Community Enhancement and Engagement
The Organization
The Office of Community Enhancement and Engagement seeks to strengthen Grinnell College by helping our hometown to become a thriving, vibrant community. The office serves as a liaison between Grinnell College and the surrounding community, administering the college’s local gifts, grants, and investments, and actively facilitating other sustainable, collaborative partnerships to enhance the vitality and quality of life in Grinnell. Activities focus on strengthening community resources— especially cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities— as well as initiatives that enhance the safety, beauty, and economic vitality of our surroundings. Located in the Old Glove Factory, Community Enhancement and Engagement has a quiet, professional atmosphere and shares a floor with staff from several other campus offices.
The Job
The apprentice will assist the Director, Monica Chavez-Silva, and the Program and Communications Manager, Melissa Strovers, in managing new and existing office programs, exploring new collaboration possibilities, making funding decisions, and other administrative tasks. A previous office apprentice, Maddie Gardner (’12), suggests that “an apprenticeship with the Office of Community Enhancement and Engagement is a great opportunity for you if you are interested in learning about grant making, grant management, and grantee relations.” The apprentice should also be interested in creating new possibilities for campus-community collaboration. Specific responsibilities will focus on:
Grant-making activities
- Helping guide small donations and sponsorships.
- Working collaboratively with the director and program manager to facilitate the Community Mini-Grant Program.
Office Communications
- Managing the office website.
- Handling miscellaneous office communications including press releases, email blasts, and other notices as necessary.
New Project Development
- Jumpstarting new possibilities for relationships between the college, local community groups, and other strategic partners as needed.
- Writing program proposals, award nominations, and conference presentations as opportunities arise.
Specific Requirements
- Excellent organization skills
- Strong demonstrated writing skills
- Must enjoy working with a wide range of people in both formal and informal settings
- Enthusiasm to work with both on- and off-campus professionals
- Strong professional presence
- Strong interest in building campus/community connections and making a difference in Grinnell
