Rent Ready Norfolk Program Coordinator

Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest naval station and the business, arts, and cultural center of Coastal Virginia, Norfolk has been rated a top place to live, work, play, and raise a family by numerous publications. Working for the City of Norfolk is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.  With our commitment to competitive pay and a strong retirement package, you can do good for your community and do well for yourself.   Join a caring workplace that proudly celebrates uniqueness, authenticity, and a shared commitment to improving the lives of our residents.

The City of Norfolk's Department of Neighborhood Services is currently seeking a Public Services Coordinator to direct activities of the Rent Ready Norfolk Program. The Public Services Coordinator will be responsible for all aspects of program implementation, including but not limited to course development, marketing, performance tracking and expanding program impact.

This position requires a candidate with strong communication skills- both verbal and written, as to facilitate some general rental courses as well as engage with the public at community events and meetings.   This person should have the ability to establish relationships with organizations that provide housing services (to include fair housing, affordable housing, and rental management).  This position also requires someone who can work independently and as part of a team to manage the RentingSmart Academy by securing speakers, scheduling courses throughout the year, and establishing new and engaging courses that support an improved understanding of the Virginia Residential Tenant and Landlord (VRLTA) for tenants and landlords.

The ideal candidate will be able to manage a performance tracking system that captures data related to program participation, registrations, course offerings, and certification status.

The Department of Neighborhood Services was established to invest in residents, resources, and solutions to develop a greater quality of life for all neighborhoods in the City of Norfolk.  The Department of Neighborhood Services supports the interest of neighborhoods and community-based organizations by:

• Fostering and promoting individual and community neighborhood involvement.

• Positioning neighborhoods for investment and growth.

• Supporting creative, constructive, and positive solutions to community concerns.

• Developing organizational and leadership capacity within resident organizations.

Coordinates Rent Ready activities to include:

• Marketing and recruitment for the Rent Ready Norfolk program and website.

• Establishing relationships with landlords, property managers and tenant organizations.

• Developing courses and recruiting instructors for the RentingSmart Academy.

• Using the Rent Ready Norfolk system to monitor performance and track progress of both the Rent Ready Norfolk program and RentingSmart Academy.

• Facilitating and strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations, anchor institutions, neighborhood groups and civic leagues.

• Co-facilitating neighborhood collaboration meetings designed to identify and resolve issues by engaging with residents and various city departments.

• Working in coordination with other city services such as, but not limited to, Norfolk Cares, Neighborhood Engagement, Norfolk Police Department, and Neighborhood Quality.

• Drafting presentations, marketing materials, maps, and other supporting documents for meetings with city staff, civic leagues, taskforces, RentingSmart Academy workshops and other groups as required.

• Supervising interns and federal work study students associated with the Rent Ready Norfolk Program.

• Serving as the city's Landlord and Tenant Relations Officer.

• Spanish speaking candidate preferred.

• All other duties assigned.

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a bachelor's degree or equivalent.

Required:

• One year of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred:

• Three (3) years of experience in rental housing property management, housing counseling, and/or implementation of housing education programs and services, or a related field.  The preferred candidate will have experience in community development, community engagement, and/or community outreach.

• Experience in Fair Housing, Property Management, Housing Counseling, or related housing field.

• Valid driver's license required.

• Certified Housing Counselor or Certified Property Manager within 12 months of employment.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position will require work on weekends and evenings hours for RentingSmart Academy course facilitation.

Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus.