join the team - we are hiring!


 

Date — September 19, 2025

Position — Manager of Community Development 

Reports to — Directly to Executive Director; with project supervision to Sr. Manager of Neighborhood Impact 

MissionCornerstone Corporation (“Cornerstone CDC") seeks to provide an equitable opportunity for quality, affordable housing to those who would not otherwise have it; empowers constituents to grow their capacity to achieve their life goals with dignity; and collaborates with others for community driven development of the West End neighborhood

Organization Overview—Cornerstone CDC is a place-based, pro-Black, Christian Community Development Corporation (nonprofit) who believes stable housing is the first, critical step to poverty alleviation. Dedicated to serving the historic West End/Visitation Park neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri, Cornerstone CDC sees residents as our greatest asset and holds a vision where growth does not mean displacement of the most vulnerable people. Founded in 1976, Cornerstone CDC operated offering intentionally affordable rental housing for our working poor neighbors.  The organization is now stepping into a bold, new vision of “healing” the full neighborhood, in large part, directed and guided by our dynamic neighborhood residents who are leading the implementation of the weCollab West End/Visitation Park Resident-led Neighborhood Reinvestment Plan (“the weCollab Plan”), adopted by the City of St. Louis in June 2023. 

Position Description— Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager of Community Development will primarily steward the engagement activities in the implementation of the weCollab Plan as an administrative resource for the designated West End/Visitation Park residents leading the effort.  In addition, this position will work closely with the Sr. Manager of Neighborhood Impact who provides overall project management for Cornerstone CDC’s administration of the MOU. The Manager of Community Development must be a high-capacity process designer and doer who can provide strategic thinking and thought leadership while operating with urgency, humility, depth, and kindness.  

CORE FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Engagement and Event Support:

Coordinate with volunteers in addition to paid contractors to execute key activities that drive resident engagement with weCollab and inform direction of the weCollab Plan, including, but not limited to: 

  • Communication Liaison: Serve as the central communication bridge between the Implementation Committee, subcommittees, and community members, ensuring that emails, announcements, and requests are relayed promptly and clearly.

  • Event Planning & Logistics: Build schedule of signature (original) designed and managed as weCollab events in addition to supported approved events sponsored by other partners. Coordinate all aspects of community and organizational events, including booking vendors, securing permits (insurance, city, and park approvals), and confirming official sign-offs.

  • Production Oversight: Develop event resources, high-level overviews, and detailed run-of-show documents to ensure smooth execution.

  • Vendor & Partner Management: Build and maintain a resource list of vendors, partners, and collaborators to streamline event preparation and partnerships.

  • Creative & Design Support: Apply artistic and technical skills to design event materials (e.g., flyers, signage, programs) using Canva and other tools, with the ability to adapt designs on-the-spot when needed.

  • Communications & Outreach/Social Media Engagement: Manage communications related to events, including pre-event promotions, participant updates, and post-event follow-up; Capture and curate event content, oversee posting schedules, and maintain a consistent social media presence to highlight events, amplify community voices, and showcase organizational impact.

  • Weekly Digest Management and Documentation: Draft, edit, and circulate a comprehensive weekly digest to ensure all members receive timely updates on community initiatives, upcoming events, and partner communications. Take and distribute accurate meeting minutes; maintain organized records for future reference and accountability.

  • Social Media and Communications: Design and support communication plan that promotes weCollab and the Plan across multiple channels and media (e.g. email, SMS text messaging, phone calls, blogs, podcast, videoconferencing, door-to-door, mailers, yard signs) as well as the design, inventory management, and distribution of collateral engagement materials (e.g. promotional fliers, informational one-pagers, giveaways) in partnership with residents and professional contractors.

Resident Activation and Engagement Support:

Support residents leading the work, the Manager of Community Development will administer the Community Ambassador program and equipping residents with the skills and tools to advance their work in the neighborhood: 

  • Program Development & Training: Design and implement the Ambassador training and onboarding program, including recruitment, interviews, background checks, and contract management (6–12 month terms).

  • Team Scheduling & Management: Utilize ConnectTeams software to create and manage Ambassador schedules, track event assignments, and review monthly time logs for accuracy.

  • Compensation & Compliance: Process payouts by scheduling and writing checks; ensure Ambassadors meet required minimum hours and engagement quotas.

  • Event Coordination: Identify and secure local events and business partnerships for Ambassador participation; oversee neighborhood outreach pop-ups and community engagement activities.

  • Inventory & Materials Oversight: Maintain supply of branded merchandise, vendor tables, giveaway items, and technology (tablets, email accounts, uniforms, cards).

  • Communication & Support: Conduct weekly check-ins and post-event debriefs; maintain ongoing email communication to support clarity and accountability.

  • Professional Development: Organize weekly workshops, training opportunities, and continuous learning sessions to strengthen Ambassador skills.

  • Community Engagement & Data Collection: Develop and administer surveys connected to Implementation Table focus areas; collect and track social media photo content from events.

  • Program Exit & Evaluation: Create and manage offboarding processes, including exit evaluations and return of equipment.

Focused Project Management:

Support the program/project in coordination with the Sr. Manager of Neighborhood Impact: 

  • Agenda Development & Meeting Facilitation: Create and distribute meeting agendas and supporting meeting materials; attend biweekly Implementation Table meetings in person to support effective facilitation and decision-making. Work in coordination with residents to continue to build the learning and teaching capabilities of residents and stakeholders in key domains such as peer engagement, land use, event planning, project management, and fundraising. Formalize and oversee the volunteer management program for weCollab. Provide project management and oversight of weCollab signature events from planning, resourcing, liability coverage, promotion, site management, photography, ordering inventory, handling giveaways, contracting with relevant vendors within designated and approved budget. 

  • Subcommittee Support: Convene and facilitate monthly meetings with the Recruitment & Engagement subcommittee (and others as applicable), for example, support members with a year-long engagement calendar to guide consistent outreach. 

General Operations and Organizational Support:

Support Cornerstone CDC as an anchor in moving the work forward in accordance with our 2024-26 Strategic Roadmap. 

  • Other Duties: Fulfill special projects as assigned by the Executive Director and Board of Directors to support the sustainability of the organization and establish the relevance of the work, especially in accordance with the Cornerstone CDC approved Strategic Roadmap. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS: 

Creative Expression and Narrative Insight:

Brings an imaginative and unconventional perspective, approaching challenges with originality and a spirit of exploration. Holds a deep understanding of story and narrative as powerful tools for connection, healing, and transformation. Skilled in lifting up voices and experiences through artful expression, crafting narratives that inspire collective vision and affirm community wisdom. 

Generative Leadership and Inspirational Presence:

Radiates energy that uplifts and inspires others, bringing a sense of possibility and hope to every interaction. Generative in presence, they draw out the creativity, wisdom, and strengths already within individuals and communities. Creates environments where imagination, storytelling, and artistry are not only welcomed but celebrated as essential to resilience, connection, and meaningful change. Leads by example with warmth, curiosity, and encouragement, helping others see their own potential and the collective power of their contributions.

Facilitation Skills:
Demonstrated ability to lead inclusive, accessible meetings that promote dialogue, collective learning, and shared decision-making. Skilled at holding space for complexity and disagreement, while helping groups move toward clarity and action. Brings discernment to when to slow down for reflection and when to guide the group toward timely decisions. Balances openness to resident voice with structure and direction to keep projects aligned with timelines, deliverables, and shared goals. Experienced in navigating tensions and interpersonal challenges with empathy, transparency, and accountability. Brings a restorative approach to addressing harm and rebuilding trust when needed. Understands the impact of systemic and historical trauma and holds space with cultural humility.

Experience with Resident Organizing:
Proven ability to work alongside residents as partners and leaders in neighborhood planning and implementation. Values and centers resident voices in different phases of work, while supporting the collective to stay focused, organized, and action-oriented. Familiar with the complexity of neighborhood dynamics, informal leadership structures, and political contexts. Builds at the speed of trust and helps residents move from vision to implementation in ways that are both affirming and effective.

Adaptive Leadership and Accountability:
Capable of navigating the tension between flexibility and structure in real-time. Understands how to make space for emergent resident needs and feedback without losing sight of project objectives. Brings tools for setting and revisiting community agreements, shared timelines, and clarity around roles and responsibilities. Able to name when redirection is needed, with compassion and clarity. Be available to regularly work during the evenings and occasional weekends to meet with volunteer resident leaders and stakeholders.

EDUCATION AND A WORD ABOUT EXPERIENCE

A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably with a background in communications, nonprofit management, social work, arts, or another people-centered field. This position requires strong competencies in group facilitation, clear reporting, and project management, with at least 5 years of experience leading complex initiatives. The ideal candidate advances projects with discipline and accountability while bringing imaginative, creative approaches to community engagement, storytelling, and strategy. They are skilled at translating ideas into compelling narratives, visuals, and experiences that inspire collaboration and elevate resident voices. Must be able to work independently while remaining responsive to organizational oversight and community leadership. Comfort with Canva, Asana, ConnectTeams, and other creative and organizational tools is expected.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $52,000 to $60,000, in lieu of company health insurance, employees are offered a competitive stipend towards healthcare and medical benefits. Note: employees seek their own insurance and use the stipend to pay for premiums and/or deductibles. A modest wellness reimbursement benefit is also offered as well as access to resources such as professional (external) leadership coaching and therapy sessions. Salary will be based on experience, qualifications, and record of achievement. 

