Community Development Manager

Position Description:

The Community Development Manager is a key position within SOMOS Mayfair’s Community Organizing Department that leads community engagement, organizing, and community benefit strategies as part of the Mayfair Neighborhood. The Community Development Manager will hold responsibility to steward our Building Our Home vision map and align efforts with existing and emerging economic and community development institutions. The Manager will ensure the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust (MNT), a long-term community-driven development strategy led by the Mexican Heritage Plaza and SOMOS Mayfair, will foster equitable development. The MNT seeks to strengthen community ownership, prevent displacement, and ensure that Mayfair residents can remain, thrive, and shape the future of their neighborhood. The MNT will be a key driver in creating spaces for social, cultural, and economic development in East San José. The Build Our Home Manager will also work closely with La Esquina, an economic development partnership between SOMOS Mayfair, Latino Business Foundation, and Excite Credit Union and our SSPC partners to align programmatic strategies with development opportunities. As a result, The Build Our Home Manager will ensure residents to have permanence, housing security, economic development, cultural regeneration and community ownership of assets.

The Manager strengthens community power, resident leadership, and community-driven development by engaging residents, youth, Alum Rock Union School District/Mayfair families, and community stakeholders in shaping and advancing neighborhood development priorities. Through participatory planning and community engagement strategies, the Manager helps ensure community development initiatives are co-designed by children, youth and their families to reflect the community’s aspirations for equitable development, economic mobility, cultural preservation, and long-term neighborhood permanence.

Serving as a bridge between community members, public agencies, nonprofit partners, and development initiatives, the Manager coordinates efforts to advance the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust’s priorities, including land banking, commercial and housing acquisition opportunities, community planning, activation of neighborhood spaces, and community benefit strategies. The Manager will work closely with the Sí Se Puede Collective (SSPC) partners, La Esquina Partners, public and private institutions, and other strategic partners to create programmatic alignment security resources for development projects. The Build Our Home Manager will also co-lead the MNT’s Community Benefits Committee to ensure community residents are part of the neighborhood's development decision making process. The Manager will work with MNT’s development and financial co workers to ensure we adhere to the Trust’s legal, fiduciary and financial responsibilities.

The Manager reports directly to SOMOS Mayfair’s Community Organizing and Policy Director and works collaboratively across SOMOS’ Departments and the SSPC to advance organizing campaigns, community development initiatives, policy efforts, and regional partnerships that build community power and lasting systems change. . The position works alongside the Community Organizing Program Manager to align community organizing, advocacy, and community development strategies that strengthen neighborhood leadership, advance equitable investment, and improve the quality of life for Mayfair residents.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications and Qualities

• Deep passion and commitment to advancing social justice in immigrant, working class and multi-generational communities.
• Preferred but not required Bachelor's degree in Community Development, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Social Work, Sociology, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Demonstrated commitment to community-driven development, equitable neighborhood revitalization, and strategies that build community ownership, permanence, and economic opportunity.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with residents, community members, partners, and public agencies; facilitating group processes; managing complex projects; and advancing community-driven initiatives.
• Experience engaging residents, youth, families, community-based organizations, and public institutions to achieve shared goals.
• 3+ years of experience in community engagement, organizing, community development, neighborhood planning, or related field or
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and lead complex community initiatives from planning through implementation while adapting to emerging opportunities and challenges.
• Experience facilitating community meetings and participatory planning processes.
• Experience or demonstrated success in community co design efforts.
• Experience working with budgets and strong project management and partnership development skills.
• Knowledge of equity-centered and community-driven development practices.
• Experience working with diverse communities, particularly youth, low-income, immigrant, and historically marginalized communities.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual/Biliterate Spanish-English required
• 2+ year of supervisory experience, ideally
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace; experience with Canva and Squarespace a plus
• Community organizing, civic engagement strategies and community development strategies
• Knowledge about Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, equitable community development, and resident-centered planning principles.
• Leadership development and popular education methodologies.
• Community planning, participatory decision-making , and collaborative governance processes.
• Anti-displacement, economic justice, and community wealth-building strategies.
• Knowledge of community benefits frameworks, equitable development practices, and strategies that promote long-term neighborhood permanence and community ownership.
• Coalition building, advocacy, and systems change efforts.
• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive community engagement practices.

Position Requirements

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support community meetings, events, training, and organizational activities.
• Ability to work onsite at SOMOS Mayfair’s San José office and community locations throughout East San José and Santa Clara County.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships with residents, community members, partners, and public agencies; facilitating group processes; managing complex projects; and advancing community-driven initiatives.
• Experience engaging residents, youth, families, community-based organizations, and public institutions to achieve shared goals.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, events, outreach activities, and community engagement efforts in evenings and daytime.
• Ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with residents, community leaders, public agencies, and partner organizations while representing SOMOS Mayfair in a professional and community-centered manner.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, current proof of insurance, and a satisfactory driving record.
• DOJ fingerprint and background clearance.
• TB clearance and Mandated Reporter certification.
• Participation in all required professional development opportunities, organizational trainings, retreats, and staff development activities, including Universidad Popular Mayfair (UPM).
• Commitment to SOMOS Mayfair's mission, values, and community-centered approach to leadership and systems change.
• Ability to adapt to evolving organizational priorities, community opportunities, and emerging initiatives in support of SOMOS Mayfair’s strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities (approximate % of time)

Community Engagement: Resident Engagement, Organizing & Leadership Development (35%)

• Provide strategic leadership for the development, execution, and scaling of SOMOS Mayfair’s Building Our Home asset map, in alignment with the organizational strategic plan and vision.
• Develop and implement strategies that engage residents, youth, families, and community stakeholders in shaping organizational priorities, community initiatives, and equitable neighborhood development.
• Recruit, train, and support residents, youth, and community leaders through leadership development, community organizing, participatory planning, and civic engagement opportunities that build community power.
• Ensure community leaders participate in the Mayfair Popular University (UPM) and other leadership, organizing, and advocacy training that strengthen their ability to lead campaigns and community initiatives.
• Facilitate community meetings, listening sessions, workshops, and resident-led committees that strengthen shared decision-making, community stewardship, and leadership while ensuring community voices are reflected in program design, policy recommendations, and community development projects.
• Foster a culture of inclusion, belonging, and community ownership by supporting collaborative leadership, resident participation, and meaningful engagement across all initiatives.
• Ensure community education incorporates root cause analysis, alternative housing and development models, and strategies that advance equitable development and long-term neighborhood permanence.

Community Projects (MACSA, Land Banking, Community Planning, Anti-Displacement Strategies) (25%)

• Lead and coordinate community-driven development initiatives that advance neighborhood well-being, economic opportunity, community ownership, and equitable development, including projects related to MACSA, land banking, housing, commercial redevelopment, and community spaces.
• Coordinate community planning and engagement efforts that identify resident priorities and translate them into actionable projects, investments, and community benefits strategies. Collaborate with residents, partners, and consultants throughout feasibility, design, planning, and implementation processes.
• Coordinate and support the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust Community Benefits Committees, ensuring development efforts remain aligned with resident priorities, organizational strategies, and the Trust’s governance framework.
• Work collaboratively with SOMOS staff, Mayfair Neighborhood Trust partners, legal counsel, financial partners, and resource development staff to advance community development projects and ensure successful implementation.

Partnerships, Coalition Building & Public Representation (10%)

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with community-based organizations, residents, public agencies, educational institutions, businesses, funders, and community leaders to advance shared neighborhood priorities.
• Represent SOMOS Mayfair and the Mayfair Neighborhood Trust in local, regional, and countywide coalitions, advisory committees, community meetings, and public forums, serving as an ambassador for the organization’s mission, vision, and community development priorities.
• Facilitate collaboration among residents, partners, and stakeholders by coordinating partnership meetings, collaborative planning efforts, and joint advocacy initiatives that align community priorities, leverage resources, and strengthen community infrastructure.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships that advance equitable development, policy and systems change, and long-term community benefits for Mayfair residents and the broader East San José community.

Relationship with Director of Programs (10%)

• Maintain regular communication with the Community Organizing Director regarding work plans, project progress, emerging opportunities, and challenges, providing recommendations to support organizational and strategic decision-making.
• Stay informed of emerging best practices in community organizing, community development, popular education, and resident leadership, and apply this learning to strengthen programs, partnerships, and community impact.
• Develop and implement an annual professional development plan to strengthen leadership competencies, technical expertise, and the skills necessary for continued success in the role.

Program Management and Evaluation (10%)

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of community organizing and community development initiatives, ensuring progress toward program goals, outcomes, and organizational priorities.
• Collect, analyze, and utilize community participation, feedback, and performance data to evaluate program effectiveness, measure community impact, and support continuous learning and improvement.
• Collaborate across SOMOS Mayfair to support organizational learning, strategic planning, and evaluation efforts that strengthen programs, partnerships, and community impact.

Supervision & Professional Development (5%)

• Supervise, coach, and develop staff using a strengths-based leadership approach that promotes accountability, continuous learning, and high-quality community-centered work.
• Support staff in program planning, implementation, and professional growth while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing team environment.
• Recruit, retain, and support a diverse team that reflects the communities SOMOS serves, ensuring effective performance management, recognition, and compliance with organizational human resources policies and practices

Administrative (5%)

• Develop and manage annual work plans, budgets, program monitoring systems, and reporting processes that support organizational priorities, accountability, and successful project implementation.
• Participate in organizational planning, agency-wide decision-making, staff meetings, trainings, and internal political education while contributing to the implementation of SOMOS Mayfair’s Strategic Plan and major organizational initiatives.
• Maintain accurate documentation, partnership records, and community engagement data to support organizational learning, compliance, grant reporting, and continuous improvement.

Applications will be accepted until August 22, 2026 , interviews will be held in September. Our preferred start date is in October 2026.

Please apply by submitting a cover letter, resume, and your responses to our supplemental questions, through our online SOMOS Mayfair Job Application, or in person at our HQ location: 1695 Alum Rock Ave, Suite 10 San José, CA.

Benefits include; medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, 401k plan with employer match

English and Spanish Biliteracy Required