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The Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition is Celebrating 10 years of service to the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay communities.

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Executive Director POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

by Tom Klinedinst on 07/27/10

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT AND DESCRIPTION

July 2010

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition, a nonprofit community development corporation, (Coalition) seeks an Executive Director with a strong desire to help communities thrive in the City.  The Coalition was formed 10 years ago by community leaders to revitalize the neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay.  These neighborhoods are the two southernmost communities of Baltimore City and are separated from the rest of the City by the Patapsco River.  They are adjacent to the Fairfield and Curtis Bay Industrial areas.  These areas reached their peak during World War II, when major war industries including the building of the Liberty Ships took place on the peninsula.  In the late 1980's and 90's the neighborhoods underwent major shifts as jobs left the area and the commercial businesses followed.  In the past decade, the Coalition has worked with Baltimore city and other partners to develop and implement a Strategic Neighborhood Action Plan (SNAP), which has included promoting the assets of the community in particular the open green spaces, water views, wide variety of housing and a location convenient to all major interstates and the Inner Harbor.

 

Specifically the Coalition was formed to revitalize the communities of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay through promotion of homeownership for low to moderate income families, to encourage planning and/or implementation of general economic development within the community; to work with local employers to hire residents, and to bring new resources and partners into the community. The Coalition manages the Healthy Neighborhood Program, the Main Street program, the Masonville Cove Outreach program and an historic building known as the Polish Home Hall. As a partner in the Masonville Cove Urban Nature Center, the Coalition is committed to raising operating funds for the park.  Other initiatives underway are working with the Friends of Farring Baybrook Park and seeking “green opportunities”.  The goal of the organization is to work with the leadership and residents of the communities as well as with partners to create sustainable neighborhoods where one can live, work, play and learn.

Executive Director Responsibilities: The Coalition seeks an executive director to lead the organization to fulfill its mission and current programs.  The Executive Director plays a key role in the Coalition.  She/he oversees the organization’s budget and fundraising efforts, and initiates and convenes partnerships to advocate and ensure the communities get what they need.  She/he provides for the overall success of the Coalition.

 

Summary of Responsibilities:  The Executive Director will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Coalition including administration of the organization, management of personnel and programs (currently 2 full and 2 part-time employees), budget management, fundraising, and public relations.  The Executive Director will also serve as the primary program person for the Masonville Cove Urban Nature Center.  The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors. Responsibilities:

 

Resource development and fundraising

 

1.            Work with the Board Budget and Finance Committee and other Board members to set and execute an effective annual fundraising plan that will raise funds from a diverse funding base.

 

2.            Build and maintain partnerships that enable effective resource development and fundraising.

 

3.            Develop a capital plan to support the Masonville Cove Urban Nature Center.

 

 

Public Relations

1.            Build and maintain critical relationships with city officials, stakeholders, elected and government employees, the media, funders, and other strategic partners of the organization.

 

2.            Communicate with government agency leaders, funders, stakeholders, and the public regarding program needs.

 

3.            Develop and maintain public relations and communications strategy that includes community outreach and education that promote the assets of the neighborhoods.  Oversee communications with various media.

Administration of organization

1.            Work with the Board of Directors to ensure that the mission of the organization is fulfilled.

2.            Assist the Board with the recruitment of new Board members

3.            Work with the Board of Directors and Board Committees to oversee implementation of policies of the organization and monitor compliance with grant requirements, submission of annual budget, quarterly reporting, meeting notices, and others.

4.            Convene partners, funders, residents and other stakeholders to ensure the Coalition has the resources and assistance needed to fulfill its mandate and mission.

5.            Develop annual budget and track expenses accordingly in cooperation with the Treasurer and the Budget and Finance Committee of the Board.

6.            Maintain and improve, where needed, the oversight of insurance policies, bill payment, spending, and cash flow.

7.            Work with accountant to implement annual independent audit.

Management of Personnel and Program Operations

1.            Manage and supervise program managers and ensure management of all staff is effective.

2.            Set high performance standards, expectations, and goals for each program and work with staff to meet those goals and standards.

3.            Make decisions on hiring and removal of program managers, work with program managers to hire their respective staff.

4.            Work with the Personnel Committee and others to ensure that personnel policies are up to date, complied with, and effective.