We currently offer 9 days accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays. While we do not currently offer a 401(k) or employer match, we are open to supporting our employees' long-term financial goals in the following ways:

  • Access to retirement planning resources, including 1:1 financial coaching and group workshops

  • Encouragement and support for Roth IRA or Traditional IRA setup with direct deposit options

  • Ongoing financial wellness education to empower informed decision-making

  • Support documentation for public service loan forgiveness 

APPLICATION PROCESS AND TIMELINE 

Instructions 

Applications will be accepted through Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Please submit the following to jobs.cornerstonestl@gmail.com with the subject line “Manager of Community Development.”

  • Your resume 

  • Personal narrative on your commitment and practice towards racial equity, justice, and healing through the lens of community development. Please reference any experience you have in urban planning (as applicable).

  • Provide a brief portfolio of your top projects. If you do not have one available, please create a brief 1 (or 2 page) summary of at least one meaningful project that you have led, sharing your specific title, major singular contributions (you did, not the team), references (if feasible), and any supporting visuals or website links. It does not have to be complicated.

Timeline

  • Sept 23 - Oct 7:  Open call for resumes and applications

  • Oct 8 - Oct 10:  Blind review of resumes and statements by Cornerstone CDC and weCollab 

  • Oct 13 - Oct 22: Two rounds of interviews from designated selection committee 

  • Nov 10: Targeted start date

Cornerstone Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees committed to our mission and vision will be considered on an equal basis regardless of an individual’s race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, projected Veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Our team culture

Who We Are as a Team

We are an accepting, accommodating, and laid-back team — and ironically, we are also extremely hard working. That’s the tension we live in, and we like it that way. Our environment is best for folks who thrive in a high-trust culture where integrity is the foundation and autonomy is respected.

Our Culture

We are largely casual in tone, but serious about our mission and execution. Integrity and ownership are non-negotiable; they are the foundation of the high trust we enjoy internally and the trust we seek to build externally. Our leader is a fun-loving, non-micromanaging, Type B presence — relaxed but very specific about work outcomes — which means team members must be self-directed, proactive communicators who are quick to flag roadblocks and generous with feedback loops.

We are the kind of team that celebrates wins together, laughs hard, eats well, and sometimes cries with one another — not because the work is easy or exacting, but because we care deeply. We are people of faith — each of us on our own journey. Some are exploring, others are deeply rooted. 

We talk about faith freely and respectfully. Our lens is Christian Community Development, and we take inspiration from the CCD philosophy and take our own Operating Principles seriously. We are a learning culture that values being “quick to admit faults” and constantly striving “to get it right.” 

Our leadership model centers self-leadership and wellness. We believe that if we’re doing healing-centered work, we as practitioners must first be whole. That shows up in how we lead, how we reflect, and how we care for each other.

We are highly independent. We have weekly project meetings and an open-door policy, but only meet as a full team once a month for First Fridays — a three-hour team session where we share wins (both personal and professional), set goals, and cross-train. 

As for work management, if it’s not on the Google calendar, it doesn’t exist. And Asana? It’s more than a tool — it’s a beloved but cruel dictator of our work lives.

We have a culture of kindness, mutual respect, and zero gossip. We are honest with each other but not mean, because we do believe that “keeping it real” can go wrong. We lead with empathy, hold confidentiality sacred, and expect everyone to contribute — whether that’s delivering a major presentation or taking out the trash.

We laugh a lot. We are a playful bunch. But that is only balanced against how seriously we take the work. We are “softies at heart,” and we love our neighborhood and residents fiercely. Many of us take the work personally — because we see it as tied to our calling. We are self-aware. We try hard. We eat together. We smile a lot. Many of us have grown close — though that’s not expected. We’re also a team of many introverts. We respect each other’s space.

And when it matters, we show up. We support each other’s work, callings, and wellness. We help. We pitch in. We are a high-trust team, because we aim to be trustworthy people — both in our internal culture and in our public witness. We are not perfectionists. We are intentional. We are imperfect, but we are earnest. 

What We’re Looking For

We're not for everyone so we are best suited for those who are:

  • Grounded in their own journey of personal growth, and able to receive feedback with humility and curiosity.

  • Comfortable in a culture that blends faith expressions with deep respect for individual spiritual paths.

  • Self-aware and emotionally intelligent. If you’re still building the muscle of self-reflection or often find yourself feeling singled out without asking, “What might I need to own here?” — this team may feel uncomfortable.  

  • Committed to practicing accountability, both individually and as a team.

  • Drawn to work that’s healing-centered and willing to start that healing with themselves.

  • Obviously kind 

  • Hardworking, not hardly working 

If you’re looking for a team that works hard, laughs often, leads with grace, and walks in purpose —we would be honored to have you.