CloseKnit
Deputy Director
Minneapolis, MN
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Remote
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Full time
Deputy Director
About CloseKnit
Description
Fact: 3/4ths of Minnesota youth facing homelessness are BIPOC compared with only ¼ of Minnesota youth….
Do you want to do more than just talk about Minnesota’s gaping racial inequities? CloseKnit is seeking a deputy director to drive the audacious system change necessary to reduce the unconscionable overrepresentation of BIPOC Minnesota youth facing homelessness. Do you have a bold imagination that sees possibilities where others see a brick wall? Are you committed not just to the inspirational vision but to figuring out the “how” of bringing it to life? If so, we invite you to apply to join our rock star team!
Job duties include:
- Help envision, prioritize and drive our system change work
- Working with the E.D., develop and implement our advocacy agenda
- Steer the narrative regarding youth homelessness away from White Savior assumptions that the youth has no one toward honoring and resourcing the (often BIPOC) people already in the youth’s lives
- Oversee programming, such as our Chosen Family Justice initiative, which works to identify and dismantle the barriers that prevent renters (who are disproportionately BIPOC) from extending stable hospitality to youth they know who would otherwise face homelessness
- Develop and implement outreach and training strategies to spread our work
- Forge win-win partnerships with potential allies among community, government, housing, policy, and youth homelessness stakeholders
- Grow new initiatives to advance CloseKnit’s vision and mission
- Step in where needed to assist E.D. and keep CloseKnit running smoothly
- Help build the plane while we’re flying it!
Required qualifications:
- A compelling desire to create system change, the requisite patience to persevere through setbacks, and a sense of humor in addressing inevitable resistance
- A highly creative “can-do” mindset: must be able to look beyond perceived obstacles to formulate possibilities
- Deep commitment to racial justice; skilled at navigating differing cultural contexts
- A self-starter who is both highly detail-oriented and highly flexible
- Excellent oral, public presentation and written communication skills: Ability to explain policy issues clearly to the general public, as well as convey complexity in more technical contexts
- Skilled at conducting engaging convenings where all voices are respected and heard
- 3-to-5 years previous work experience, including supervising staff
- Experience with advocacy, community organizing, coalition building, and/or legal or public policy issues
- Knowledge of systems currently serving opportunity youth would be helpful!
People who are BIPOC, who have lived experience of youth homelessness, and/or have served as a host, either in a formal program or informally, are especially invited to apply.
This is a full-time (37.5 hour) position that includes health insurance and pays $60,000-$70,000, depending on experience. We offer a hybrid work environment that is fully accessible. We would like you to join us in person for at least a few days each week at our North Minneapolis office.
Interested? Email CloseKnit executive director Jacqueline White ([email protected]) a cover letter explaining your interest. Include a resume or link to your LinkedIn profile.
Applications accepted until April 15, 2022 or until position is filled.
About CloseKnit
CloseKnit conducts research, pilots new programming, develops policies, and advocates for investment in an upstream service-delivery model that stabilizes informal chosen family hosting arrangements between youth and their natural supports.
Our Vision
We see all youth facing homelessness as already loved,
especially youth from underestimated and under-resourced communities.
Our Mission
CloseKnit catalyzes system change, building a holistic response that overcomes racism
to honor and invest in existing "chosen family” arrangements
that prevent youth homelessness.
Salary
$60,000 - $70,000 per year