Director of Assistance Programs

Job Summary: Under the direction of the Executive Director, this position has the overall responsibility for the administration of the Agency's Energy Assistance program, various crisis assistance programs and put into action agency wide improvement initiatives and innovative strategies.

Scope of Supervision: Assistant Director, Program Managers, Program Coordinators

Duties and Responsibilities (Not all inclusive):

• Providing vision and leadership in the development of organizational strategies for organization design, effectiveness, and change.
• Leading the strategic planning, development and administration of departmental initiatives.
• Ensuring systems of compliance with state and federal law and board policy.
• Accountable for long (3-5 years) and short range (annual) planning to ensure delivery of the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program in compliance with all applicable requirements.
• Prepare Annual Local EAP Plan and represent agency for all DOC monitoring visits; communicate results to appropriate agency personnel and/or complete any and all communication requests, forms and reports for DOC.
• Set priorities consistent with the organization's long-term strategies; develop work plan to ensure an orderly flow of work within the department that meets all program requirements and monitor use of funds on a regular basis.
• Maintain an awareness of the needs of stakeholders and integrate into the development and delivery of programs and services, outreach and advocacy. Promote fundraising for the Reach Out for Warmth fund and increase strategies for raising private dollars for program participants.
• Develop and deliver effective outreach program to ensure eligible population is aware of available resources and has access to program services.
• Advocate for and promote public policy changes that affect low-income people; actively engage low-income participants in advocating for changes in program and public policy; and consider political and organizational reality, the media, and special interests in decision-making.
• Effectively develop networks and build alliances with key stakeholders ensure resources are available to low income households. Collaborate with community agencies to assist in the coordination and development of energy/utility services.
• Monitor client database and data for accuracy and effectiveness; ensure client information systems/procedures provide efficient delivery of services and are in compliance with the MN Data Practices Act and applicable regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

Safety: Responsible for overall program safety policy.

Affirmative Action: Responsible to follow affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.

Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Management or related field with 10 years of related experience in the field or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job including 7 years of management experience.

• Experience implementing a program or service for low-income individuals in culturally and economically diverse populations highly desirable.
• Understanding of Federal Low-income home energy assistance program; local, state and national socioeconomic statistics, trends, legislation and policies impacting targeted population, preferred.
• Familiarity with eligibility guidelines and benefit determination for public benefit programs, preferred.
• Familiarity with network design, development and integration strategies.
• Experience with and understanding of Windows

Abilities and Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the person will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:

• Monitoring and evaluating employees.
• Developing, interpreting, and implementing policies, procedures, and objectives.
• Coordinating and monitoring project and project timelines.
• Preparing and monitoring a budget.
• Ability to work with and relate to a diverse population of employees, clients, board members and others involved in agency business.
• Ability to work with and manage complex automated systems and analyze and evaluate system needs.
• Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate complex information to persons with widely-varying levels of technical knowledge.
• Strong analytic skills for large application solutions planning in a business environment.

Core Technology Competency: Level 2 - Intermediate 1

Driver's License: Valid driver's license and reliable personal transportation required.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift to 40 pounds for handling computer equipment installations. Ability to sit for long period of time. Ability to function in a typical office, an IT server room environment, in a moderate noise environment and also in a cooled equipment area (server room).

Mental Requirements: This position requires the ability to organize workload, and handle and prioritize multiple tasks. Must be able to function individually as well as a member of a team. Must be able to work and communicate with various skill levels in users. Must be able to determine unusual problems and define solutions.

Environmental Requirements: Normal office work environment, some travel required.

Work Knowledge:

• Leadership principles.
• Applicable Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations.
• Project management and process improvement.
• Energy-related programs, products, services.
• Functional knowledge of client databases and reporting requirements.

Benefits

Department: Assistance Programs

Salary: $82,656 - 107,443 Annually

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40 Hours/Week; Occasional evenings and weekends

Posting Dates: 1/11/2022 - Until Filled

Benefits: Community Action offers excellent benefits including generous paid time off (PTO),14 paid holidays, health, dental & life insurance, retirement, employee discount programs and more.

Background Checks: Community Action conducts criminal background checks at the time of hire. Some positions require additional fingerprint and photo verification. Not all backgrounds are a barrier to employment.

COVID Vaccination: As a condition of employment Community Action requires all employees to be fully vaccinated or have an accepted exemption form completed upon hire.

Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance.