Project Specialist II

City Of Lakewood•Lakewood, OH

6h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction, serves as the primary coordinator and public face of the Cove Community Center, a multi-service Human Services facility. Performs professional-level work requiring independent judgment and specialized expertise across five integrated functional areas: facility operations and scheduling; marketing, communications, and social media management; special event planning and programming development; volunteer recruitment, training, and coordination across divisions; and front-desk hospitality and customer relations. Exercises discretion in developing programs, resolving complex situations, establishing operational procedures, and representing the Department of Human Services to the community. Serves as liaison to boards, commissions, community organizations, and collaborative partners. This position requires a high degree of professionalism, interpersonal skill, and the ability to create a welcoming environment for diverse populations accessing Human Services programs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Human Services, Recreation, Communications, Public Administration, Marketing, Social Work, or a closely related field
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in community programming, facility management, event coordination, volunteer management, marketing/communications, or a combination of these areas
Any combination of education, training, and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
A valid State of Ohio Driver's License with less than eight (8) points.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with diverse populations including older adults, youth, and families.
Demonstrated proficiency in social media management and digital marketing.

Responsibilities

Manages the comprehensive scheduling system for all facility spaces, including program rooms, meeting spaces, and common areas; coordinates and approves facility reservations ensuring adherence to department policies and operational requirements.
Administers facility rental program including developing rental agreements, processing applications, collecting fees, and ensuring compliance with usage policies; evaluates and renews space usage agreements with external organizations.
Develops and maintains master facility calendar; distributes scheduling information to all involved parties including staff, partner organizations, and the public; resolves scheduling conflicts using independent judgment.
Coordinates facility setup, breakdown, and room configuration for events and programs; ensures appropriate audiovisual equipment, furniture arrangements, and accessibility accommodations are in place.
Serves as primary liaison with building maintenance and custodial staff; identifies and reports maintenance issues; coordinates repairs and improvements to ensure safe, welcoming facility conditions.
Develops and implements comprehensive marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, and community engagement initiatives for all Human Services programs and the Cove Community Center.
Manages all departmental social media platforms including content creation, posting schedules, community engagement, and analytics monitoring; maintains consistent brand voice and messaging across all digital channels.
Creates promotional materials including flyers, brochures, newsletters, program guides, press releases, and digital content; coordinates photography and video documentation of programs and events.
Develops and distributes calendars, newsletters, and informational materials to community members, partner organizations, and stakeholders; maintains website content and online program information.
Serves as departmental spokesperson for media inquiries; coordinates press coverage of programs and events; builds and maintains relationships with local media outlets.
Plans, organizes, develops, and executes special events including community celebrations, educational programs, health fairs, intergenerational activities, and departmental functions; manages all event logistics from concept through completion.
Identifies and engages collaborative partners including community organizations, businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies to expand programming opportunities.
Develops new programs and expands existing offerings based on community needs assessment, participant feedback, and emerging best practices in Human Services programming.
Establishes program policies, procedures, rules, and expectations; develops and schedules program activities; coordinates transportation as needed for programs and events.
Monitors, evaluates, and modifies programs and events based on participation data, feedback, and outcomes; prepares reports on program effectiveness and community impact.
Identifies and remediates potential risks associated with programs and events; intervenes appropriately during crisis situations; ensures compliance with safety protocols and accessibility requirements.
Recruits, screens, and onboards volunteers across all Human Services divisions including Aging, Youth, and Early Childhood programs; develops recruitment strategies to maintain adequate volunteer workforce.
Develops and delivers volunteer orientation and training programs; creates volunteer handbooks, position descriptions, and training materials; ensures volunteers understand policies, procedures, and expectations.
Creates and manages volunteer schedules and assignments; matches volunteer skills and interests with program needs; ensures appropriate supervision and support for all volunteers.
Maintains volunteer database and records including hours tracking, background check documentation, and emergency contact information; prepares reports on volunteer contributions and program support.
Develops and implements volunteer recognition and retention programs; coordinates appreciation events; maintains ongoing communication with volunteer corps.
Serves as the primary welcoming presence and first point of contact for all visitors to the Cove Community Center; creates a warm, professional, and inclusive environment for diverse populations accessing Human Services.
Receives and responds to requests for assistance, information, complaints, and suggestions from the public; exercises judgment in handling inquiries or referring to appropriate staff members; ensures timely follow-up on all matters.
Disseminates information about Human Services programs, community resources, and available assistance to residents, agencies, and other departments via telephone, email, and in-person interactions.
Provides information and referral services; connects community members with appropriate programs and resources within Human Services and across community partner organizations.
Counsels and confers with program participants and staff to resolve concerns and problems; de-escalates difficult situations with professionalism and empathy.
Serves as liaison and/or member of various committees, teams, boards, and commissions; collaborates with internal and external stakeholders; presents reports and represents the department at community meetings.
Attends meetings and events on behalf of Human Services; represents the department professionally at community gatherings, partner meetings, and public functions.
Follows up on inquiries from various agencies, groups, media, and community members regarding department programs and services; maintains positive relationships with stakeholders.
Completes all related documents, forms, and reports; maintains accurate records of programs, events, facility usage, and volunteer activities.
Performs other related duties as assigned.