Shafer Leadership Academy Seeks Community Engagement and Inclusion Director

Our goal is to create connections in marginalized communities, so we better connect underserved populations to our programs, along with crucial community leadership opportunities.Our goal is to create connections in marginalized communities, so we better connect underserved populations to our programs, along with crucial community leadership opportunities.

By Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director—

MUNCIE, Ind.—Shafer Leadership Academy is looking to help the Muncie community diversify its nonprofit boards, candidates for local office, and neighborhood associations. “This summer we surveyed community members across East Central Indiana,” explained SLA Executive Director Mitch Isaacs, “and the response is clear – these are the areas of community needs”

Shafer Leadership Academy’s mission is to provide inclusive leadership development so that individuals, organizations, and communities can reach their full potential.  “Our community will never reach its full potential,” Isaacs offered “until our leadership reflects our diversity.”

To fill this critical gap, Shafer Leadership Academy is seeking a Community Engagement and Inclusion Director to build relationships with underserved communities across East Central Indiana, with a specific focus on growing its network within Delaware County. The Community Engagement and Inclusion Director will serve as a brand ambassador, working to connect underrepresented populations with the inclusive leadership development opportunities provided by Shafer Leadership Academy.

“We are looking for someone to help us build meaningful relationships,” said Isaacs. “Our goal is to create connections in marginalized communities, so we better connect underserved populations to our programs, along with crucial community leadership opportunities.”

“Ideally, we’re looking for someone who already has established relationships with underrepresented communities / groups across Delaware County. More broadly, we need someone who has a strong grasp on inclusion best practices and can build relationships with various underrepresented populations. Most importantly, we’re seeking candidates who can build trusting, meaningful relationships, on behalf of Shafer Leadership Academy.” said Isaacs, who has served as the organization’s Executive Director since 2015.

This is SLA’s third new hire in as many years, Isaacs said. “Shafer Leadership Academy is a growing organization. Two years ago, we added Jeff Robinson as our Development Director. Last year we added Eilis Wasserman as our Virtual Programs Manager. Our organization has grown through the pandemic by staying nimble and focusing on what the community needs. This position is continuing that focus.”

Shafer Leadership Academy prides itself on providing excellent employee culture. Tisha Gierhart, Program Director and single longest tenured employee explains: “I am proud to work with an organization that demonstrates the work that we do. We are an innovative team, and each of us brings a unique perspective. Teamwork is the heart of Shafer Leadership Academy, and we build relationships through listening, understanding and communication. Our focus is to add value to people so that communities thrive and are led by good leaders.” Jeff Robinson, Development Director offers, “I’m grateful to work for an organization which always strives to meet its mission by intentionally seeking new opportunities to ensure we’re helping to develop stronger leaders in every corner of our community. This is important work, and I’m excited to be a part of it and thrilled to welcome a new member to our team.” Eilis Wasserman, Virtual Programs Manager, and newest addition to the team, believes SLA is a great place to work. “Trust is the foundation of our team- we live out our values, share our gratitude, and empower each other to succeed. We have a flexible, adaptable, and innovative culture where you can contribute the best of yourself to the organization.”

Shafer Leadership Academy is reviewing applicants on a rolling basis with a goal to conduct in-person interviews in December, with the position launching in January.

Interested applicants can apply at https://www.shaferleadership.com/community-engagement-and-inclusion-director/.

Questions? Email Mitch Isaacs, Executive Director for Shafer Leadership Academy or call the office at 765-748-0403. Connect with SLA on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

Shafer Leadership Academy is a Muncie nonprofit that provides people of all ages, backgrounds and interests access to the tools necessary to develop and enhance their leadership skills. Go to www.shaferleadership.com for a full overview of its programs, scholarships, and impact on the community.