Community Engagement Officer, Equity and Inclusion

Community Engagement Officer, Equity and Inclusion

Posted on July 20, 2022

The mission of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) is to build stronger communities through philanthropy and leadership. We offer donors, nonprofits, and community groups the tools and expertise to achieve their philanthropic vision and goals and identify critical areas where the foundation can leverage its relationships and leadership for lasting impact. Founded in 1987 in Salisbury, Conn., Berkshire Taconic serves Berkshire County, Mass.;
Columbia and northeast Dutchess County, N.Y.; and northwest Litchfield County, Conn. In all, we serve the residents of 70 towns and three cities across three states, within a 2,200-square mile region. In total, the foundation manages more than 550 funds totaling nearly $200 million in combined assets that together make over $10 million in grants and other awards each year.

BTCF is a learning organization that embraces a culture of high performance, transparency, and flexibility. All staff participate in professional development activities on an ongoing basis and work cooperatively as a team, respectful of one another, the volunteer board that guides our work, and the nonprofits and donors who are our vital partners in improving lives around the region. More information can be found at Berkshire Taconic.org.

The community engagement officer will work with BTCF’s President, senior team and board members to launch a new equity initiative in close partnership with leaders of color from Black, Hispanic, Asian, African, and immigrant communities across the region served by the foundation. In support of the initiative’s design, a steering committee of leaders of color has worked with a consultant to identified priority issues within their communities where philanthropic tools such as grants, capacity building and convening can help contribute to change.

This new position will work with the steering committee and its successor committee to develop and implement capacity building and grant programs to address priority issues identified within communities of color. The first priority identified in the planning process is the opportunity for leadership development and network building among established and emerging leaders of color. This position will work in collaboration with leaders of color to develop a program that offers opportunities for leaders across the region to acquire skills, build relationships, and access resources to advance the work they are leading in their communities.