About Company
Fostering vibrant, inclusive communities is at the core of Career.zycto’s mission. We believe in empowering individuals and groups to drive positive change from within, connecting talent with purpose. For a Community Development Officer, Career.zycto offers a uniquely collaborative and supportive environment where your passion for community building can truly flourish. You’ll join a team that values innovation, empathy, and sustainable growth, working on projects that genuinely transform lives and strengthen local areas. We champion diversity and provide robust resources for continuous professional development, ensuring our professionals are equipped to make a significant impact.
Job Description
Career.zycto is seeking a highly motivated and community-focused Community Development Officer (for English Speakers) to join our dynamic team in Red Deer, Alberta, with a particular focus on the vibrant Glendale area. This pivotal full-time role offers an exciting opportunity to champion local initiatives, foster meaningful connections, and empower residents to shape their community’s future. As a Community Development Officer, you will be instrumental in identifying community needs, designing impactful programs, and building robust partnerships that drive sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life for all English-speaking residents.
You will be the bridge between community aspirations and actionable projects, engaging actively with local groups, non-profits, government agencies, and individual residents. Your day-to-day will involve hands-on community outreach, facilitating workshops, coordinating events, and providing essential resources to empower local leaders. We are looking for an individual who is not only passionate about community well-being but also possesses exceptional communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This role demands an ability to work autonomously while also thriving in a collaborative environment, ensuring our initiatives are inclusive, responsive, and truly reflective of the community’s voice. You’ll work on diverse projects ranging from promoting civic participation to supporting local economic development, all while ensuring culturally appropriate engagement methods are utilized.
A key aspect of this position is the development and implementation of strategies to enhance social cohesion, economic opportunity, and civic engagement among English-speaking populations in Glendale and broader Red Deer. This will include conducting thorough needs assessments, compiling comprehensive reports, and presenting compelling findings to diverse stakeholders to secure vital support and resources. You will also be responsible for rigorously monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness, utilizing data-driven insights to make informed adjustments and maximize our collective impact. Furthermore, this role involves a commitment to fostering an environment of trust and open dialogue, ensuring all voices are heard and valued. If you are an empathetic leader with a talent for bringing people together, a knack for project management, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, this role is for you. Join Career.zycto and become a catalyst for positive, lasting change in Red Deer, helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive community needs assessments to identify priorities and opportunities for development among English-speaking residents in Glendale, Red Deer.
- Develop, implement, and rigorously evaluate community development programs and projects aligned with identified needs and organizational goals.
- Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with community members, local organizations, government agencies, and other essential stakeholders.
- Organize and facilitate engaging community meetings, workshops, and events to promote active participation, collaboration, and skill-building.
- Act as a vital resource and advocate for community groups, providing expert guidance and support for their initiatives and aspirations.
- Prepare detailed reports, compelling proposals, and impactful presentations for both internal and external stakeholders, including securing funding through applications.
- Manage project budgets, timelines, and resources effectively and efficiently to ensure successful program delivery and outcomes.
- Monitor and evaluate the impact and effectiveness of community development initiatives, utilizing data-driven insights to inform continuous improvement.
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in all community engagement activities and program designs to ensure broad accessibility.
- Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in the field of community development to maintain relevance and effectiveness.
Required Skills
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English, demonstrating clarity and cultural sensitivity.
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) in community engagement, outreach, and successful program development.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with diverse populations and stakeholders.
- Excellent project management and organizational abilities, including proficient budget management and resource allocation.
- Ability to conduct thorough needs assessments, collect reliable data, and prepare comprehensive, insightful reports.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for communication, data analysis, and presentations.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, taking initiative, and also effectively as part of a collaborative team.
- Valid driver's license and reliable access to transportation for essential local travel within Red Deer and surrounding areas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Community Development, Public Administration, Sociology, or a closely related field.
- Experience working specifically with non-profit organizations or government agencies in a direct community-facing role.
- In-depth knowledge of the socio-economic landscape, demographic trends, and existing community resources within Red Deer, Alberta.
- Familiarity with grant writing processes and proven experience in securing funding for community projects.
- Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitating difficult conversations within a community context.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits plan.
- Generous paid time off, including vacation and statutory holidays.
- Robust opportunities for professional development, ongoing training, and continuous learning.
- A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where your contributions are valued.
- Potential for flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance (where applicable).
- Access to an employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
- Contribution to a pension plan to support your long-term financial well-being.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to click the application link below to submit their resume and a compelling cover letter detailing their relevant experience and genuine passion for community development. Please ensure your application highlights your experience working with diverse populations and your proficiency in English.