Qualifications:           

 Candidates must have a minimum of five years work experience in organizational management, including public relations, budgetary oversight, employee supervision, and contract management.  Candidates must have a strong background in personnel and program management as well as excellent communications, negotiations, and writing skills; organizational and systems capacity; problem solving and resource development ability.  A background in environmental/green/sustainable projects is a plus.  Candidates must also be able to work flexible hours and be comfortable communicating and working with a range of people including residents, business owners, politicians, government employees, funders, and the media.  Bachelors / Masters Degree preferred.  Preference is given to residents of Baltimore City or those willing to move to Baltimore City within a year’s time of commencing employment.

 

Benefits:  This is a salaried position with full health benefits.  Starting salary is $50,000 + bonus to be negotiated.

 

The Coalition is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to identifying and recruiting a broad and diverse pool of qualified candidates for this position.  We encourage applications from all persons, and will take each application into consideration without regard to race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, nationality, marital status, age, physical or mental handicap, citizenship status or disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

 

 

Interested candidates should address questions and send a cover letter and resume by August 15, 2010 to:

 Coalition Executive Search

bcbc-exdir@comcast.net

 The anticipated starting date is mid to late September.

 

Town Meeting Saturday June12

by Tom Klinedinst on 06/09/10

In 2003, we began planning for the Masonville Cove, an urban nature centeron the Patapsco River that will allow waterfront access for the first time in over 60 years.  Today our community education center is completed, but work is still being completed on the trails and fishing dock.

Come Learn About

  • The History of the neighborhood of Masnoville and the Cove
  • Living Classrooms activities with our school children
  • Volunteering to create wetlands with the aquarium
  • Opportunities for jobs

Voice your opinions on the future of the Cove and of Brooklyn and Curtis Bay

On June 12, 2010, we will have a "Town Meeting" at the benjamin Franklin High School at Masonville Cove from 10am - 12pm.  There will be light refreshments offered as we discuss the progress of the Masonville Cove site.  We will highlight the research project in the Masonville Cove Watershed, community programming for the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center, a timeline presentation along with other topics regarding the Masonville Cove site.  This will be an informational meeting for the community as well as a discussion forum and a time to ask questions.

Immediately following the meeting we will head over to the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center for green building tours and more refreshments.

Representatives from the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition, the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Maryland Port Alliance will be there to answer any questions.  Come and learn about the grand opening of the park and how you can participate. 

Come out and stay informed!

Saturday June 12th, 10am - 12pm ~ Ben Franklin HS @ Masonville Cove - through cafeteria on West Bay Ave. ~ Refreshements served ~ Cove tours following meeting

The Bull Roast is Upon Us!

by Tom Klinedinst on 05/19/10

Only three days away now and this proves to be the most exciting Bull Roast to date. 

We are so happy to have received donations and support from so many people this year.  Local businesses and individual donors have already made this a successful event and it can only get better with your support.  We expect close to 100 people to fill the Historic Polish Home Hall this Saturday and that's not even close to the limit.  We need your help to make this the most well attended event at the Hall since the renovations,  you can still purchase tickets online or through our office but hurry because we are filling up fast.

The food prepared by Beefalo Bob's never misses.  All you can eat is the standard but make sure you pace yourself because the variety of food will overwhelm you if you are not careful.  Obviously the highlight will be the juicy pit beef slowly cooked to perfection by the master grillers at Beefalo Bob's.  Tender cuts of meat are laid out on the massive smoker and freshly sliced right before your eyes.  You pick whatever temperature you like and head over to the wide array of fixins to personalize your feast.  In addition to the pit beef there will be pit turkey and ham on the menu along with Beefalo Bobs signature shredded BBQ.  The sides available are pasta and garden salads, mac & cheese, green beans and fresh fruit.  A cookout wouldn't be complete without tasty burgers and dogs thrown into the mix and of course soft drinks and water to quench your thirst.  We have options for everyone, all shapes and sizes but if you have a special request we are always accommodating.

If that weren't enough we have locked in one of Baltimore's best party bands, The TKO Band.  If you've heard it they play it and once they do you will no doubt start to move.  They serve up the perfect blend of rock, country, polka, and big band.  The TKO Band will take the stage shortly after the event kicks off and won't stop till we turn off the lights.  If you have never been to the Hall you will be amazed at the awesome music venue that takes up the second floor.  It boasts room for more than 100 people to boogie on the original hardwood dance floor that sits in front of the stunning grand stage.  The vaulted tin ceilings have been completely restored and make for some of the best acoustics you've ever heard. 

