leaders to take action on housing issues.
• Support turnout for public hearings, coalition events, and advocacy campaigns.
• Assist in developing materials, toolkits, and resources to equip local advocates.

Collaboration & Support

• Work closely with Groundwork’s policy and communications staff to ensure consistent messaging and community-centered storytelling.
• Support coalition-building efforts by helping connect statewide partners with local communities.
• Assist with event logistics, communications, and follow-up to strengthen engagement.

Reporting & Data

• Track outreach efforts and maintain accurate records of contacts, events, and outcomes.
• Provide regular reports on community engagement activities and emerging issues.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in community organizing grassroots advocacy, public affairs, or related fields (internships and volunteer experience welcomed).
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, political science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated ability to design and lead programs or campaigns, with discretion to adapt strategy and make decisions in complex stakeholder settings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to convey complex policy concepts clearly.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently across Arkansas (driver’s license and automobile insurance required).
• Familiarity with Arkansas communities a plus; knowledge of the Little Rock landscape especially valued.

Salary & Benefits

• 70,000 dollars a year
• Health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Paid time off and holidays
• Training and professional development opportunities
• An AMAZING team!

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter and résumé to Isabel Gamarra, (isabel@nwacouncil.org) with the subject line Community Outreach Manager – [Your Name]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.