IVCSD’s Community Engagement (CE) Department is expanding and looking for someone with a passion for supporting residents and community members while collaborating with community partners. The Community Engagement Department oversees Community Education, Community Outreach, Resource Development, Volunteer Engagement, and more. 

The CE department’s mission is to support IVCSD’s goals to strengthen relationships within the District and the wider community, to expand awareness of the utilization of the District’s services, and to regularly engage, educate, and gather feedback from community members. 

This role is integral in the day-to-day operations and delivery of services. The Community Engagement Project Manager will assist the Community Engagement Director on a variety of tasks and projects ranging from creating social media content, executing marketing plans, drafting flyers, supporting events, tabling, canvassing, increasing community participation and awareness, maintaining an organized and inclusive environment, and constituent outreach to promote services. 

IVCSD VISION STATEMENT:

For Isla Vista, by Isla Vista, building the community we deserve.

ABOUT THE IVCSD:

Isla Vista is a vibrant, close-knit oceanside community in Santa Barbara County, renowned for its youthful energy and adventurous residents. The Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) was established in 2017 (pursuant to Government Code § 61250), following decades of local efforts toward self-governance. As an unincorporated community, IVCSD is the first local government body dedicated to addressing the unique needs of its residents.

The IVCSD oversees a diverse range of programs and services designed to enhance quality of life, including public safety initiatives, a rental housing mediation program, community beautification efforts, compost collection services, and more. Our budget reflects our commitment to these critical services and ongoing community development.

Our team consists of a dedicated General Manager, Assistant General Manager, Community Programs & Engagement Director, Public Works and Sustainability Director, Waste Reduction and Diversion Program Manager, Community Engagement Project Manager, and Community Spaces Project Manager, supported by a network of contractors and community partners. Together, we work to foster a connected, sustainable, and thriving Isla Vista.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

1. Manage day-to-day outreach prep, logistics, and activities. 
2. Deliver a range of innovative community outreach and engagement activities and actively gather community feedback. 
3. Promote IVCSD’s mission, and inform the community about IVCSD’s services and role in the community. 
4. Draft all marketing plans to educate the community about IVCSD services.
5. Website management and content updates. 
6. Draft all related community outreach and marketing materials, both print and digital materials i.e flyers, social media posts, captions, press releases, newsletters, email blasts, door hangers, community surveys, etc. 
7. Post across platforms including but not limited to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Constant Contact, Nextdoor, etc. 
8. Posting flyers throughout Isla Vista and sharing them with key stakeholders. 
9. Direct contact with community members through resource distribution tabling and canvassing throughout the community. 
10. Assist in the development, design, and delivery of community events, including but not limited to Town Halls, Community Forums/Workshops, events/programming at our Community Spaces.
11. Assists with presentations about community awareness and programs to community entities/stakeholders
12. Attend Community meetings to share services, resources, and event information. 
13. Recruit and support local community members to become volunteers, and ensure that they remain engaged and involved.
14. Provide support for community projects and efforts, in line with Board Policy, to expand and deepen community entrenchment of the IVCSD.
15. Compile and write reports of feedback and data collected. 
16. Working in different environments (both from home, office-based, and on the ground), at times best suited to the community including evenings and weekends.

OTHER DUTIES: To support IVCSD operations and other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned. This position requires work on weekends and evenings as needed.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Google Drive for storage; Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and Sites for collaboration.
• Constant Contact is preferred. 
• Community engagement and/or organizing.
• Experience using creative platforms for community engagement, such as design, art, photography, and video.
• Social media applications
• Theories on social change, community building, youth & families, and public goods.
• Agile/SCRUM/Kanban work systems/methodologies are preferred but not required
• Zoom, and/or other virtual meeting platforms
• Some knowledge of local government in California is preferred but not required.

SKILL/ABILITY TO:

• Use creative platforms for community engagement, such as design, art, photography, or video
• Build strong relationships with and negotiate a wide array of partners including youth and families, other government agencies, students, seniors, nonprofits, businesses, property owners, and community groups.
• Lead others to reach a common goal.
• Work within a collaborative environment.
• Represent the District in a professional and courteous manner
• Perform analytical work and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Plan, develop, review, and complete projects in a timely manner.
• Be highly organized and have good time management skills
• Problem-solve and maintain a solution-oriented mindset to formulate new and innovative solutions.
• Use both written and oral forms of communication. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Has strong interpersonal skills and active listening skills to build rapport with community members and listen carefully to their perspectives and needs. 
• Has the willingness to understand and be a part of Isla Vista’s unique community culture. A resident of Isla Vista is a plus. 
• Thinks creatively and strategically, employing a sense of curiosity and commitment to continuous learning and growth.
• Can work independently or in a team structure as needed.
• Maintains a friendly, professional, and approachable demeanor.
• Keeps internal matters confidential.
• Is responsive and corresponds with colleagues, constituents, and stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Bilingual and able to read, write, and speak Spanish proficiently is strongly preferred. 
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Has a passion for community engagement and building community. 
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Canvassing experience is a plus.

All employees of the IVCSD are public servants of Isla Vista and represent a community investment in good governance. As such, employees shall strive to be efficient in their service and conduct themselves professionally and courteously in all dealings with the public and fellow employees. IVCSD Policy Manual

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

A bachelor's or associate’s degree from an accredited College/University, or equivalent experience, is preferred but not required.

IMPORTANT DATES:
Recruitment Opens: June 18, 2025
Deadline for Applications: June 25, 2025
Invitations to Interview: June 26, 2025
Interviews Conducted: June 30, 2025
Target Hire Date: July 2, 2025