Trusted Community Voices Liaison

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Join our Trusted Community Voices (TCV) team to help build trust, strengthen relationships, and improve communication between Burlington’s immigrant and refugee populations and local government. The ideal applicant resides in Burlington or the immediate surrounding community and is closely connected to the Bosnian community. We are specifically seeking candidates who are fluent in Bosnian to help us better serve this key population. In this pivotal role, you will leverage your deep community connections to amplify diverse voices and turn community insight into meaningful action. If you are a proactive communicator with a heart for service, we invite you to join our team to make a tangible impact in our city. Apply today to help us shape a more inclusive and connected community. Trusted Community Voices (TCV) team members are members of the City of Burlington’s Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging (REIB), who serve as trusted connectors between the City of Burlington and communities that have historically experienced barriers to accessing government services, public safety resources, and civic participation. While administratively housed within the REIB, TCV team members support equitable engagement across all City departments and initiatives, helping ensure that community voices inform City policies, programs, services, and decision-making. Culturally responsive community engagement recognizes that effective outreach must account for identity, language, history, culture, and experiences of systemic inequities. TCV team members use their lived experience, cultural knowledge, and trusted relationships to strengthen communication, build trust, reduce barriers to participation, and promote a greater sense of belonging for all Burlington community members.

Requirements

Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
Has strong connections and credibility within one or more historically marginalized or underrepresented communities in Burlington.
Demonstrates cultural knowledge and lived experience that supports authentic community engagement.
Has experience or interest in community organizing, advocacy, public engagement, social services, restorative practices, public health, education, or related fields.
Is committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging within Burlington.
Possesses excellent interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
Can work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
Is able to speak and read English; additional language proficiency is highly valued.
Demonstrates basic computer literacy, including the ability to navigate web-based systems and databases; use Microsoft Office Suite applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams); communicate effectively by email; and learn new technology platforms as needed to support program activities.

Nice To Haves

Resides in Burlington or the immediate surrounding community.
Closely connected to the Bosnian community.
Fluent in Bosnian.

Responsibilities

Attend required trainings, planning meetings, professional development opportunities, and REIB team meetings.
Build and maintain trusted relationships within communities that have historically been underrepresented or underserved.
Conduct culturally responsive outreach and engagement on behalf of City departments regarding programs, services, initiatives, public meetings, public safety efforts, and community resources.
Serve as a liaison between residents and City government by facilitating meaningful two-way communication and ensuring community perspectives are shared with City staff and leadership.
Advise City departments and REIB staff on culturally responsive engagement strategies, communication approaches, community priorities, and barriers to participation.
Support community meetings, listening sessions, neighborhood events, workshops, and other public engagement activities throughout Burlington.
Connect residents with appropriate City departments, community organizations, and available resources while helping to reduce barriers to access.
Promote equitable participation in City programs, boards, commissions, planning processes, and civic engagement opportunities.
Identify emerging community needs, concerns, and opportunities to strengthen trust and collaboration between residents and local government.
Provide culturally responsive interactions that foster inclusion, belonging, and respectful dialogue.
Maintain confidentiality and professionalism while working with sensitive community concerns and information.
Document outreach activities and community feedback, and assist REIB and City departments in evaluating engagement efforts and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Provide candid feedback to REIB leadership and City staff regarding engagement strategies, community needs, and opportunities to improve equitable service delivery.