With your ticket you will be entitled to complimentary beer and wine to get you started.  Don't worry if you run out of drink tickets though, a small donation is all it takes to keep the libations flowing.  Hand crafted brews from Baltimore's own Clipper City will be available as well as a choice light domestic to wet your whistle.  Wine on hand is handpicked by our resident expert and executive director Carol Eshelman so you know it will be pleasing to the palate.  The Polish Home Hall has a spectacular bar and it would certainly be a shame to avoid it so come early and come often.  Just toss your keys over and we'll get you home safe if the lure of the bar grabs hold too tight.  

This is a chance to raise funds for one of Brooklyn and Curtis Bays most prominent landmarks.  The price of admission is just the start.  Throughout the evening you will be given the opportunity to enter to win some awesome raffle prizes including gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses along with carefully crafted baskets that will certainly catch your eye.  The chance to host your very own event at the Hall is one of the most popular prizes but even if you don't win your dreams of having your very own celebration at the Hall won't be crushed.  The Hall is available to rent throughout the year and this event will be a great opportunity to reserve one of those prime weekends other venues already have reserved or are charging an outrageous amount for.

All of the funds received during this event will help the Brooklyn and Curtis Bay Coalition get one step closer to completely renovating the surrounding area.  Fencing, landscaping, parking and handicap access to the second floor are just a few of the next upgrades this Historic Landmark will see in the future.

Please, invite your friends and neighbors to help revitalize the Hall not only with tangible renovations but with the spirit of community that this building represents.

CHEERS!

 

The Brooklyn O'Malley Recreation Center Mural

by Tom Klinedinst on 04/29/10

The Concerned Citizens for a Better Brooklyn  along with Americorps are embarking on a project designed to transform the Brooklyn O'Malley Recreation Center into a symbol of pride and beauty for the community.

With your help the Rec Center will have a stunning mural encompassing the entire front of the building.  Including depictions of native sea and wild life.  This mural will undoubtedly be a landmark for years to come. 

They are looking for volunteers of all skill levels to help paint the mural and will be offering free refreshments to those volunteering. 

The project will begin on Sunday May 2nd and continue every Sunday in May at Garret Park on the corner of E. Patapsco Ave. and 3rd St.

For more information or to get involved please contact Rachel Morales at rmorales@habitatchesapeake.org or 973-865-0375.

www.betterbrooklyn.org

www.americorps.gov

 

Main Street Market to Rock!

by Tom Klinedinst on 04/12/10

Main Street Market & Music - April 24th noon till 6pm

Brooklyn's Park & Ride lot 3300 S. Hanover St.

This year, one of Baltimore's most eclectic markets returns and has added live music featuring wildly popular local bands Will Hill and Pasadena throughout the day.  Brooklyn's Main Street is home to many different types of industry.  Whether it's retail, restaurant, service, non-profit or anything in-between this market is an opportunity to showcase local and environmentally friendly organizations throughout the region. 

The Main Street Market is an Earth Week celebration and remains dedicated to encouraging everyone involved to recognize this time of year and take small steps towards making our area a little cleaner and greener.   Throughout the event several different exhibitors will be on hand to provide information on things like energy efficiency, greening your home, recycling and much more.  Baybrook will be selling pansies and assorted flowers to help raise money for several different environmental initiatives organized through Baybrook.  Also there will be activities organized with the Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center which is located just minutes away and is a great place for children and families to learn more about the environment while seeing a great example of environmental stewardship right here in Brooklyn.

This year's addition of live music is part of Brooklyn Main Street's commitment to local arts.   Arts are a great way to celebrate Earth Week.  Along with live music from local musicians the Market also features artist in all different forms including performance, paintings, fashion, tattoos and graphic design.

This event is free and for all ages.  If you are looking for information on just about anything this is a great place to find it.  Many local non-profits will use this opportunity to inform the public about different initiatives and programs they offer to help people and the environment in countless ways.  Local youth groups will be on hand to showcase some of the projects they have been working on and how to get involved.  Also several home service companies will be on hand to inform the public on things like energy efficiency, financial stability and more.

Earth Week is the perfect time to welcome spring and remember all of the great opportunities to appreciate the planet.  Make sure to check the event website for updates at www.togetherbrooklyn.org or look for Brooklyn Main Street on facebook for more information or to be a part of the event. 

Hope to see you there!