Community Partnerships Associate

About Heron

Founded in 1992, Heron is dedicated to helping people and communities to help themselves. Heron works directly with local organizations that are embedded in, deeply trusted by, and inherently driven by the voice and vision of their neighbors. Heron partners with communities to source relevant and actionable research, nurture a learning collaborative of peers, help communities reclaim their narrative of place and self, foster stronger collective agency and social bonds, and provide long-term financial support. Heron works mainly in rural communities experiencing persistent poverty, systemic challenges, historic disinvestment, and a legacy of disenfranchisement.

Over the coming 8-10 years, Heron will pursue an exciting, innovative set of strategies to (1) empower dozens of distressed rural communities across the country, (2) help rewrite the playbook for national funders working in rural community advancement, and (3) position Heron, not as a traditional grantmaking private foundation, but as a resourceful, experienced, and well-regarded rural community advancement agency, poised to perform this important work effectively well into the future. Heron will:

• Provide our community partners with extensive data and research, technical assistance, communications support, and networking opportunities.
• Share its growing knowledge broadly to help increase capital flow to the direct control of rural communities.
• Invest significant financial capital into local organizations leading community-driven projects and initiatives to advance the vitality and well-being of their community.

Job Description

The Community Partnership Associate will support the implementation of Heron’s core program, which focuses on identifying and engaging community partners to form a collaborative national network. This network will work to enhance capacity and promote prosperity in communities across the country. The Associate role focuses on ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and coordination across the network and on supporting the identification, underwriting, and onboarding of community partners. The ideal candidate is a skilled, organized communicator and connector with a strong commitment to community prosperity and agency, especially in regions that experience historic extraction and disinvestment.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

     1. Support the identification, evaluation, and onboarding of community partners

• Collaborate with Heron research staff and external partners to identify and evaluate prospective communities.
• Assist in the evaluation of potential community partners and the development of funding recommendations.
• Provide administrative support throughout the community partner identification, evaluation, and onboarding process.

     2. Support Network Coordination and Communication

• Maintain regular communications with all community partners, including updates on upcoming events, trainings, and a monthly newsletter to share resources and opportunities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of a Community Partner communication platform, ensuring it serves as a communications hub for networking and resource sharing.
• Support curriculum design for Network convenings and coordinate and facilitate online and in person learning sessions.
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of an annual summit to bring all partners together for a multi-day convening focused on strengthening relationships, collaborating, and learning from outside experts on timely, relevant topics to advance community vitality.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mutual learning environment across all Network activities.

     3.Coordinate Connections to Network Resources and Supports

• Facilitate connections between community partners and consulting experts as needed.
• Curate and share relevant research, tools, and resources that benefit the Network via email, web, and other communication channels.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Strong passion for and commitment to the mission and values of Heron.
• Proficiency with a range of digital communications tools including Zoom, Canva, Asana, Microsoft Office, shared online platforms, email listservs, and scheduling tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organized, detail-oriented problem-solver, able to manage multiple priorities with care and follow-through.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by organizations serving marginalized communities.
• Knowledge in areas such as community development, project management, community planning, government, nonprofit management, community foundations, and other related fields.
• Commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making and shared learning.
• A collaborative co-creation mindset that supports participatory and equitable processes.
• Comfort working in evolving contexts and a willingness to adapt as needs shift.
• A willingness to travel 1-3 times per month to community field locations and for in person team meetings.

Position Salary and Benefits

Salary range $78,500-$91,000 based on skills and experience.  Heron offers an attractive benefits package. The Community Partnership Associate will be based in our Birmingham, AL office. This position is expected to travel up to 30% of the time.