Community Connections Manager

Reports To
:
Executive Director
Position Type
:
Full-Time, On-Site & In-Community (Highland Park, IL)
Program Name
:
Commons Resident Community Connections (CRCC) Program
Salary
: $58-$62,400 annually;competitive rate based on experience
Benefits
:
Health Insurance, Paid Vacation, a wonderful work environment.

The Community Connections Manager drives the launch, execution, and ongoing coordination of the

Commons Resident Community Connections (CRCC) program at CCHI Commons in Highland Park. Launching alongside the opening of our new co-op residential community, this critical role bridges the gap for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who face an abrupt loss of structured support after transitioning out of the school system.

The ideal candidate is an innovative, highly relational project manager who will act as a central resource navigator. Rather than acting as a traditional caseworker, this role maps out individualized life goals, builds relationships across an external network of North Shore nonprofit partners, and empowers residents to live fully, safely, and independently within their home town.

Individualized Resource Navigation & Goal Planning

• Individualized Assessments
  :
  Design and conduct personalized intake assessments for all residents moving into CCHI Commons to map out their unique vocational, social, educational, and independence
• Active Goal Tracking
  :
  Formulate, track, and dynamically update individual connection plans, ensuring residents have continuous support throughout their crucial first year of transition into independent community living.
• Logistical Navigation
  :
  Provide direct, hands‑on assistance to residents navigating complex seasonal program enrollments, resource applications, and activity scheduling.

• Transportation Mapping
  :
  Architect, coordinate, and align local transportation options so residents can reliably and independently commute to established work, social events, and community activities.
• Vocational Pipeline Development
  :
  Partner with local employment specialists and vocational programs to facilitate engagement for interested individuals.

• Partner Network Management
  :
  Cultivate and manage robust relationships with a diverse network of external non‑profits, civic groups, and municipal entities to expand program choices for residents.
• Inclusion Facilitation
  :
  Shift the operational focus away from caregiving, steering all community interactions toward asset‑based inclusion and mutual relationship‑building between neurodiverse and neurotypical neighbors.

• Grant Reporting & Metrics
  :
  Manage documentation, track participant progress, and compile outcome metrics required to demonstrate CRCC program impact for funding boards.
• Financial Stewardship
  :
  Maintain, monitor, and manage the localized programming and activity budgets for the CRCC initiative within CCHI Commons.
• Scheduling and Calendar
  :
  Create and manage the programming calendar for residents to follow programming dates, times and availability. Assist with enrollment and facilitating registrations.

• Education
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, Community Development, or a related field (Master’s degree highly preferred).
• Experience
  : 4–6 years of experience directly supporting individuals with IDD or neurodivergent adults, with specific experience in independent living models, community organizing, or resource
• Local Knowledge
  :
  Deep familiarity with North Shore community infrastructure, transit systems, and non‑profit provider networks (Highland Park, Northbrook, Deerfield, etc.) is highly advantageous.
• Grassroots Mindset
  :
  Exceptional interpersonal skills with a natural ability to collaborate transparently with residents, anxious families, volunteer committees, and external organization directors.

Scheduling
:
Full‑time availability with the flexibility to work shifts tailored to when residents need community navigation, including select evening after‑dinner hours and weekend social blocks.